The annual awards for Britain’s top yachtsman and best young sailor of the year will have a new sponsor when they are awarded at a gala event on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Trinity House, London. Stepping up as title sponsor of the long-standing awards is none other than boats.com. The global online resource for boating enthusiasts issued a press release today announcing its three-year agreement that the Yachting Journalists’ Association chairman, Bob Fisher, described as, "a perfect fit."

YJA-Yachtsman-of-the-Year-trophies

The Yachtsman of the Year award (left) was established by Sir Max Aitken in 1955 and first presented to Eric Hiscock; the Young Sailor Award was first presented in 1993 to Storm Nuttall and Sally Cuthbert. Two sailors have won both awards: Ellen MacArthur and Ben Ainslie. Photos courtesy Barry Pickthall PPL



“As a long-time competitive sailor, I felt strongly about being involved in a framework that rewards the most deserving yachtsmen,” said Ian Atkins, boats.com’s president.

The Yachtsman of the Year Award dates back to 1955 when it was established by Sir Max Aitken, a Battle of Britain pilot, leading yachtsman, and chairman of Express Newspapers.

For more, read the full press release.

boats.com will sponsor the YJA awards for three years.

Yachting Journalists' Association secretary June Hamilton (centre) with Ian Atkins and Katie Jackson, boats.com president and brand manager.



 

Written by: John Burnham
John Burnham is a boat owner, leadership coach, marine writer, editor, and champion sailboat racer. He is the former editor of Sailing World, Cruising World, and boats.com.