Time to choose our best sailors and power boaters

Nominations have opened for the 2012 YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year Awards, and suggestions can range from a well known figure in the yachting or power boating world to a commendable member of your local boating club.

Both awards were launched at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on the Pantaenius UK stand.

Managing Director of Pantaenius UK John McCurdy OBE said he was proud to announce the opening of the nominations for the awards for the fourth year running. YJA (Yachting Journalists’ Association) Chairman, Bob Fisher thanked Pantaenius for their support and remarked that it had been a particularly active year for sailing and both agreed the YJA Committee and members faced a difficult task in voting for the eventual winners.

Among those present were the 2010 YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year Geoff Holt MBE, as well as 2011 Young Sailors of the Year, Annabel Vose and Megan Brickwood.

Nominations can range from a well known figure in the yachting or power boating world to a commendable member of your local boating club. Past winners for both awards have broken world records, won gold medals, shown exceptional bravery and courage and even overcome adversities.

The YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year and YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year awards recognise sporting excellence and the tremendous achievements and bravery by the very best in British sail and power. Sportsmen and women who have made a significant impact in their chosen field and who have helped position Great Britain to be a formidable sailing nation. The Yachtsman of the Year trophy carries the names of many of the greatest achievers in British yachting and power boating.

Nomination forms are available on the Pantaenius stand throughout the Boat Show and can also be downloaded from the Pantaenius and YJA websites www.pantaenius.co.uk and www.yja.co.uk.

Nominations will close on 31 October, 2012.

Photo: L-R, Yachting journalist and YJA Chairman Bob Fisher, John McCurdy, Annabel Vose, Megan Brickwood, quadriplegic sailor Geoff Holt MBE.