Managing Director of Pantaenius UK John McCurdy, OBE said he was proud to announce the opening of the nominations for the YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year and the YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year Awards 2010 for the second year running.
The opening was announced on the Pantaenius Stand at the PSP Southampton Boat Show. On display was the YOTY trophy, a silver navigation buoy mounted on a sea of crystal, which was commissioned by the late Sir Max Aitken.
Current title holders are Samantha Davies for the YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year Award and Phil Sparks and Ben Gratton joint winners of the YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year Award.
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 and for the past 13 years has been won by a Royal Southampton member.
Nomination forms are available on the Pantaenius stand throughout the boat show and can also be downloaded from the Pantaenius and YJA websites. Nominations will close on November 10, 2010.
• The YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year Award is open to any British resident or passport holder who has made an outstanding achievement under sail or power during 2010. YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year awards British youngsters aged 18 and under (as at December 31, 2010), in possession of a British passport (or immediately eligible to receive a British passport), who have made a significant impact on youth sailing.
• The winners of both awards are nominated by the public and elected by the votes of the Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA).
• Nominations will be elected by the YJA and winners of both awards will be announced during the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show in January 2011.
• Pantaenius is one of the leading yacht insurance intermediaries in Europe with over a hundred years of experience in this specialised market.
