Yachting Journalists' Association Announces 2024 Award Winners

by Yachting Journalists' Association 25 Feb 05:25 NZDT

The Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) proudly announced the winners of the 2024 YJA Yachtsman of the Year, Young Sailor of the Year, and Team of the Year awards at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, where the awards were presented on the Sunsail Main Stage.

These prestigious accolades celebrate the finest achievements in British sailing over the past year.

YJA Chair Katy Stickland addressed a packed audience at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show to pay tribute to YJA stalwart, Chris English, who died recently. Chris played a pivotal role in the association since joining 40 years ago. He was chairman, secretary and honorary president, and created the Young Sailor of the Year Award in 1993 to encourage and recognise young talent in the sport and shine a light on possible future stars.

In recognition of the performance of Sir Ben Ainslie's British Challenger Team for the 37th America's Cup, the YJA chose to present a special award for Team of the Year. Dylan Fletcher, helm of Britannia, received the award on behalf of the British Challenger Team for becoming the first British team since 1964 to race in the final for the America's Cup.

A true inspiration in youth sailing, Jessye Opoku-Ware was awarded the 2024 YJA Young Sailor of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Scaramouche Sailing Trust and Greig City Academy Sailing Programme.

Jessye was the 2024 Cowes Week Youth Trophy joint winner and has played a pivotal role in coaching younger sailors, encouraging diversity in sailing, and facilitating opportunities for young sailors—especially through the establishment of a girls' team at the RSYC doublehanded event. His dedication to introducing sailing to schools and clubs has made a significant impact on youth participation in the sport.

On receiving his award, Jessye said: "I feel ecstatic; it's something I've always wanted to win. I want to thank everyone who has been part of the journey; there are a lot of people who have helped all of us make this happen. I just want to give back to the Scaramouche Sailing Trust and Greig City Academy Sailing Programme - that was my whole plan with coaching, and I am grateful to be rewarded for it. I'm just here to have fun, sailing is so enjoyable."

The 2024 YJA Yachtsman of the Year was awarded to Ian Williams, one of Britain's most accomplished racing sailors.

Williams has made history in the world of match racing, securing an unprecedented eight World Match Racing Tour titles. His influence extends beyond racing, as he played a key coaching and rules advisory role with the INEOS Britannia team for the 37th America's Cup, further cementing his status as one of the sport's most respected figures.

In a video message from South Africa, Williams said: "It's an incredible honour to add my name to such an illustrious list and also shine a bit of a light on my corner of the sport.

"Firstly, I would like to thank the YJA and everybody who voted for me. Secondly, my family for their incredible support over many, many years; it's not easy. Thirdly, the sponsors who have allowed me to compete over the years, and especially, of course, Andrew Pindar, who was with me for my first back in 2007, and also the last and many in between. And then finally, my crew. Match racing really is a team sport, and it's been such a privilege to sail with Richard Sydenham, Gerry Mitchell and Jon Gundersen this year," said Williams.

Katy Stickland, Chair of the YJA, praised the winners: "The YJA Awards celebrate the very best in sailing, and the nominees and winners showcase a remarkable 2024 for British sailing. This year is the YJA's 70th year; it is also 70 years since we awarded the first Yachtsman of the Year Award to one Eric Hiscock for his round the world voyage with his wife, Susan on their famous yacht, Wanderer."

"Given the incredible achievements, each YJA Young Sailor of the Year nominee received a certificate. These sailors were nominated by the public before YJA members voted for the winners. If you see a rising talented sailor in your club, do not forget to nominate them for next year. We are proud to honour them all."

The YJA awards have long been regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in British sailing. Previous winners include some of the UK's greatest sailors, from Olympians to record-breaking offshore racers.

The YJA thanks its members, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Henri-Lloyd and sMRT and all those who contributed to making the 2024 awards a success.