At Watermen’s Hall in London on 25 November 2025, the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) presented the Young Journalist of the Year Award to Lydia Mullan, recognising work that has influenced safety discussions across transatlantic racing events including Transpac এবং Marblehead–Halifax race.
Winner profile: experience at the helm
Lydia Mullan is Editor-in-Chief of SAIL magazine, having spent eight years with the American title before taking the lead editorial role earlier in 2025. Her judging portfolio highlighted multiple operational roles in the sport: race commentator for the 2025 Transpac and 2025 Marblehead–Halifax, a 2024 Magenta Project graduate, and media manager for Cole Brauer’s widely shared circumnavigation campaign.
Entry that moved the community
Mullan’s submission, titled A Eulogy for Alliance, gave a first-person account of the loss of the J/122 Alliance during the Newport–Bermuda Race following a collision with an unidentified object and the subsequent rescue by the crew of the J/121 Ceilidh. The piece combined event chronology with candid reflections on the emotional and mental impact of a major incident at sea, prompting renewed conversation in American racing circles about emergency preparedness and safety protocols.
Shortlist and recognition
The 2025 shortlist displayed a range of storytelling techniques across print, video and digital formats; all shortlisted entrants will receive a year’s subscription to the YJA.
| Nominee | Submitted Work | ফোকাস |
|---|---|---|
| Annie Means | Portfolio | Sustainability, heritage craft, Maritime Mosaics newsletter |
| Loreto Rodriguez | Videos & photos | Participation projects like Scaramouche Sailing Trust; outreach to girls |
| Freya Terry | Blog: She Sails | Solo female sailing challenges |
| জ্যাজ টার্নার | Blog & article for Practical Boat Owner | First disabled solo non-stop circumnavigation of UK & Ireland |
Highlights from the shortlist
- Annie Means explored sustainable practices and traditional boatbuilding through essays and her Substack, Maritime Mosaics.
- Loreto Rodriguez used visual storytelling to raise participation among girls via the Scaramouche Sailing Trust.
- Freya Terry documented the realities of solo female voyaging on her blog, exposing cultural and practical barriers.
- জ্যাজ টার্নার chronicled a pioneering circumnavigation that expanded conversations about accessibility in sailing.
Mentoring scheme: practical support for rising talent
Coinciding with the awards, the YJA launched a volunteer-led mentoring programme designed to pass on skills in print, digital and social media journalism, PR and marketing, videography, and photography. The initiative pairs experienced members of the yachting press with early-career writers and content creators to protect editorial authenticity while building future capacity in the sector.
Industry backing and sponsors
The evening was supported by Future, publisher of Practical Boat Owner, Yachting World, Yachting Monthly and Motor Boat and Yachting, alongside the sailing and outdoor clothing brand Henri-Lloyd. The combination of editorial and commercial support underlines the industry’s interest in encouraging quality coverage that benefits safety, participation and sailing tourism alike.
The YJA mentoring programme aims to create clear pathways, from foundational reporting to leadership roles in marine media. Mentors can advise on storytelling that informs recreational sailors, race organisers and coastal tourism operators—helping ensure that rescue lessons and safety recommendations translate into safer, more confident trips for holidaymakers and race crews.
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At a glance, the 2025 award cycle combined hard reporting, personal narrative and outreach initiatives that strengthen the broader yachting ecosystem. Coverage like Mullan’s can influence safety protocols on major routes, shape public interest in sailing tourism and spur providers to design better shore-side briefings and coastal excursions. Yet even the best reviews and the most honest feedback cannot replace firsthand experience; only by joining a trip or excursion do you truly understand the sea, the crew dynamics and the environment. On GetExperience, you book your experience from verified providers at reasonable prices, accessing convenient and affordable choices for tours and events while selecting additional options tailored to your preferences. Book now গেটএক্সপেরিয়েন্স.কম
In summary, Lydia Mullan’s recognition as YJA Young Journalist of the Year 2025 reinforces the value of empathetic, investigative yachting journalism and the role of mentorship in sustaining it. The shortlist showcased diversity in format and mission—from sustainability and heritage coverage to accessibility and gender issues—each contributing to safer, richer sailing communities. For travellers and enthusiasts, this journalism supports better travel experiences, adventure activities and informed choices about yacht parties, cruise packages and eco-friendly wildlife safaris. It also spotlights offerings such as museum tours with live guides, interactive online cultural workshops and exclusive yacht charters for events, while echoing emerging markets like online virtual tours, esports lessons and professional esports training programs that expand the idea of travel and leisure. The awards and mentoring together help shape a future where informed reporting enhances both safety and the quality of adventure, luxury and eco-conscious tourism options on and off the water.
লিডিয়া মুলান YJA ইয়াং জার্নালিস্ট অফ দ্য ইয়ার ২০২৫ মুকুট পেলেন">