יאכ"א מכריז על המועמדים הסופיים לתואר יאכטסמן השנה ומלח השנה הצעיר לשנת 2025

Voting for the Yachting Journalists’ Association awards closes at 23:59 on 9 February 2026, and the presentation will take place at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show in Farnborough on 21 February 2026. Attendees should note event timings and venue access: the show is staged within a major exhibition centre with standard coach drop-off, limited on-site parking, and nearest rail connections via Farnborough (Main) and Farnborough (North) stations—planning transport in advance will avoid delays for those arriving from sailing clubs or coastal towns.

Shortlist at a glance

The Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) has narrowed a broad field of nominations to three finalists in each category for the 2025 awards. The shortlist spans offshore and inshore achievement, championship results, and notable seamanship. The judging ballot is restricted to YJA members only.

Nominees: Yachtsman of the Year

• Tom Gillard & Rachael Gray – Merlin Rocket Salcombe Week winners; national champions in the Lark, Scorpion and Merlin Rocket classes. Tom also won the Streaker while Rachael placed 7th overall and was First Lady.
• סם גודצ'יילד – secured the IMOCA Globe Series title for the second time in 2025.
• Jazz Turner – recorded the first solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK & Ireland by a disabled sailor.

Nominees: Young Sailor of the Year

• Hari Clark – Tera Sport World Champion in the same year he moved into the class; previously a Topper 4.2 national and world champion, with just three years racing experience.
• Ben Pascoe – youngest-ever helm to win the 2000 Class Nationals at age 9, helming for his father.
• Sabine Potter & Merle Nieuwland ו Lila Edwards & Amelie Hiscocks – all four clinched gold for Great Britain at the Youth Worlds in 420 and 29er classes respectively.

Event logistics and what visitors should expect

For journalists, club representatives and sailing fans planning to attend, note the following practical points: exhibitor halls open early and sessions run to a tight schedule, so allow at least 60–90 minutes for security and registration lines. If bringing sails or equipment to display, check the venue’s exhibitor handling rules and lead times—large items often require pre-booked loading bays. For overseas visitors, Farnborough’s proximity to London Heathrow and the motorway network makes it a sensible base for combining the show with coastal sailing stops or inland tourism.

Accessibility and on-site services

The show will provide accessible entrances, designated seating for presentations, and luggage storage; refreshment stands follow typical exhibition opening hours. Media personnel should register in advance for press packs and confirm audiovisual needs for any scheduled interviews or panels.

How the awards matter for sailing tourism

Awards that celebrate class champions and seamanship contribute directly to sailing tourism by spotlighting regattas, local sailing venues and flagship events that attract visitors. When champions such as Tom Gillard, Rachael Gray or Sam Goodchild receive public recognition, their home clubs and event locations often see increased interest from visitors seeking to combine racing weekends with regional sightseeing or coastal breaks.

Opportunities for visitors and club tourism

• Spectator travel to national championships can be combined with סיורים במוזיאון עם מדריכים חיים in nearby towns or coastal wildlife outings.
• Clubs can offer short-course experiences, sailing taster sessions and family-friendly activities that extend the appeal beyond race days.
• Local hospitality sees a boost from visiting crews and supporters, so booking accommodations early is advisable.

The shortlist highlights exceptional achievements; however, nothing replaces direct participation or first-hand observation. On GetExperience, you book your experience from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments, and the platform supports תשלומים מאובטחים אונליין עם אישור שובר and allows requests for tailored tours or excursions so providers can deliver the best match to your preferences. GetExperience also lists local tour options that pair well with show attendance, from short coastal trips to museum visits in the Farnborough area — great for visitors looking to extend a sailing-themed weekend. Book now GetExperience.com

In short, the YJA 2025 shortlists place a spotlight on top-level sailing achievement from national class wins to remarkable solo voyages. Key logistics include the voting deadline (9 Feb 2026), the awards date (21 Feb 2026) at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show in Farnborough, and practical transport and exhibitor arrangements. Whether you’re drawn by championship racing, adventure activities or cultural side-trips, these awards feed into broader travel experiences—encouraging everything from yacht parties and cruise packages to eco-friendly wildlife safaris and interactive online cultural workshops. For those seeking hands-on fun, options range from museum tours with live guides and adventure rafting trips for beginners to exclusive yacht charters for events. Personal experience still trumps the best write-ups: book thoughtfully, plan logistics, and enjoy the adventure.