Nomination deadline looming
Nominations for the Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year award will close at 5pm on Friday 7 November 2008.
MBY is urging readers to nominate one of the people from the motorboat world who have achieved great things this year.
Pensioner Dag Pike won the Round Britain Offshore Powerboat Race in June; Mike Lloyd overcame massive logistical difficulties to put the Round Britain race on, for the first time since 1984; Pete Bethune took his biodiesel-fuelled Earthrace boat around the world in 60 days, a massive two weeks ahead of the previous powered circumnavigation record held by Cable & Wireless Adventurer.
Those are just three of our suggestions and in an Olympic year when GB sailors have done well, all motorboat votes are needed!
However, nominations can range from a well-known figure in the yachting or power boating world, to a commendable member of a local boating club, who has made a phenomenal win or achievement, demonstrated sporting excellence, overcome adversity, or shown exceptional bravery and courage.
Nominations can be made online at www.raymarine.com or www.yja.co.uk
or pick up a form from RYA affiliated clubs nationwide.
The Yachtsman of the Year trophy carries the names of many of the greatest achievers in British yachting and power boating circles.
Current title holders are:
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year: completed the Velux 5 Oceans race at the age of 68, thirty-eight years after his original (the first non-stop) solo circumnavigation of the world, the oldest competitor to complete this feat.
Laurence Greenough – Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year: a promising young sailor, Laurence lost a leg in a boating accident in 2006 but, overcoming this adversity, was swiftly back sailing for his club in ordinary boats with no special adaptations. He is now a member of the RYA SouthWest Topper Zone Squad.
