Shortlists for YJA Yachtsman of the Year and YJA Young Sailor of the Year Awards 2024
by Yachting Journalists' Association 16 Jan 13:02 GMT
The Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) is delighted to unveil the 2024 YJA Yachtsman of the Year shortlists and Young Sailor of the Year awards. These prestigious accolades celebrate the exceptional achievements of British sailors who have demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication, and sportsmanship over the past year.
After an exciting nomination period and careful deliberation by the YJA Committee, the following individuals have been shortlisted for these highly coveted awards:
2024 YJA Yachtsman of the Year Shortlist
Ian Williams: Ian Williams is one of Britain's most successful racers, having won the World Match Racing Tour title a record eight times. He also played a highly regarded coaching and rules role with the INEOS Britannia team in the 37th America's Cup.
Heather Thomas: Heather Thomas skippered Maiden to first place in the 2023-2024 Ocean Globe Race - the first time an all-women crew have won a round-the-world yacht race. Her leadership and skills have helped break new ground in sailing equality.
Ellie Aldridge: Ellie Aldridge took Gold in the Formula Kite event at the 2024 Paris Olympics and brought home the only Gold medal for the British Sailing Team. Previously, she dominated the kite foiling circuit and was part of the Athena Pathway Women's America's Cup Team.
2024 YJA Young Sailor of the Year Shortlist
Jess Powell: Jess Powell took victory in the 2024 Topper 5.3 Nationals - the first female to win back-to-back National Championships in this class. She is also the Winter and Welsh champion. In the ILCA 4, she won the National Series, and came 3rd overall in the National Championships (Female National Champion). She also won the Inland Championships in the ILCA 6 Female fleet.
Hari Clark: Hari Clark began sailing in 2021 at Draycote Water Sailing Club and started racing in Autumn 2022. Having obtained an ex-John Merricks Sailing Trust-funded boat, he joined the Draycote Academy which teaches young sailors to compete at the highest level. He convincingly won the 2024 Topper 4.2 World Championship title, after winning 10 of the 15 races.
Jesse Opoku-Ware: The backbone of the Scaramouche Sailing Trust and the Greig City Academy Sailing Programme, Jesse Opoku-Ware was the 2024 Cowes Week Youth Trophy joint winner. He coaches younger sailors, is the facilitator of the girls' team in part by engineering the double-handed RSYC event and devotes his time to spreading the positive message of sailing to clubs and schools.
William Stratton Brown: Having finished 3rd in the RS Feva Worlds, Frensham Pond sailor William Stratton Brown went on to win the RS Tera Pro Worlds in Denmark a week later. His performance was exceptional, winning nine out of 12 races, and coming second in two more. His final result was 11 points - an impressive 14 points clear of his nearest rival.
Both the YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award and the Young Sailor of the Year Award celebrate extraordinary accomplishments in British yachting, championing individuals and teams who break the mould and leave a lasting impression.
Katy Stickland, Chair of the YJA, commented: "The standard of nominations this year has been truly exceptional, reflecting the incredible achievements of British sailors across all disciplines. These awards have a long-standing history of honouring the best in our sport, and this year's shortlists showcase an exciting mix of established stars and rising talent. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments."
The final winners of both awards will be decided by a vote from the YJA membership. The results will be announced at the 2025 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February.
This year's awards are supported by Henri Lloyd and sMRT. The YJA invites the sailing community, friends and family to celebrate these exceptional individuals as the winners are unveiled at the upcoming RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show at 5pm on the main stage.
For more information about the awards and to stay updated, visit yja.world