Yachting Journalists’ Association Announces 2025 Award Winners at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
The Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) revealed the winners of its prestigious Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year 2025 awards on the Sunsail Main Stage at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, held at Farnborough International on Saturday 21 February.
With 2025 proving to be an extraordinary year for British sailing success across multiple disciplines, the volume and calibre of nominations exceeded expectations. YJA Chair Katy Stickland joined the finalists on stage to announce the winners before an engaged show audience, celebrating achievements that captured the spirit, resilience and performance of the past year.
The Young Sailor of the Year Award 2025 was presented jointly to: Sabine Potter & Merle Nieuwland and Lila Edwards & Amelie Hiscocks. The combined efforts of both partnerships at the Youth Worlds in the 420 and 29er classes demonstrated outstanding teamwork, determination and racing success. Their achievements stood out in an exceptionally competitive field of young sailors, reflecting the strength of youth development pathways within the sport.
Clearly elated with winning the award, Sabine and Merle said, “It’s pretty cool to be amongst these great names,” and Lila and Amelie went onto to add, “It’s really special to have our names cemented on this trophy. We have an amazing sense of pride.”
For her remarkable solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the UK & Ireland, the YJA Yachtsman of the Year 2025 trophy was awarded to Jazz Turner. Jazz’s extraordinary individual performance showcased resilience, seamanship and unwavering commitment, earning widespread respect across the sailing community. Her achievement captured the imagination of the judges and YJA membership alike.
On accepting the award Jazz commented, “It is a real honour to be nominated let alone to win. To be alongside the names on the trophy is surreal but the award goes far beyond just what I did. It is about creating opportunities for all disabled sailors and showing that anything is possible with a little bit of imagination and an awful lot of hard work.”
A special certificate was also awarded to Emirates GBR for Team of the Year 2025. This recognition was for the outstanding achievement being the first team in the history of SailGP to win the Season Grand Final, the Impact League and top of the season points standings.
Dylan Fletcher and Hannah Mills sent this message from the southern hemisphere ahead of the next SailGP Event. “Thank you so much for the win in the YJA Team of the Year Award this year. We’re gutted we can’t be there with you. It’s been fantastic start of the season. The end of our season was amazing. And we’re looking to repeat. So, thank you for the support, and hopefully see a lot of you in Portsmouth.”
YJA Chair Katy Stickland commented: “2025 has been an exceptional year for British sailing. The standard of nominations was extraordinarily high, making the shortlisting process and voting one of the most challenging we’ve faced in recent years. We also had one of the highest numbers of members voting, that in itself speaks volumes about the strength and depth of talent in our sport.
“Our winners represent not only outstanding performance, but dedication, teamwork and resilience. It was a privilege to celebrate their achievements on stage at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, and we are incredibly grateful to Henri-Lloyd for continuing their generous support of these awards.”
Continuing their valued partnership with the YJA, Henri-Lloyd once again supported the annual awards. Each winner received a Henri-Lloyd goodie bag including a 50-litre Storm Duffle Bag, Sail-Tec Cap, Merino Wool Socks and more, a fitting recognition from a brand synonymous with British sailing heritage.
On hearing the new Jazz Turner had won the award, Chris Hammond, CEO at Henri Lloyd said, “We’re delighted for Jazz. Henri-Lloyd has been supporting Jazz since 2023. We’ve been with her all the way, through thick and thin, and our performance clothing has assisted her manage her issues with controlling her own temperature and helped her achieve this incredible feat.”
The YJA Awards remain one of the most respected honours in British sailing, recognising excellence both on and off the water and celebrating the individuals who continue to inspire the next generation.
