The Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) has named its 2025 award winners at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show. The presentations took place on the Sunsail Main Stage at Farnborough International on Saturday, the 21st of February 2026.
YJA Chair Katy Stickland announced the results before a live audience, following what she described as an “exceptional year for British sailing”.
Young Sailor Award Shared
The Young Sailor of the Year Award 2025 was jointly presented to Sabine Potter and Merle Nieuwland, and to Lila Edwards and Amelie Hiscocks. Both partnerships impressed at the Youth World Championships in the 420 and 29er classes.
Sabine and Merle said, “It’s pretty cool to be amongst these great names.” Lila and Amelie added, “It’s really special to have our names cemented on this trophy. We have an amazing sense of pride.”
The YJA said the winners stood out in a highly competitive field, reflecting the strength of youth development in British sailing.
Jazz Turner Named Yachtsman of the Year
Jazz Turner was awarded the YJA Yachtsman of the Year 2025 title. She was recognised for her solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland. On receiving the award, Turner said: “It is a real honour to be nominated, let alone to win.” She added: “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.”
Solo Success: Jazz Turner with the YJA Yachtsman of the Year 2025 trophy after her solo circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland. Photo:Mark Jardine / YJA
Team of the Year Recognition
Emirates GBR received a special certificate as Team of the Year 2025. The award marked the team’s achievement in becoming the first in SailGP history to win the Season Grand Final, the Impact League and top the overall season standings.
Dylan Fletcher and Hannah Mills sent a message from the southern hemisphere, saying: “Thank you so much for the win… It’s been a fantastic start of the season.” They added: “We’re looking to repeat.”
High Standard of Entries
Stickland said the volume and quality of nominations made judging particularly challenging. “Our winners represent not only outstanding performance, but dedication, teamwork and resilience,” she said. She also thanked Henri-Lloyd for its continued support of the awards.
Each winner received a Henri-Lloyd kit package, including a 50-litre Storm Duffle Bag and sailing apparel. Henri-Lloyd CEO Chris Hammond said, “We’re delighted for Jazz. We’ve been with her all the way, through thick and thin.” He said the brand’s performance clothing helped Turner manage her temperature control during her voyage.
The YJA Awards are regarded as one of the leading honours in British sailing, recognising achievement both on and off the water.
