The Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) has opened applications for its new Mentoring Scheme, aimed at supporting the next generation of marine media professionals.
The scheme was announced during the YJA Young Journalist of the Year 2025 awards at Watermen’s Hall in London.
Lydia Mullan, from the United States, was named Young Journalist of the Year 2025, marking the first time the trophy has been awarded outside the UK.
Mullan is Editor-in-Chief of SAIL magazine and has worked on the title for eight years. She was also a race commentator for the 2025 Transpac and Marblehead–Halifax races.
She is a 2024 Magenta Project graduate and served as media manager for Cole Brauer’s widely followed solo circumnavigation.
YJA chair Katy Stickland said mentoring plays a key role in maintaining standards within the sector.
“It’s important that we protect the authenticity and trust in yachting journalism and help provide a pathway for future generations to evolve,” she said.
Stickland added that YJA members bring “a wealth of knowledge and experience” and that mentoring is “the perfect way to pass this on”.
The scheme invites experienced journalists to act as mentors and encourages aspiring writers, career changers and newcomers to apply as mentees.
The YJA says the programme is designed to support both personal and professional development across the industry.
