The British Nautical Awards 2001, the most prestigious event in the British boating calendar, has received twenty percent more nominations than ever before.

With many arriving in the final few days leading up the closing date (28 September 2001), the complete log of all nominations has recorded more than in any other year. Anyone was eligible to recommend people, products or boats for an Award – public, professional or novice yachtsman or company.

The Awards Co-ordinator, Donald Forbes said: “We are pleased that so many individuals have taken part in the nomination process. I am impressed with the calibre and quantity that we have received this year. It has been a successful year for boating and this is very much reflected in the nominations we have received for the British Nautical Awards.”

The nominations will now be carefully considered by the judging panel, made up of well known and well respected individuals within the boating industry including, among others, the first person ever to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation round the world – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson MBE and the RYA’s Rod Carr.

Categories include:YJA Yachtsman of the YearMDL YJA Young Sailor of the YearChallenge Business Offshore Yachtsman of the YearWS Atkins Inshore Yachtsman of the YearPeters Plc Power Yachtsman of the YearSunseeker Endeavour AwardSealine Marine Media AwardMotor Boat & Yachting Motorboat of the YearYachting World Sailboat of the Year Marine Product of the YearMarine Environmental AwardWith the announcement of the regional MDL YJA Young Sailors of the Year imminent, the shortlist for all categories will be decided at the end of November and promptly announced to the public.

However, the list of the final winners will be a closely guarded secret until the 4 January 2001, when they will be announced at the British Nautical Awards ceremony.

The black tie event is to be held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, and will feature top entertainers and presentations, and promises to be one of the most glamorous and high profile industry events of the year.

If you want to attend, act fast because it always sells out. Tickets, at ‘125 per head, are available only from Carole Taylor on the BNA ticket desk.

Carol Taylor, BMIF, Marina House, Meadlake Place, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8BF. Tel: 44 (0)1784-223602 Fax: 44(0)1784-439678 Email: carolt@bmif.co.uk 

Cheques should be made payable to Yachting Awards Ltd. It is also possible to pay by most major credit cards.