The British Nautical Awards, showcase event for the UK boating industry, which usually takes place annually on the eve of the London Boat Show, has been cancelled for 2003.

John Clarke, board director of the Yachting Awards, released the following statement this morning:

“There will not be a British Nautical Awards event tied into the 2003 London Boat Show. The Yachting Awards Board is making plans for an event to be run in parallel to the 2004 London International Boat Show at ExCeL. However, the Yachting Journalists Association’s awards, the YJA Yachtsman of the Year and Young Sailor of the Year, will be awarded in January 2003, possibly in conjunction with the London Boat Show.”

An official release is expected next week.