Quadriplegic yachtsman Geoff Holt,44, has received an MBE from the Queen at Windsor Castle for “Services to sailing for the disabled”, in the same week that he was shortlisted for the 2010 YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award, sponsored by marine insurers Pantaenius.

With voting decided by members of the Yachting Journalists Association, the winner will be announced at Trinity House on Tuesday 11th January 2011. “I can not begin to explain what this means to me”, said Geoff. “Given the choice between an MBE and Yachtsman of the Year, I think I would choose YOTY award every time.  

‘Tens of thousands of people receive MBE’s but more people have walked on the moon than received the YOTY Award – it is the ultimate accolade in our sport because it is voted for by the people who matter most, the yachting journalists themselves, all of them experienced yachtsmen; it’s more like a “Knighthood of sailing” than an award”.’