The British Nautical Awards are receiving a makeover at the hands of the Liz Hobbs Group. The self-styled boating Oscars, aimed at recognising excellence, achievement and innovation from people, products and boats in the British marine industry, have in the past hailed such stars as Ellen MacArthur, Ben Ainslie, Shirley Robertson, Iain Percy, Pete Goss, Tracy Edwards, Tony Bullimore and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The list of products is far too numerous to touch on but includes many of the notable British innovation in the marine industry.

The Liz Hobbs Group has been hired to make sure the event goes off smoothly. The Liz Hobbs Group’s performance at events such as the Epsom Derby and many open air music concerts clinched the contract but Hobbs herself is nautically accomplished as a three-time world champion waterski racer. This clutch of laurels involved racing against 40-50 other competitors over a 40-mile course at speeds of up to 100mph and should help her to deal with the nervous rigours of show night.

The transformation is intended to broaden the appeal of the awards, said BNA Chief Executive Jackie Phillipson. “The British Nautical Awards are a landmark for the British boating industry and as such, we aim to offer an event that not only meets the needs of the Awards, but can reach outside the industry to offer an event that has something for everyone.”

After the organisational changes, the second change is the venue. The BNA will this year be held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel. The venue has over 25,000sq.ft of space and there’s all manner of state of the art presentation technology and its operators tucked away out of view to give the guests the impression of unruffled calm throughout the ocean-themed night.

Hobbs herself is hoping to impress with innovation. “Improvements can only ever come through taking advantage of new ideas,” she said, “and we are confident that the changes we have made this year will create an even more exciting and special night for both the Award winners and guests.

“We aim to retain all of the best elements from previous years and add to them so that the night will have something fresh and new to offer guests, whether this is their first or third Awards Ceremony.”

The event will take place on 4 January 2002, black tie, and is expected to sell out as usual. Tickets are on sale for ‘125 inc. VAT so to guarantee your attendance, contact the BNA Ticket Desk at:

Carol Taylor, BMIF, Marine House, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8BF Tel: 01784-223602, Fax: 01784-439678, email: carolt@bmif.co.uk 

Click here for your online award nomination form and vote for your choice from the following categories for the period 1 September 2000-1 September 2001:OffshoreYachtsman of the Year -sponsored by Challenge BusinessInshore Yachtsman of the Year -sponsored by WS AtkinsPower Yachtsman of the Year -sponsored by Peters PLCEndeavour Award (for any outstanding achievement in the marine world) -sponsored by Sunseeker InternationalMarine Media Award -sponsored by Sealine MarineMotorboat of the Year Award -sponsored by Motor Boat & Yachting magazineSailboat of the Year Award -sponsored by Yachting World magazineMarine Product of the YearMarine Environmental AwardJackie Phillipson spoke to ybw’s Tracey Clarke about this year’s awards. To listen to the interview, click here