The head judge at this year’s Haven Academy awards has praised the quality of the entrants for the 2011 scheme.

The Haven Academy was launched by the boat insurance company Haven Knox-Johnston to identify new talent and passion within the boating world, focusing on creating future opportunities and developments.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of the judging panel said: “We have been encouraged and delighted by the exceptionally high quality and large number of applications.”

“There are plenty of awards for people who succeed ­ but how many good ideas are being missed because they don’t have the funding? The Haven Academy is here to give individuals and organisations with good ideas some financial help so that ideas become reality.”

“We think this clearly reflects the passion that people in the UK have for boating in all its forms. Choosing the winners has been extremely difficult but we are confident that the 2011 awards will benefit some really worthwhile projects.”

The best entries will be chosen by a panel of leading boat specialists and awarded funding of up to £3,000. The judging panel, led by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, includes Paul Gelder, the Editor of Yachting Monthly, and Stuart Bradley, the President of the Cruising Association.

Entries will be judged under four categories:

1. New build or restoration for boat building, boat restoration or renovation of a boating facility or building.

2. Boating innovation resulting in the improved performance or safety of boating.

3. Boating research for the identification of trends important to the future of boating.

4. Boating environment supporting initiatives for the environmental improvement of inland or coastal waters.

The winners will be announced on 19th April 2011, along with their project ideas.

For those eager to enter next year, the 2012 awards will be open at this year’s Southampton Boat Show.

For more information on the Haven Academy Awards, please visit www.boatinsure.co.uk