Voting for the prestigious Raymarine YJA Yachtsman of the Year, and Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year awards, will open at 12.30pm on Friday 15 September at the Southampton Boat Show, on the Raymarine stand, G088.

Both awards recognise British sporting excellence in power or sail and acknowledge achievement – such as breaking a world record, a phenomenal win, overcoming adversity, or showing exceptional bravery and courage.

Members of the Yachting Journalists’ Association, the RYA, British Marine Federation, and many others involved in organising or supporting British boating, yachting, sailing and power boating will also be on Raymarine’s stand to enter their nominations, along with visitors to the Southampton Boat Show.

With major feats achieved, and training and preparations underway for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, yachtsmen and women such as Mike Sanderson, Dee Caffari and Giles Scott could be strong candidates. But with outstanding achievement in any capacity being the main criteria for short-listing, the list is wide open for the contenders of this year’s Young Sailor of the Year award.

It’s quick and easy for anyone to enter nominations. From 15 September nominations can be entered directly from www.raymarine.com and www.yja.co.uk. Alternatively pick up a nomination form at the Southampton Boat Show, sailing clubs nationwide, or from RYA affiliated clubs.

Raymarine YJA Yachtsman of the Year and Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year will be announced in January 2007.