Lymington-based World Match Racing Tour winner Ian Williams and Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup finalist team Ineos Brittania win prestigious Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) awards

LYMINGTON sailor Ian Williams and Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team have won prestigious Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) awards.

In recognition of Royal Lymington Yacht Club’s Sir Ben – who became the first-ever freeman of Lymington and Pennington after his London 2012 Olympics heroics – and his British Challenger Team’s performance for the 37th America’s Cup, the YJA presented a special Team of the Year award.

Dylan Fletcher, helm of Ineos Britannia, received the award on behalf of the British Challenger Team for becoming the first British team since 1964 to race in the final for the America’s Cup.

The 2024 YJA Yachtsman of the Year was awarded to Royal Lymington Yacht Club’s Williams, one of Britain’s most accomplished racing sailors.

Williams has made history in the world of match racing, securing an unprecedented eight World Match Racing Tour titles.

His influence extends beyond racing. He played a key coaching and rules advisory role with the Ineos Britannia team for the America’s Cup, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s most respected figures.

In a video message from South Africa, Williams said: “It’s an incredible honour to add my name to such an illustrious list and also shine a bit of a light on my corner of the sport.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the YJA and everybody who voted for me. Secondly, my family for their incredible support over many, many years; it’s not easy. Thirdly, the sponsors who have allowed me to compete over the years, and especially, of course, Andrew Pindar, who was with me for my first back in 2007, and also the last and many in between. And then, finally, my crew. Match racing really is a team sport, and it’s been such a privilege to sail with Richard Sydenham, Gerry Mitchell and Jon Gundersen this year.”

The YJA announced the winners at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, where the awards were presented on the Sunsail Main Stage. These prestigious accolades celebrate the finest achievements in British sailing over the past year.

Katy Stickland, Chair of the YJA, praised the winners: “The YJA Awards celebrate the very best in sailing, and the nominees and winners showcase a remarkable 2024 for British sailing.

“The public nominated these sailors before YJA members voted for the winners. If you see a rising, talented sailor in your club, do not forget to nominate them for next year. We are proud to honour them all.”

The YJA awards have long been regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in British sailing. Previous winners include some of the UK’s greatest sailors, from Olympians to record-breaking offshore racers.

The YJA thanks its members, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Henri-Lloyd and sMRT and all those who contributed to making the 2024 awards a success.