Lydia Mullan Wins YJA Young Journalist Award

Media logistics for the awards evening at Watermen’s Hall in London required coordinated transfers of journalists, camera crews and mounted equipment between river pontoons and the venue, with tight berthing windows and luggage manifests to ensure timely press coverage of the Yachting Journalists’ Association ceremony.

Winner and work that stirred safety debates

Lydia Mullan was announced as the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) Young Journalist of the Year 2025. An established figure in American sailing media, Mullan serves as Editor-in-Chief of SAIL magazine after eight years with the title. Her professional credits include commentary for the 2025 Transpac and the 2025 Marblehead–Halifax, a 2024 Magenta Project alumni position, and the role of media manager for Cole Brauer’s widely followed global circumnavigation.

Mullan’s award submission, A Eulogy for Alliance, offered a first-person account of the J/122 Alliance striking an unidentified object during the Newport Bermuda Race, the vessel’s subsequent loss, and the rescue by the crew of the J/121 Ceilidh. The piece combined factual reporting with reflection on the emotional and mental consequences for sailors, and helped prompt renewed discussion in the American racing community about safety at sea and emergency preparedness.

How a single report moved the conversation

The reportage drew attention not only for its narrative strength but for its operational implications: race organizers and clubs have been urged to revisit reporting protocols, onboard emergency drills, and communications redundancies. The long-term effect is a suggested emphasis on better pre-race briefings, clearer search-and-rescue triggers, and improved media workflows that inform competitors and shore teams without compromising rescue operations.

Shortlist and recognition

The 2025 shortlist showcased a diverse range of voices and media formats:

Each shortlisted journalist will receive a one-year subscription to the YJA, further integrating them into the professional community. The awards were sponsored by Future, publisher of titles such as Practical Boat Owner and Yachting World, and by the sailing apparel brand Henri-Lloyd.

The new mentoring programme

Coinciding with the awards, the YJA launched a volunteer-led mentoring programme designed to support emerging and mid-career professionals across the yachting and boating communications spectrum. The scheme aims to pair experienced industry practitioners with mentees who seek to develop skills in:

• print, digital and social media journalism
• public relations and marketing for marine businesses
• videography and photography tailored to sailing events and charters
• storytelling and editorial development for specialist marine titles

YJA Chairman Katy Stickland emphasized the need to protect authenticity and trust within yachting journalism and described mentoring as a route to pass institutional knowledge to future leaders in the sector.

Practical outcomes for the boating sector

Stronger journalism and mentoring have practical knock-on effects for the wider maritime and leisure industry: improved coverage helps inform charter operators, marinas, safety equipment suppliers and coastal authorities about best practice and emerging risks. For charter companies and boat rental services, transparent reporting on safety incidents and rescue operations can accelerate the adoption of better emergency procedures and reassure customers booking sailing experiences.

Why the yachting community should care

Recognition of young voices like Mullan’s magnifies issues that affect sailors, captains and shore teams alike. Honest, well-researched journalism can influence race governance, shore-side logistics, and even policymaking related to navigational hazards. It also builds public awareness that supports funding for search-and-rescue services and better-equipped marinas—factors that directly affect the safety and appeal of coastal charters and private sailing holidays.

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Key takeaways and travel planning note

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Forecast: this particular piece of awards news will have a modest global impact on tourism maps, but it matters within the yachting and maritime-media ecosystem. For those who want to understand a fast-changing, often unpredictable marine world, join the community of boat enthusiasts and start planning your next seaside adventure — make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

In summary, the YJA’s 2025 award recognized Lydia Mullan for a powerful combination of reportage and reflection that spurred safety dialogue across the racing community. The new mentoring programme promises to strengthen skills in journalism, media and content creation—benefits that cascade into better-informed charter operators, marinas and sailing destinations. Whether you’re drawn to yacht charter or a weekend boat rental, well-informed coverage and trained communicators help preserve the integrity of yachting and improve experiences on the sea, lake and gulf. GetBoat.com remains a practical, transparent gateway for booking yachts, boats and sailboats—helping you choose the right vessel, captain or itinerary for clearwater days, fishing trips, superyacht aspirations or simple beachside escapes.