Journalist. Katy Stickland, in red jumper smiles at camera as she is appointed chair of YJA

Katy Stickland, new chair for the Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), is “excited about developing plans so it [YJA] continues to grow, offering new opportunities and focusing on supporting and nurturing those who want to work in our industry.”

She’s taking over from Cliff Webb who’s served a six year tenure. The vice chair will now be looked after by Lou Johnson who owns Box PR, the position most recently held by Mark Jardine.

Stickland is the editor of Practical Boat Owner, launched in 1967, and now owned by the publishing company Future PLC. “I am looking forward to building on the years of hard work by Cliff, Mark and the rest of the committee, who have all done an exceptional job. The membership is the association’s biggest strength,” she says.

The moves were made during YJA’s AGM which was held on 4 June 2024, at the Royal Ocean Racing Club in London.

Other appointments include Nicola Elam taking on the role of secretary, Emma York appointed as communications lead. Niklas Salzmann-Webb remains as administrative manager. Chris English, a former chairman and secretary was unanimously reappointed as honorary president. Both Webb and Jardine will remain on the YJA committee with Webb continuing to manage finances as YJA Treasurer.

All other committee members remain in place, including Nick Jeffrey, Amanda Fisher, Monica Diaz and Sue Terpilowski. New committee members are also invited to join.

“Mark and I feel we have taken this as far as our time now allows, given how busy we have both become recently with our respective companies,” says Webb. “I think we can look back with some satisfaction at what has been achieved in terms of stabilising the YJA financially, and setting a new path for the association to move forward on.

“We had some tough decisions to make with significant restructuring initially, but also with some success in sponsorship of the YJA awards, and building a larger membership base, particularly expanding international membership and interest.

“It has been a real pleasure working with everyone who has been involved with the YJA committee in recent years, and who contributed their ideas, time and enthusiasm, particularly Mark, who has always been there to help and support everyone, a real fountain of knowledge and experience. However, I have not been able to personally devote as much time as I would have liked in the past year, so I’m delighted that Katy and Lou are prepared to take on these roles now, as I am confident they bring a new approach and passion to continue to build and expand interest in the YJA’.”

Mark Jardine, managing editor of Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com, says: “Lou has been superb since she joined the YJA Committee, bringing her PR knowledge and experience, plus her depth of contacts in the sport to great use for the YJA. She and Katy are going to be a formidable team and it will be exciting being a part of YJA development under their leadership. Katy has driven PBO forward since becoming editor there, and I know she will do the same for the YJA now. Exciting times lay ahead.’’

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Image of Katy Stickland courtesy of Richard Langdon.

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