Drone magic clinches YJA Young Blogger award
by Yachting Journalists' Association 3 Mar 2019 12:16 PST

James Tomlinson (middle) wins a £100 Musto voucher and British Sailing Team branded kit from Nick Houchin of Musto (left) and Mark Jardine from the Yachting Journalists' Association (right) © YJA
James Tomlinson, 19, is the latest Yachting Journalists' Association (YJA) Young Blogger of the Year for his swish drone footage from last season.
James, a first year at Solent University where he's studying Yacht Design and Production, edited drone shots to music from three projects, including a blast on a racing maxi and a holiday in the fjords.
"There's a good link between designing boats and using media," said James, receiving the award at the RYA Dinghy Show. "We use photos in design with an emphasis on looking at structure, but in my own sailing recently I've been doing more media work on board than sailing, and I feel I'm stronger in that role. It's great to be winning an award from an organisation like the YJA and seeing my video content recognised."
This is the second year of the YJA's Young Blogger award, and Digby Fox, Vice-Chairman of the YJA, said: "We really liked James's use of DJI drones. He's on the money because drones are making such a difference to the coverage of sailing. That three-quarter angle down is made for our sport."
Nick Houchin, Musto's Head of Sailing Marketing, presented James with a voucher for £100 plus a pick of Musto's classy British Sailing Team merchandise collection check it out here.
"The excellent sailing coverage we see in the media is important to us," said Nick, "so we're happy to encourage young people to get involved and create a fresh take on things."
As the top marine media professionals' network, recognised worldwide, the YJA is opening its doors, plus valuable media contacts, to the next generation. "If you're under 21," said Digby, "have a think about sending us an entry this season. It can be in any media or format print, online, written, visual, podcast, GoPro onboard, you name it just share your passion. We'll give shortlisted entries a 2020 photo ID Press Card for free access to boat shows, plus a vote on the YJA Yachtsman and Young Sailor of the Year awards."
Send entries by the end of December to . Find out more on the YJA site, www.yja.world