Yachting Monthly’s Marine Environmental Journalism: Celebrating the Brian Black Memorial Award
The Brian Black Memorial Award has quickly established itself as a pivotal event in marine environmental journalism since its inception in 2021. Spearheaded by Yachting Monthly and backed by Coppercoat, this award honors the legacy of Brian and Lesley Black, who were not just sailors but also pioneers in small-boat exploration and storytelling. As the award enters its fifth year, it boasts an impressive total of cash prizes amounting to £4,000, promising to draw in exceptional submissions that capture the essence of our changing oceans.
A Celebration of Contribution
Set against the backdrop of the esteemed Southampton Boat Show in 2025, the awards ceremony underscores the importance of public engagement, welcoming spectators to join the presentation at 2.30 PM on the Coppercoat stand in Ocean Hall (H322). This event not only celebrates individual achievements in journalism but also raises awareness of crucial environmental issues surrounding our seas.
The Theme: ‘Our Changing Seas’
For this year’s award, the theme ‘Our Changing Seas’ serves as a call to action for entrants to reflect on their personal experiences and observations as sailors. Judges are looking for narratives that address pivotal questions: How have sailing journeys revealed alterations in marine environments? What factors contribute to these changes? And most importantly, how can we respond to these revelations?
In the main article competition, participants are encouraged to share a sailing story that intricately weaves personal experiences with environmental awareness. An engaging narrative paired with vivid imagery enhances the storytelling experience, and while video submissions are encouraged, they are not mandatory.
A Range of Prizes and Opportunities
The award features a variety of categories for submissions. A significant highlight is the written submission prize, wherein the best 1,800-word article, accompanied by relevant imagery, can win a generous £2,000. Aspiring photographers, both adult and junior (ages 14 and under), can enter a photography competition by submitting a single photograph under the theme of ‘Our Changing Seas.’ Alongside the photo, a concise 300-word description explaining the story and technique behind the image is also required.
In the adult category, winning entrants will receive £1,000 along with a Canon camera kit. Meanwhile, juniors will compete for a Canon camera starter kit, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a new generation of environmental storytellers and advocates.
Celebrating Conservation Efforts
Beyond the monetary prizes, the award goes a step further by contributing £1,000 to the marine conservation charity Sea-Changers. This organization is dedicated to funding grassroots conservation projects along the UK coastline, aligning with the award’s intent to foster awareness and action towards marine preservation.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Sarah Brown, the marine environment consultant who initiated the Brian Black Memorial Award in honor of her parents, expresses her enthusiasm for the submissions. Her passion for marine conservation is palpable, and she eagerly anticipates discovering new narratives that inspire others to engage in environmental action.
Expert Insights & Previous Winners
The award loses none of its gravitas with a judging panel composed of notable personalities, including Dee Caffari MBE, Mike Golding OBE, and conservation expert Dr. Bob Brown. Together, they will assess the storytelling and visual impact of each entry, ensuring a fair evaluation process.
Previous winners have set an impressive standard. Jon Amtrup captured the glacier retreat in Svalbard, Tim Linsell articulated his disillusionment with Arctic change, and Sophie Dingwall highlighted the alarming prevalence of ocean plastic. These narratives have not only won accolades but have also sparked conversations about urgent environmental issues facing our oceans.
How to Participate
For those eager to take part in this rewarding initiative, entries must be submitted via email to yachtingmonthly@futurenet.com by September 1, 2025. This call to action invites individuals from all walks of life to contribute their unique perspectives, reinforcing the notion that collective storytelling can drive meaningful change in marine conservation.
For additional information about the Brian Black Memorial Award, including entry details and guidelines, visit the Yachting Monthly website.
The Brian Black Memorial Award epitomizes the intersection of sailing, storytelling, and environmental advocacy, making it a noteworthy highlight in the marine journalism landscape.