Entries Open for the 2026 Brian Black Memorial Award: Celebrate Our Inspiring Seas

Overview of the Award

Yachting Monthly is excited to announce the opening of entries for the 2026 Brian Black Memorial Award, sponsored by Coppercoat. Now in its sixth year, this prestigious award honors the legacy of Brian and Lesley Black—visionary sailors, environmentalists, and journalists. With over £3,000 worth of prizes at stake, this year’s theme, “Our Inspiring Seas,” invites participants to showcase their encounters with the marine environment through captivating articles and photographs.

What the Award Celebrates

The award aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for our oceans by celebrating storytelling in various forms. Participants are encouraged to reflect on transformative encounters with marine wildlife or the ocean itself, emphasizing the profound impact these experiences have had on their lives. The competition offers a platform for both seasoned writers and photographers, as well as budding young talents.

Judging Panel and Their Expertise

An impressive panel of judges will assess the entries. Among them are acclaimed circumnavigator Mike Golding, renowned TV presenter and environmentalist Monty Halls, and conservationist Dr. Bob Brown. They will be joined by Sarah Brown, Brian’s daughter, alongside editorial teams from Yachting Monthly and Digital Camera World. Their collective expertise spans both sailing and marine conservation, promising a thorough examination of the submissions.

How to Participate: Breaking It Down

Article Competition

• Format: Participants are invited to submit an article of around 1,800 words accompanied by 20-30 images. The piece should narrate a sailing journey that led to a meaningful encounter with nature. It’s not just about what was seen, but about evoking feelings and understanding that propel the reader toward action.

• Requirements: Include captions with the images, a personal photo, and a 100-word biography. Submit your work via the provided links: Article Competition Entry.

Photography Competition

• Format: The photo submission requires one striking image that encapsulates a unique moment with marine wildlife or the environment. It should come with a 300-word explanation detailing the context, including what, where, why, and how the photo was taken.

• Requirements: Similar to the article submission, provide a personal photo and a 100-word biography. Adults can enter their work here, while young people aged 16 or under can enter here.

Prizes to Inspire Creativity

The competition boasts substantial awards. The winner of the article contest will receive £1,500 in cash, publication in Yachting Monthly, and a featured interview on The Sailing Podcast. The adult photography winner will receive camera equipment worth £750, while the junior entrant will bag equipment valued at £500. Yachting Monthly also pledges a £500 donation to marine conservation charity Sea-Changers, linking the competition directly to impactful environmental action.

Why Storytelling Matters

Prominent voices in sailing and environmental advocacy emphasize the importance of storytelling:

• Dee Caffari MBE, a seven-time circumnavigator, reflects: “The ocean has shaped my life… we are all deeply connected to the ocean. That means we all share a responsibility to care for it…”

• Ewan Clark, director at Coppercoat, aligns with this sentiment: “Using sailing boats to explore the natural world… is absolutely aligned with our values.”

• Mike Golding OBE highlights the global influence of our actions toward the ocean, stressing that education can lead to transformative change for entire ecosystems.

The Legacy of Brian and Lesley Black

The Brian Black Memorial Award was established in 2020 as a tribute to Brian and Lesley Black, who dedicated their lives to journalism and environmental activism. Brian, a passionate naturalist, and daring sailor, documented climate change long before it garnered widespread attention. Lesley made her mark as the first female commodore of a Northern Irish yacht club and shared many adventures with Brian.

About Coppercoat

For over 35 years, Coppercoat has provided eco-friendly alternatives to conventional antifouling products. Their commitment to reducing environmental impact positions them as a leader in sustainable sailing solutions. Their latest innovation, which utilizes a 100% plant-based bio resin, minimizes carbon emissions significantly, reflecting their dedication to promoting healthier oceans.

Supporting Marine Conservation

Both Yachting Monthly and Coppercoat pledge to support marine conservation through their partnership with Sea-Changers. This UK-based charity works to fund marine conservation projects, reinforcing the significance of responsible stewardship for marine ecosystems.

Terms and Conditions for Participants

• Eligibility: Open to anyone residing in the UK, with specific provisions for entrants aged 16 and under (parental consent required).
• Entry Limits: Each participant may submit only one entry per category.
• Work Authenticity: All submissions must be original and created by the applicant without artificial intelligence or automated software.

Make sure to mark the timeline: entries are open from March 26, 2026, to August 30, 2026. This competition not only presents a chance to win enticing prizes but also encourages participants to engage with and advocate for the marine environment through their creative endeavors.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your mark—tell your story, capture your moment, and inspire others to appreciate our beautiful seas.