Each year, U.S. sailing industry trade association Sail America bestows prestigious awards to journalists in a variety of media categories who have successfully carried the message of sailing to a non-sailing audience. The Southam Awards were established in 1993 in honor of John Southam, a tireless promoter of sailing and the former publisher of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines. The Grand Prize winner receives a beautiful Crystal Cup and $5000 cash, while category winners receive $1000 each and a certificate. 

 

Over the years, the contest has continued to build momentum and gain prestige and has emerged today as one of the foremost editorial competitions within the worldwide marine industry.