Southam Awards Attracts Great Diversity of Entries

More than 200 entries have been streaming in to the Orlando Southam Contest Headquarters for the 14th Annual Southam Awards competition, which honors the work of journalists and authors who publish sailing editorial in the mainstream (non-marine) media.

Named in honor of John Southam, former publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines, the annual competition recognizes journalists whose outstanding editorial coverage celebrates the sailing lifestyle in non-marine media venues. In addition to the $5,000 grand prize and signature Crystal Cup – the largest single media prize for the top entry -- the judges select up to six additional $1,000 category winners for a total possible pool of $11,000 in cash prizes.

Chief Judge Sally Helme, publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines, taps a team of industry event judges to review the hundreds of entries in categories ranging from newspapers, magazines, websites, broadcasts, and books. Judging begins in early January. Winners for the 2007 John Southam Awards for Excellence in Sailing Communications will be announced the prestigious National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Press Conference and breakfast held Feb. 14 during the Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami.

Wanda Kenton Smith, president of Kenton Smith Advertising & Public Relations, the project manager for the Southam Awards for the past six years, notes a great diversity in awards entries this year.

“As the Southam Awards have enjoyed increased visibility with editors, reporters and authors who work outside the sailing and boating media, we have seen the variety of entries increase, particularly in the web-based arena,” said Kenton Smith. “I wish everyone in the sailing industry had the opportunity to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the broad coverage sailing is enjoying on a national basis, with articles appearing in everything from The New York Times to Forbes, to small regional papers. The beauty of this competition is that the best coverage of sailing wins and in the past, that has run the gamut from syndicated columns to Sports Illustrated to a statewide recreational newsletter, among others. No doubt - the judges will have an exciting and awesome challenge this year as they sort through a wealth of fantastic entries!”

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