Best foredeck crew

Janne Gustafsson lost his life in a traffic accident in Punta del Este, Uruguay, during a stopover in the Whitbread Round the World Race, where he was sailing aboard the Swedish yacht The Card . He was widely recognised for his seamanship, experience, and commitment to offshore racing.

In 1987 and 1988, Janne was also a key member of the crew of S/Y Royal Blue , at the time Sweden’s most successful offshore racing yacht. He played an important role both on board and in the maintenance and preparation of the boat.

The prize was founded by Janne’s fellow crew members from S/Y Royal Blue to honour his memory and his contribution to Swedish offshore sailing. It is awarded annually as a perpetual challenge trophy.

The Janne Gustafsson Memorial Prize is awarded to a foredeck crew member who has taken part in the Gotland Runt Offshore Race, organised by KSSS, and who has made an important contribution to the successful completion of the race through skill, endurance, courage, determination, or outstanding teamwork.

Nominations may be submitted by the skipper of any boat that has completed Gotland Runt. Nominations must be submitted to the race management no later than 12:00 on the day of the prize ceremony.

The recipient is selected by a jury of four representatives from the Gotland Runt race organisation.

The memorial prize was created in stainless steel in 1991 by the Finnish artist Nicken from Jakobstad.