Public vote for World Sailor of the Year
World Sailing is now inviting the sailing community, sports fans and the public to vote for one male and one female who they think should be crowned 2017 Rolex World Sailor of the Year.
Public voting is open for a 72-hour period and will close on Tuesday November 7 at 17:59 CST, 23:59 UTC, just hours before the announcement at the inaugural World Sailing Awards in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards is the most prestigious award of recognition in the dynamic sport of sailing. Since the awards’ inception in 1994, the trophy has proudly accumulated the names of those who have demonstrated unparalleled, performance, endurance and accomplishment in sailing.
Nominees for the Rolex World Sailor of the Year feature sailors drawn from the America’s Cup, Vendée Globe, Windsurfing, Offshore and Olympic Class racing, highlighting the breadth and depth of the sport.
The Nominees are:
Female
• Marit Bouwmeester (NED), 2017 Laser Radial World Champion
• Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze (BRA), 49erFX World Cup Series Champions
• Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU), Pro Windsurfers Association World Tour Freestyle and Slalom World Champion
• Tara Pacheco (helmed by Fernando Echavarri) (ESP), Nacra 17 World Cup Series Champions
Male
• Glenn Ashby (AUS), America’s Cup winning Skipper
• Peter Burling (NZL), America’s Cup winning Helmsman
• Thomas Coville (FRA), Singlehanded Round the World Record holder
• Armel Le Cleac’h (FRA), 2016-2017 Vendée Globe winner
Alongside the public vote, World Sailing’s Member National Authorities and an on-night vote will decide who will receive the unique marble and silver trophy depicting the globe, crowned with five silver spinnakers representing the continents, together with a Rolex timepiece.
For the first time in 2017, the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards is incorporated into the inaugural World Sailing Awards. Ahead of the presentation, the recipients of the President’s Development Award and Beppe Croce Trophy will be announced.
