World Sailing has announced the finalists for this year’s male and female Rolex World Sailor of the Year, male and female Young World Sailor of the Year, World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award and Team of the Year.
This year’s awards will be announced at a live ceremony on Wednesday 18 November 2026 in Qingdao, China, where the President’s Development Award and Beppe Croce Trophy will also be presented.
Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris of Britain are shortlisted for the Team of the Year award.
Wrigley and Harris won the 2026 470 World Championship to crown a storming year, following on the 2026 European Title earlier in the year and winning the 470 event in the USA at San Pedro OCR, the host venue for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Rolex World Sailor of the Year finalists – Female
- Paula Barcelo and Maria Cantero (ESP)
- Maria Giubilei (ITA)
- Lauriane Nolot (FRA)
- Charlotte Rose (USA)
Rolex World Sailor of the Year finalists – Male
- Thomas Coville (FRA)
- Max Maeder (SGP)
- Luuc van Opzeeland (NED)
- Matt Wearn (AUS)
Voting opens today, Monday 26 Nov. The public vote will make up 50% of the final decisions with 50% contributed by World Sailing’s expert panel of judges. Voting closes at 12:00 UTC on 2 November.
Launched in 1994, the World Sailor of the Year are recognised as the highest award a sailor can receive in recognition of their outstanding achievements by the world of sailing.