World Sailor of the Year

The World Sailor of the Year award is World Sailing’s annual honor for the outstanding male and female sailors of the year, first presented in 1994 under the sport’s then-name ISAF. Winners are chosen from a shortlist by votes from member national authorities, recognizing Olympic, offshore and record-breaking achievement. Past recipients include Ben Ainslie and Ellen MacArthur. It is the sport’s premier individual award, separate from class and event titles.