Who will be the 2016 sailor of the year?

The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards - organized by the International Sailing Federation - has just revealed its nominees. Among the 5 men and women shortlisted are Damien Seguin and Charline Picon, worthy French representatives. To date, two French women have won the prestigious title, Isabelle Autissier in 1995 and Claire Leroy in 2007.

Chloé Torterat Published on October 10, 2016

Rewarding the best man and woman in the world of sailing

The World Sailing (formerly ISAF) âeuros International Sailing Federation âeuros organizes the annual Rolex World Sailor of the Year, which recognizes the achievements of one man and one woman during the past year. The Rolex Trophy annually recognizes the best male and female sailors in the world. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the world of sailing and recognizes the achievements and performances of those who have made their mark on the nautical year. The Trophy is awarded every year in November, since its birth in 1994. Since then, it has rewarded many personalities who have demonstrated endurance and performance, including Sir Peter Blake and Sir Robin Knox Johnston, the first winners.

The selected athletes can represent any discipline in the world of sailing (windsurfing, ocean racing, regattas, Olympic support) and even be presented as a duo. This is especially true for performances at the Olympic Games, for example.

Anyone can register their "sailor" on the list of title contenders: national sailing organizations, class associations, World Sailing Committee members, sailorsâ?¦ A list is then established, and some chosen to appear on it (based on their performances and achievements over the past year).

An award ceremony in November 2016

The awards are presented during the traditional annual conference of the body (ISAF) that represents sailing in the world. For a week, the worldâ??s decision makers meet to discuss the future and the projects of sailing. And they take advantage of being together to elect the sailors âeuros a man and a woman âeuros of the year. Ãeuros note this year, a novelty since the public will also be able to participate in the votes for the first time. Voting will start on November 4 at 12:00 for a period of 72 hours.

The winners will be announced at the first conference presentation evening on November 8 in Barcelona, Spain. They will then receive the prestigious award, along with a Rolex watch. In recent years, the trophy has been awarded by the honorary presidents of the World Sailing Federation, King Harald V of Norway, King Constantine (the last king of Greece), Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and other renowned sailors.