World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, and Rolex, the leading name in prestige watches that includes those engineered specifically for sailing, announced the lineup of Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2018 nominees that personify excellence.
The nominated sailors represent the best of the best in international sailing over the last 12 months, with kiteboarders, offshore racers, and Olympic class specialists all listed below:
Female
Caterina Banti (ITA) – 2018 Nacra 17 World Champion
Carolijn Brouwer (NED) / Marie Riou (FRA) – Volvo Ocean Race winners
Daniela Moroz (USA) – 2018 Formula Kiteboarding World Champion
Wendy Tuck (AUS) – Clipper Round the World Race winning skipper
Male
Charles Caudrelier (FRA) – Volvo Ocean Race winning skipper
Sime and Mihovil Fantela (CRO) – 2018 49er World Champions
Pavlos Kontides (CYP) – 2018 Laser World Champion
Dorian van Rijsselberghe (NED) – 2018 Men’s RS:X World Champion
Ruggero Tita (ITA) – 2018 Nacra 17 World Champion
Winning silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games firmly embedded Pavlos Kontides into Cyprus’ sporting history as his success was the first Olympic medal for his nation. Since then, Kontides has continued to inspire nationally and globally with his achievements.
Throughout the year, Kontides repeatedly earned his place on the Sailing World Cup podiums. In the 2017 series, Kontides won silver in Miami and gold in Hyères, before securing silver again in Gamagori, Round 1 of the 2018 series. Most impressive, however, were his accomplishments and performance at the ultimate events of the year. Kontides won gold at the 2017 Laser World Championships in Split, Croatia, and retained his title less than one year later at the 2018 Hempel Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. After 10 testing races, Kontides faced off against Matt Wearn (AUS) in the Laser Medal Race. Although Kontides finished a place behind the Australian in a tense final duel, he had enough points to give him a two-point victory and a second world title.
Members of the public will be invited to vote for who they think should be crowned Rolex World Sailor of the Year on Monday 15 October via World Sailing’s website. The public will contribute 30% of the overall vote with World Sailing’s Member National Authorities making up the final 70%.
On Tuesday 30 October 2018, the winners will be announced at the World Sailing Awards Ceremony in Sarasota, Florida, USA.