World Sailing, the international governing organisation for the sport of sailing, has renewed its World Sailor of the Year agreement with the Swiss watchmaker, Rolex.
This renewed partnership protects the watchmaker’s position as title sponsor of the sport’s most coveted prize while also reaffirming the company’s long-standing commitment to commemorating the accomplishments of the world’s best sailors.
The Rolex World Sailor of the Year award is the pinnacle of sailing accolades, rewarding those who have displayed unrivalled endurance, performance, and achievement in the sport. The male and female winners are chosen by a group of specialists and the general public, and the announcement is made annually at the World Sailing Awards. The winners receive a one-of-a-kind trophy and a Rolex timepiece that has been uniquely inscribed.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, said, “We are thrilled to extend the partnership. Rolex shares our passion for excellence, performance, the spirit of sailing, and this extension reflects a shared commitment to celebrating the sport’s top athletes. The enduring nature of this support serves to elevate the Rolex World Sailor of the Year and to inspire the next generation of sailors.”
The award, which was established in 1994, is regarded as the highest distinction a sailor can earn from the sailing community for their extraordinary achievements. The Rolex World Sailor of the Year award recognises sailors’ exploits in all sailing disciplines, from inshore to offshore, dinghies to multihulls. The association with Rolex, which began in 2001, has seen the prize increase in status and reputation year after year.
The 2025 World Sailing Awards took place on November 5, 2025, in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, as part of the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference.
