The awards showcased not only skill and perseverance on the water but also innovation in sailing practices and development initiatives worldwide.
Rolex World Sailor of the Year
Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands and Diego Botin and Florian Trittel of Spain were awarded the 2024 Rolex World Sailor of the Year titles, cementing their places as the top competitors in international sailing. Bouwmeester, an Olympic gold medallist in the women’s dinghy class at Paris 2024, has now become the most decorated female Olympic sailor in the sport. Her consistent excellence across four Olympic Games, including her return to peak competition after motherhood, has set her apart as a role model in sailing.
Botin and Trittel, who won the men’s skiff gold in Paris, have also had an outstanding year. Shortly after their Olympic victory, they led the Spanish SailGP Team to win Season 4 of the SailGP series, breaking Australia’s dominance. Their adaptability and resilience in both Olympic and SailGP events underscore their versatility and skill in different formats of competitive sailing.
Young World Sailor of the Year
The newly established Young World Sailor of the Year award went to Poland’s Ewa Lewandowska and Singapore’s Max Maeder, two athletes whose performances are redefining the future of competitive sailing. Lewandowska, competing in the 29er mixed category, achieved gold at the Youth Sailing World Championships alongside her sailing partner, Krzysztof Królik, just months after they began sailing together. Her successes this year, including victories at the European Championships and Youth Worlds, highlight her rapid rise in the sport.
Maeder, at just 17 years old, has taken the Formula Kite class by storm. This year, he claimed the gold at the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships in Hyères and earned bronze in the Paris Olympics. As the youngest Olympic-class world champion and Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist, Maeder’s consistent podium finishes reflect his dedication and natural talent in this fast-evolving discipline.
Celebrating Innovation and Sustainability in Sailing
In addition to athletic achievements, the 2024 awards recognised impactful advancements in sailing technology and sustainability. The 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award was given to Winds of Change, a project spearheaded by Sophia Papamichalopoulos from Cyprus. This initiative promotes peace and environmental awareness by engaging youth in sailing, particularly across the divided communities in Cyprus. Winds of Change has directly impacted thousands of young people and received the 2024 Peace Award from the Youth Board of Cyprus.
The inaugural World Sailing Technology Award went to Northern Lights Composites (NLcomp), whose innovations in recyclable boat materials aim to address the growing issue of fibreglass waste in the sailing industry. NLcomp’s work with major shipbuilders like Grand Soleil and Beneteau, along with the success of its sustainable “ecoracer” model, demonstrates how environmentally conscious design can still deliver high performance.
Recognising Dedication and Team Excellence
Italy’s Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti, who retained their Olympic mixed multihull title in Paris 2024, were awarded Team of the Year. This formidable duo, who also won the 2024 Nacra 17 World Championship, have exemplified teamwork and consistency in the mixed multihull category.
The Beppe Croce Trophy, an award for outstanding lifetime contributions to sailing, was presented to Aiko Saito of Japan. Saito has represented Japan at the Olympics and continues to work behind the scenes, providing essential support to athletes and teams. Her dedication to promoting the sport, from logistical support at the Tokyo Games to her ongoing volunteer work, embodies the Olympic spirit and serves as an inspiration within the sailing community.
Development and Progress in Global Sailing
The President’s Development Award went to Hedi Gharbi of Tunisia, whose leadership has significantly advanced sailing in his home country. Gharbi, a former Olympic competitor and current president of the Tunisian Sailing Federation, has championed initiatives from grassroots to high-performance levels, helping to elevate the sport’s profile in Tunisia.
Reflecting on the World Sailing Awards
Since their inception in 1994, the World Sailing Awards have aimed to highlight remarkable accomplishments in the sport. Sponsored by Rolex since 2001, the awards recognise excellence and achievement, inspiring sailors and fans alike. With sustainability as a growing focus, awards such as the 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award emphasise the need for environmental stewardship in maritime practices. The 2024 event, backed by the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Sailing Federation, marked another milestone in this ongoing legacy.
As New Zealand and the broader sailing community look to the future, the World Sailing Awards set a benchmark for innovation, resilience, and excellence across all levels of the sport. This year’s winners exemplify the commitment and passion that continue to drive sailing forward, both as a competitive sport and as a platform for positive change.
