ISAF Rolex World Sailors to be announced in Madrid

8:40 PM Tue 11 Nov 2008 GMT

'ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2008' &copy Rolex/ Kurt Arrigo

Everything is set for the annual ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award ceremony, taking place tonight at the stunning La Quinta de Jarama in Madrid, Spain, where renowned sailing commentator Gary Jobson returns to host the Awards Dinner.

The ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards are recognized as one of the highest honours a sailor may receive in recognition of his/her outstanding achievements by the world of sailing.

HM King Constantine - &copy Rolex-Carlo Borlenghi

ISAF President of Honour HM King Constantine and Roland Schuler of Rolex will present the female and male winners with their awards. Each winner will receive the prestigious ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Trophy and a distinctive Rolex timepiece.

The nominees for the 2008 are:

Female Sailor/Crew

Sarah AYTON, Sarah WEBB & Pippa WILSON (GBR)
Claire LEROY (FRA)
Elise RECHICHI & Tessa PARKINSON (AUS)
Alessandra SENSINI (ITA)
Anna TUNNICLIFFE (USA)

Male Sailor/Crew

Ben AINSLIE (GBR)
Tom ASHLEY (NZL)
Francis JOYON (FRA)
Vincenzo ONORATO (ITA)
Ian WILLIAMS (GBR)

Sailors may be nominated by anyone and a shortlist is finalized from all the nominations received. The winners are determined by the ISAF Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world, which have been invited to vote for the male and the female nomination that they believe most deserves the Award.

The names of the winners will be announced tonight at about 22:30 CET.

by Giles Pearman