World Sailing has announced its Rolex World Sailor of the Year finalists. Sponsored by Rolex, the World Sailor of the Year awards have honored sailing’s top individual performers since 1994. Each year, the sport’s international governing body, World Sailing, names a standout male and female sailor, presenting them with a prestigious trophy and a Rolex timepiece. Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2025 finalists are considered among the top sailors in the World.
We’ve compiled profiles of each finalist. Read below for more:
Female Nominees
Allison Bell (USA)
Allison “Alli” Bell is an American offshore and big‑boat sailor. In 2025 she skippered the Cal 40 yacht Restless, becoming the first woman to win the historic Transpac Yacht Race (which has been held since 1906). Her nomination for the 2025 World Sailing Awards recognises that milestone.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Skippered Restless to overall victory (corrected time) in the 2025 Transpac Yacht Race, making her the first woman to win the race in its 119‑year history.
- Earned the King Kalākaua Trophy for highest corrected‑time winner in that race.
Martine Grael (BRA)
Martine Grael, born 12 February 1991 in Niterói, Brazil, is a two‑time Olympic gold medalist (in the 49er FX class) and the first‑ever female driver in SailGP. In 2025 she led the new Mubadala Brazil team to their first fleet‑race victory in New York.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Led the Mubadala Brazil team to their first fleet‑race victory in New York (June 2025).
- First female driver in SailGP, achieving a historic win for women in the circuit.
Justine Mettraux (SUI)
Justine Mettraux is a Swiss solo‑offshore skipper who made history in the 2024‑25 Vendée Globe by finishing 8th — the first woman to finish in the top ten and the first international (non‑French) woman to complete the race.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Completed the Vendée Globe 2024‑25 in 8th place in ~76 days.
- First woman to finish in the top ten of the Vendée Globe.
Jazz Turner (GBR)
Jazz Turner is a British para‑inclusive sailor and mechanical engineer with Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome. In June 2025 she completed a solo, non‑stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the British Isles (~2,070 miles) — becoming the first wheelchair‑user and first disabled sailor to do so.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Completed ‘Project FEAR’ — a 2,070‑mile solo circumnavigation of the British Isles in June 2025.
- Raised over £50,000 for Sailability, supporting adaptive sailing initiatives.
Male Nominees
Peter Burling (NZL)
Peter Burling is a New Zealand sailor, Olympic gold medalist, and multiple America’s Cup winner. In 2025 he announced his move from Emirates Team New Zealand to Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli while continuing to dominate elite offshore and foiling events.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Took line honours aboard SVR‑Lazartigue in the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race.
- Confirmed move to Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the next America’s Cup.
- Continued to compete at the top level in SailGP for Team New Zealand.
Charlie Dalin (FRA)
Charlie Dalin is a French naval‑architect‑turned‑sailor who won the 2024‑25 Vendée Globe in a record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, 49 seconds — the fastest solo, non‑stop, around‑the‑world monohull finish ever.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Won the 2024‑25 Vendée Globe in record time.
- Set a new race record, beating the previous best by over nine days.
Alexis Loison (FRA)
Alexis Loison is a French offshore skipper who achieved his long‑awaited victory in the 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec in 2025 after many years of campaigning.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Won the 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec (2025).
- Captured the first leg of the race in Roscoff, setting up his overall victory.
Jordi Xammar Hernández (ESP)
Jordi Xammar Hernández is a Spanish Olympic‑class sailor and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist. In 2025 he and Marta Cardona won both the 470 World Championship and the European Championship.
- Key 2024–25 Accomplishments:
- Won the 2025 470 World Championship in Gdynia, Poland.
- Captured the 2025 470 European Championship in Split, Croatia.
