US Sailing has announced that nominations for the 2026 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year are now open, inviting the sailing community to put forward candidates for what are widely regarded as the most prestigious individual sailing honors in the United States.
Established in 1961 by US Sailing and supported by Rolex since 1980, the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards recognize the individual male and female American sailors who have demonstrated outstanding on-the-water excellence at both international and national events, bringing global recognition to sailing in the United States. Past recipients include world champions, offshore record holders, America’s Cup winners, and sailors with other prestigious victories to their names.
Beginning September 30, 2026, US Sailing is seeking nominees who are United States citizens and have demonstrated on-the-water excellence at national and international events during the calendar year, helping to bring global recognition to the sport. The nomination window will close on December 31, 2026.
Once the nomination period concludes, US Sailing’s Yachtsman and Yachtswoman nominating committee, approved by the Board of Directors, will select three finalists for both the Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Award based on the merits of the nominees. Those finalists will then be presented on a ballot to voting groups made up of past award winners and sailing media journalists, who will cast their votes for the winners.
The winners will be announced on February 11, 2027 at the US Sailing Awards Dinner hosted at Chicago Yacht Club. Nominations can be submitted through the US Sailing website.
