World Sailing, the international governing body for the sport of sailing, has announced the renewal of its World Sailor of the Year partnership with Rolex.
This renewed agreement secures the Swiss watchmaker’s role as Title Sponsor of the sport’s most prestigious award and reaffirms a longstanding commitment to celebrating the achievements of the world’s top sailors.
The Rolex World Sailor of the Year is the pinnacle of recognition for sailors, honouring those who have demonstrated unparalleled endurance, performance and accomplishment in the sport. The winners of the male and female categories are selected by a panel of experts and the public, with the announcement made each year at the World Sailing Awards. The winners are presented with a unique trophy and a specially engraved Rolex timepiece.
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.”
Launched in 1994, the award is recognised as the highest a sailor can receive in recognition of their outstanding achievements by the world of sailing. Rolex World Sailor of the Year celebrates the accomplishments of sailors across all disciplines of sailing, from inshore to offshore, and from dinghies to multihulls. The partnership with Rolex, which began in 2001, has seen the award grow in stature and prestige year on year.
The 2025 World Sailing Awards were held on 5 November 2025 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, as part of the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference.
