Envelope, please: World Sailing Awards

The World Sailing Awards winners were revealed during the organization’s annual conference which was held in 2025 on November 5 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. The finalists in six categories were previously revealed on October 17.

Voting for these World Sailing Awards combined a public vote which made up 50% of the final decisions with 50% contributed by World Sailing’s expert panels.

Additionally, the President’s Development Award, Beppe Croce Trophy, and the World Sailing Technology Award recipients were determined by World Sailing.

Click here for the World Sailing report. Below are the winners as they were announced:

• Bernard Bonneau was recognized for his contributions in the field of race officiating and governance.
• Jevan Tan led an initiative that integrates sailing as an educational platform to promote sustainability, resilience, interdependence, and responsible action in Singapore.
• Vakaros has transformed water-based event management for all levels, from club races to world championships.

Emirates Team New Zealand won the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in October 2024, making history with the team’s third win in succession.

Details on the finalists: https://www.sailing.org/awards/team-of-the-year/team-of-the-year-finalists/

At 20 years old, Marta won the 470 mixed World and European Championships, while 13-year-old Nikolaos won the 2025 Optimist World Championship against 213 athletes.

Details on the finalists: https://www.sailing.org/awards/young-world-sailor-of-the-year/young-world-sailor-of-the-year-finalists/

Details on the finalists: https://www.sailing.org/awards/sustainability-award/11th-hour-racing-impact-award-finalists/

Justine Mettraux of Switzerland became the fastest female to take part in the Vendee Globe, finishing eighth and setting a record for the fastest single-handed, non-stop, monohull circumnavigation by a woman, with a time of 76 days, 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Charlie Dalin of France placed first in the 10th edition of the quadrennial Vendée Globe race around the world that took place in 2024–2025 completing the race within a time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds, smashing the previous record by 9 days, 8 hours, 12 minutes and 57 seconds.

Details on the finalists: https://www.sailing.org/awards/rolex-world-sailor-of-the-year/rolex-sailor-of-the-year-finalists/