World Sailing announces 2026 award finalists

World Sailing has revealed the finalists for the 2026 awards, including the Rolex World Sailor of the Year (male and female), Young World Sailor of the Year (male and female), the 11th Hour Racing Impact Award, and Team of the Year.

Notable finalists include Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris for Team of the Year, following their 2026 470 World Championship victory. Other shortlisted candidates include Paula Barcelo, Maria Cantero, Maria Giubilei, Lauriane Nolot, and Charlotte Rose for the female World Sailor of the Year category, while Thomas Coville, Max Maeder, Luuc van Opzeeland, and Matt Wearn are finalists for the male category.

The winners will be announced at a live ceremony on November 18, 2026, in Qingdao, China. The final decision will be determined by a split vote: 50% from an expert judging panel and 50% from a public vote, which closes on November 2.