Nominations are now open for the World Sailing Awards 2026, the sport’s premier global awards, celebrating exceptional performance, inspirational leadership and contributions that are helping to shape the future of sailing.
-Rolex World Sailor of the Year awards to be presented to sailing’s highest achievers.
-Young World Sailor of the Year awards to acknowledge the achievements of the next generation of sailing stars.
-The Impact Award to celebrate significant contributions to positive environmental or social impact in sailing by individuals and teams.
-Team of the Year to reward successful crews of two or more.
-Beppe Croce Trophy and President’s Development Award to honour outstanding individual and regional contributions to the sport of sailing.
Now is your chance to nominate the individuals and teams who deserve their place among the sport's highest achievers.
The ceremony will be held on Wednesday 18 November at the Qingdao International Conference Center in Qingdao, China, as part of the World Sailing Annual Conference.
Honouring achievement across the sport, from prestigious individual and team awards to social or environmental impacts, and outstanding contributions to sailing, the World Sailing Awards will showcase the dedication and diversity that make sailing such an inspirational global sport.
The Rolex World Sailor of the Year is the highest award a sailor can receive in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the sport. Supported by Rolex since 2001, the roll of honour features many of the greatest names in sailing.
Winners are not announced until the night of the ceremony when they receive the prestigious award and a Rolex timepiece.
World Sailing will also present several awards to honour success in every aspect of the sport, including the Young World Sailor of the Year Award, the latest addition to the World Sailing Awards, which recognises the success of sailors under the age of 21.
The World Sailing Impact Award celebrates positive social or environmental impacts through sailing. This includes the use of innovative approaches, community engagement, collaboration, and implementation of best practices to achieve those aims.
Nominations are now open in all categories using the official online form. The nomination period will close on 30 September 2026.
Submissions for the Rolex World Sailor of the Year, Young Sailor of the Year, Team of the Year and the Impact Award will be considered by a panel comprised of independent experts representing the diversity of the marine industry. The panel will determine a shortlist of finalists based upon all received nominations, which is then opened up to a public vote.
World Sailing CEO, David Graham, said: "The World Sailing Awards recognise and honour excellence, achievement, and dedication in the sport of sailing. We are delighted to hold this year's awards in a city rich in sailing heritage. Qingdao hosted the unforgettable Olympic sailing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has welcomed sailors from around the world to prestigious events for decades.
“The Annual Conference and Awards are a wonderful opportunity to share and celebrate the achievements of so many athletes from across the sport, as well as shine the spotlight on those working tirelessly to support the development of sailing worldwide."
Known as a famous international sailing city, Qingdao will welcome more than 400 international delegates, sports officials, prominent figures and observers from the sailing world for the week-long event, providing the perfect backdrop to celebrate the achievements of sailors around the globe.