Rolex Sailor of the Year- Sailing's hottest properties nominated

by ISAF on 8 Oct 2014

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke - 2014 ISAF Sailing Worlds, Santander Yachting NZ/Sailing Energy http://www.sailingenergy.com/

Sailing's hottest properties, New Zealand's Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have tasted multiple successes in a range of disciplines over the nomination period.

Peter Burling - 2014 ISAF Sailing Worlds, Santander © Yachting NZ/Sailing Energy http://www.sailingenergy.com/

The pair have been a class above the rest in the 49er, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, breath taking athletic prowess and drive that cannot be rivalled.

Burling and Tuke have brushed aside their challengers with ease, finding an edge that many can only dream of. Unbeaten since London 2012 the duo took their first world title in Marseille, France in September 2013 in a convincing manner, but that was only the start of their rise.

In strong fleets at ISAF Sailing World Cup Mallorca and Hyères they were dominant. With a well measured and executed performance they took both victories by a 23 point margin. Onwards to the 2014 49er Europeans they resumed winning ways sealing the Open title by a 22 point deficit.

With their unbeaten run starting to take shape the Kiwis were relentless. They secured victory on Olympic waters at the Aquece Rio - International Sailing Regatta 2014 and then turned their attention to Santander and the defence of their world title.

Amassing 12 top eight victories the Kiwis were ruthless, sealing gold with a day to spare and finishing an incredible 46 points clear.

Burling and Tuke have also found time to impress away from the 49er scene. With Burling at the helm and Tuke calling tactics they won the Red Bull Youth America's Cup in San Francisco, USA and were quickly snapped up by the Emirates Team New Zealand America's Cup team. Two podium places followed on the Extreme Sailing Series in St Petersburg, Russia and Qingdao, China.

Peter Burling (NZL) leads on Leg 1 of Race 5, A-class catamaran World Championships, Day 3, Takapuna February 13, 2014 © Richard Gladwell www.photosport.co.nz

At the 2014 A-Class Worlds they impressed once again with Tuke coming in second and Burling in third.

Away from skiffs and multihulls they have also enjoyed keelboat success. The pair competed against each other at the 2013 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and Tuke was part of the winning team in the Auckland to Fiji Race (50ft canting keel division) with Burling finishing in second.

View Peter Burling and Blair Tuke's ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Profile by clicking here

Joining Burling and Tuke as Male Nominees for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2014 are Mat Belcher and Will Ryan (AUS), Bill Hardesty (USA), Giles Scott (GBR) and James Spithill (AUS).

Blair Tuke (NZL) A-class catamaran World Championships, Day 1, Takapuna February 11, 2014 © Richard Gladwell www.photosport.co.nz

The Voting
The winners are selected by the ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs), the national governing bodies for sailing around the world. The MNAs are now invited to vote for the male and female nominee they believe most deserves the Award.

The winners will be announced at the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards presentation and dinner, taking place on Tuesday 4 November 2014. The venue for the event will be at the Pueblo Español, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Each winner will be presented with the prestigious ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Trophy and a distinctive Rolex timepiece.