Please select your home edition
Edition
ABS2026_Sail World_1456x180-5 TOP

US Sailing announces finalists for the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards

by US Sailing 6 Jan 2025 11:41 PST
Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards © US Sailing

US Sailing is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards, celebrating the most outstanding performances in sailing by American athletes over the past year.

The finalists for the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year are:

  • Ian Barrows and Hans Henken
  • Travis Odenbach
  • Jeremy Wilmot
The finalists for the 2024 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year are:
  • Cole Brauer
  • Monica Morgan
  • Hannah Swett
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held on February 6, 2025 at US Sailing Awards Ceremony held during the 2025 US Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California. Winners are selected by a vote of past Rolex Award winners and prominent members of the sailing media. Please visit US Sailing’s website to learn more about the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year selection process.

Established in 1961 by US Sailing and sponsored by Rolex, these awards are widely regarded as the highest individual honors in American sailing. Over the decades, the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards have celebrated the achievements of some of the most legendary figures in sailing, including Olympians, world champions, and record-setting adventurers.

Past recipients include sailing icons such as Buddy Melges, Dennis Conner, Betsy Alison, and JJ Fetter, who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Each year, the awards not only honor individual excellence but also inspire future generations of sailors to strive for greatness. The selection process remains rooted in recognizing not just competitive success, but also the sportsmanship, leadership, and commitment that define exceptional sailors.

"Year after year, the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent within our sailing community. These finalists exemplify the passion, dedication, and excellence that drive our sport forward," said Henry Brauer, President of US Sailing.

For more information on the awards, please visit www.ussailing.org/competition/awards-trophies/us-sailings-rolex-yachtsman-yachtswoman-of-the-year-awards.

For more information about the 2025 Sailing Leadership Forum, please visit sailingleadership.org.

Related Articles

US Sailing Announces Finalists
For the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards US Sailing is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards, honoring the most outstanding performances by American sailors over the past year. Posted on 12 Jan
US Sailing Olympic Sailing Leadership Restructure
Molly Vandemoer appointed as Director of Olympic Sailing US Sailing today announced an Olympic Sailing leadership transition that includes the conclusion of Marcus Lynch's tenure as High Performance Director and the appointment of Molly Vandemoer as Director of Olympic Sailing. Posted on 5 Jan
US Sailing releases Reach Initiative Impact Report
Reach inspires curiosity and promotes hands-on learning US Sailing is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Reach Initiative Impact Report, which reveals a growing demand for hands-on learning in the STEM fields. Posted on 22 Dec 2025
US Sailing announces 2026 Regional Symposiums
The return of Regional and National Coaching Symposium in 2026 US Sailing is pleased to announce the return of its Regional Symposiums and National Coaching Symposium in 2026. Posted on 22 Dec 2025
USA wins Gold, Bronze at the 2025 Youth Worlds
David Coates of Coconut Grove, Florida secured the Gold in the ILCA 6 Male event After 5 days of intense competition in Vilamoura, Portugal, David Coates of Coconut Grove, Florida secured the Gold in the ILCA 6 Male event at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships. Posted on 20 Dec 2025
US Sailing unveils 2025–2028 Strategic Plan
The new strategic plan reflects a shared vision to elevate sailing at every level. US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing and the Member National Authority of World Sailing in the United States, today announced the release of its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. Posted on 8 Dec 2025
US Sailing announces 2026 Board of Directors
US Sailing announce the results of the 2026 Board of Directors elections US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Board of Directors elections. Posted on 14 Nov 2025
2025 US Multihull Championship Preview
More than 90 competitors from 25 states and 3 countries The 2025 U.S. Multihull Championship will unite more than 90 competitors from 25 states and 3 countries for four days of exhilarating, high-performance racing co-hosted by the Corpus Christi Yacht Club and the Formula Wave Class. Posted on 3 Nov 2025
US Teams set for 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 Worlds
Crystal clear waters, fantastic wind, and warm temperatures set the scene Crystal clear waters, fantastic wind, and warm temperatures set the scene for one of the largest events on the Olympic fleet's calendar. A total of 400 sailors and 200 boats are registered for the event. Posted on 7 Oct 2025
Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year
US Sailing Opens Nominations for 2025 Awards Today, US Sailing announced that nominations for the 2025 US Sailing Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year are open, widely acknowledged as the premier individual sailing honor in the United States. Posted on 6 Oct 2025
ABS2026_Sail World_1456x180-2 BOTTOMV-DRY-XFestival of Sails 2026