US Sailing has announced the nominees for the 2024 US Sailing Rolex Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen of the Year. Sailors who are U.S. citizens and have demonstrated on-the-water excellence at national and international events are encouraged to apply.
Nominations close Dec. 18. To nominate for Yachtsman of the Year, click here. To nominate a candidate for Yachtswoman of the Year, click here.
New this year, US Sailing opened the nomination period in the spring instead of the fall, as had been done previously. The decision was made to create a larger nomination pool and acknowledge year-round participation in the sport.
2024 Rolex Yachtsmen of the Year nominees are:
- Chris Poole
- Travis Odenbach
- Jeremy Wilmot
- Harry Melges IV
- Ford McCann
- Makani Andrews
- Conor Blouin
- Johnny Heineken
- Howard Hamlin
- Justin Callahan
- Austin Sperry
- David Starck
2024 Rolex Yachtswomen of the Year nominees are:
- Chelsea Sims
- Erika Reineke
- Fiona Wylde
- Cole Brauer
- Charlotte Rose
- Catherine Chimney
- Monica Morgan
- Annie and Molly Sitzmann
- Isabella Mendoza Cabezas
- Evelyn Hull
- Hannah Swett
- Paris Henken
US Sailing’s Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year was established in 1961 and the organization has partnered with Rolex since 1980. Previous winners include world champions, offshore record holders and America’s Cup winners.
“The strength of the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year nominee classes is a testament to the dedication, talent and passion that drives forward our sport in America,” Henry Brauer, president US Sailing, said in a statement. “These sailors have shown extraordinary commitment to excellence, and we deeply appreciate the sailing community for recognizing and nominating them. Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate the vitality of sailing across the country.”
Following the closure of the nomination period, US Sailing’s Yachtsman and Yachtswoman nominating committee will select three finalists for each award. They will be posted to a ballot and presented to voting groups of past award winners and sailing media who will select the winners. The Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the year will be announced in February 2025 at the organization’s Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, Calif.
