Tweet
Sailing’s highest achievers were honoured at a glittering World Sailing Awards ceremony in Malaga.
The 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year awards were presented to Tom Slingsby and Kirsten Neuschafer, in a contest decided by an expert panel and a public vote. Slingsby was separated from his nearest competitor by fewer than 20 votes.
South African Kirsten Neuschafer was named female 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year after writing her name into the history books by becoming the first woman to finish first in the solo Golden Globe Race, a journey around the world reliant on no modern technology. She also came to the rescue of a fellow sailor during the course of the event.
Tom Slingsby was named male 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year for the third time at the World Sailing Awards 2023 after guiding his Australia SailGP to a third consecutive title, ensuring he is still the only skipper to have won the SailGP trophy. He was also skipper of American Magic, winner of the inaugural event of the 2024 America’s Cup.
