United States Sailing recognizes the best sailor man and woman every year with the Rolex Yachtsman and Woman award.
In 2016 as well, the preparation has begun and the jury is busy in short listing the name. United States sailing has announced the name of eight shortlisted man sailors and six women sailors for the final round.
2016 Rolex Yachtsman, nominees done by US sailing are
- Augie Diaz, winner of Star World Champion from Miami.
- Brad Kendall from Tampa, Hugh Freund from South Freeport and Rick Doerr from Clifton silver medalist of Paralympic.
- Terry Hutchinson from Annapolis winner of Maxi 72, TP52 World Champion and Rolex Farr 40.
- John Kostecki from Fairfax winner of Melges 20 and J/70 World Championship.
- Dave Hughes from Miami and Stu McNay from Providence winner of 470 North American Champions and Melges 24 World Champions.
- Mike Marshall from Jamestown winner of J/22 World Championship.
- Mike Martin from Mill Valley winner of 505 World Championship.
- Caleb Paine from San Diego Olympic Bronze Medalist.
2016 Rolex Yachtsman, nominees done by US sailing are
- Shannon Bush from Refugio Etchells winner of Biscayne Bay Series – Sidney Doren Memorial Regatta Championship.
- Briana Provancha from San Diego and Annie Haeger from East Troy winner of 470 South American Championship Silver Medalists.
- Daniella Moroz from Lafayette winner of IKA Formula Kite World Championship.
- Paige Railey from Clearwater winner of silver medalist Laser Radial World Championship.
- Erika Reineke from Fort Lauderdale winner of College Sailing Women’s Singlehanded National Champion and Melges 32 World Champion.
- Stephanie Roble from East Troy runner up in semi-final Women’s International and Melges 20 World Championship.
Renowned sailing journalists will now look deeply on each nominee’s profile and will come up with the final name in January. Official announcement of winners will be done on the 2nd of March.