FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Sailing Announces Finalists for the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards
BRISTOL, R.I. (January 6, 2024) – 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 https://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 https://sailingleadership.org/
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About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions, providing comprehensive financial, logistical, coaching, technical, fitness, marketing, and communications support, as well as managing the Team USA athlete selection procedures for the Olympic Games. More at www.ussailing.org.