Australia’s own Tom Slingbsy won World Sailing’s Rolex Sailor of the Year Title at World Sailing’s ceremony in Malaga, Spain last week. This is the third time Slingsby has won the prestigious award.

Slingsby drove the Australian SailGP team to its third consecutive title this past year, making him the only skipper to have ever won the SailGP trophy. He is the skipper of American Magic and will be competing at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona next August.

On his most recent World Sailing title, Slingsby says, “I’m super humbled to be in this position. Previously when I’ve won this award, it’s been after a Laser world title or a Moth world title but this time it was purely sailing with teams. 

“American Magic have had a rough journey so far in their America’s Cup campaign but it feels like we’re really turning a chapter and there are really exciting things to come. And then with the Australian SailGP team, these are some of my oldest and best friends in the world and I’m so fortunate to go sailing with them and I’d be nothing without those guys behind me.”  

Slingsby will not be competing in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as him and his wife are expecting a baby boy this December. Slingsby will return to sailing on Sydney Harbour in February with the Australian SailGP team.