It has been announced last Wednesday that winning Clipper 2017-18 Race Skipper and CYCA Member Wendy Tuck has been nominated for Rolex World Sailor of the Year. Open to public vote, Wendy, who became the first female Skipper to win a round the world yacht race when she led Sanya Serenity Coast to victory on 28 July, will be competing against four outstanding women in sailing for the female category of the coveted award when voting opens on Monday 15 October via World Sailing’s website.

The public vote will contribute to 30% of the overall vote with World Sailing’s Member National Authorities making up the final 70%. The winners will be announced at the World Sailing Awards Ceremony in Sarasota, Florida, USA, on Tuesday 30 October.

Not only did Wendy set records during the 2017-18 edition, she also became the first Australian Skipper to compete in the Clipper Race twice after previously leading a team in the 2015-16 edition. But before setting off on a second Clipper Race, Wendy rang in 2017 by achieving her life-long goal of making the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race honours list, after competing in her tenth Race.

Sydney Hobart is a race close to Wendy’s heart. The 53-year-old was awarded the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy after being the first female Skipper across the Finish Line, as a result of leading her team to win the Clipper Race class of the 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and once again when she scooped line honours in the Clipper Race class in 2017.

Winners of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year award will be presented with the unique marble and silver trophy together with a Rolex timepiece.

To vote, and for more information, visit the World Sailing website.