ROLEX SAILOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
SAIL CANADA’S ROLEX SAILOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE PROVIDED GLOBAL RECOGNITION TO CANADIAN SAILING AND SAIL CANADA.
THEY ARE RENOWNED LEADERS WHO HAVE ATTAINED HIGH LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE WITH RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS AROUND WORLD EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES.
Along with recognition for exemplary sportsmanship, they have held the respect of their fellow sailors.
Nominations
Sail Canada is currently accepting nominations for the Rolex Sailor of the Year Award based on the time period from September 15, 2022 to September 14, 2023. Nominees are individuals who:
- Have been significantly involved in an activity that, throughout the year, has provided recognition to Canadian sailing and Sail Canada. Results and accomplishments in world settings are considered in recipient selection, with priorities given to leaders who have attained high levels of excellence in Olympic/Paralympic class sailboat competitions.
- Have shown leadership qualities with respect to an event or activity.
- Demonstrate sportsmanship and the gaining of respect from fellow sailors.
- Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
Awarding
Sail Canada’s Rolex Sailor of the Year will be awarded at Canada’s Celebration of Sailing reception. Join us! Find details about the next Celebration of the Sailing event here: Canada’s Celebration of Sailing 2023
History
The award was first presented in 1986 to America’s Cup supporter Paul Phelan, who successfully organized a merger between Canada’s top 12-meter syndicates. To date, the Rolex Sailor of the Year has been awarded to many more outstanding Canadian sailors.
Previous Winners
| 2022 | Antonia & Georgia Lewin-LaFrance |
| 2020-2021 | Sarah Douglas |
| 2019 | Sarah Douglas |
| 2018 | Tom Ramshaw |
| 2017 | Brenda Bowskill |
| 2016 | John McRoberts & Jackie Gay |
| 2015 | Lee Parkhill |
| 2014 | Eric Holden |
| 2013 | Terry McLaughlin |
| 2012 | Oskar Johansson |
| 2011 | Paul D Phelan |
| 2010 | Fredrik D Eaton |
| 2009 | Curtis Florence |
| 2008 | Paul Tingley |
| 2007 | Evert Bastet |
| 2006 | Michael Leigh |
| 2005 | Chris Cook |
| 2004 | Ross MacDonald & Mike Wolfs |
| 2003 | Derek Hatfield |
| 2002 | Stephen Tupper |
| 2001 | Terry McLaughlin |
| 2000 | Livius Sherwood |
| 1999 | Richard Clarke |
| 1998 | Dirk Kneulman |
| 1997 | Gerry Roufs |
| 1996 | Bill Abbott, Joanne Abbott & Brad Boston |
| 1995 | Ross Cameron |
| 1994 | Paul Henderson |
| 1993 | Karen Johnson, Jennifer Normand, Suzanne Calladine & Cathy McPherson |
| 1992 | Ross Macdonald and Eric Jespersen |
| 1991 | Hank Lammens |
| 1990 | Ross Macdonald |
| 1989 | Andre Julien |
| 1988 | Lawrence Lemieux |
| 1987 | John Hughes |
| 1986 | Paul J. Phelan, CM |
