The 1997 ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards were held in Gothenburg, Sweden on 4 November 1997. The presenters for the evening were World Champion sailors, Dawn Riley (USA) and Hans Wallen (SWE).

Male Winner - Pete GOSS (GBR)

In recognition of his participation in the Vendée Globe Challenge and detour of 160 miles in exceptionally dangerous conditions to successfully rescue Raphael Dinelli (FRA) in his yacht 'Aqua Quorum'. Pete went on to complete the race, finishing after 126 days, 21 hours, 25 minutes and 4 seconds.

Female Winner - Ruslana TARAN (UKR) and Elena PAKHOLCHIK (UKR)

In recognition of their consistent successes in the women's double-handed 470 dinghy. The pair enjoyed continuous wins at almost all top level Olympic Class Regattas in 1997, winning 4 out of the 5 grade 1 events, as well as the 1997 470 World Championships.

Christophe AUGUIN (FRA)

In recognition of his success in winning the 26,000 mile Vendée Globe Challenge in his Open 60 "Geodis", and in setting a new single-handed around the world record of 105 days, 20 hours, 31 minutes and 23 seconds. Christophe Auguin was a nominee in 1995 for winning the BOC Challenge.

Olivier de KERSAUSON (FRA) and crew

In recognition of their exceptional non-stop around the world record achievement, which slashed almost three and half days off the previous record set in 1994. They completed their record passage in 71 days, 14 hours, 22 minutes and 8 seconds, with an average speed of 14.5 knots. This success was de Kersauson's fifth quest for the record.

Peter GLIMOUR (NZL)

In recognition of his success in winning the 1997 World Match Racing Championship. Peter raced with a full Japanese crew, demonstrating exceptional cross-cultural communications. The team won the finals with a convincing 3:1 defeat over their opponents.

Pete GOSS (GBR)

In recognition of his participation in the Vendée Globe Challenge and detour of 160 miles in exceptionally dangerous conditions to successfully rescue Raphael Dinelli (FRA). Goss nursed Dinelli over the two weeks it took too sail to Hobart and dry land, and then went on to complete the race, finishing after 126 days, 21 hours, 25 minutes and 4 seconds.

Catherine CHABAUD (FRA)

In recognition of her achievement as the first woman ever to successfully complete the Vendée Gl
obe single-handed around the world race in her yacht "Whirlpool Europe 2". She finished in 140 days, 4 hours, 38 minutes and 45 seconds.

Ruslana TARAN (UKR) and Elena PAKHOLCHIK (UKR)

In recognition of their consistent successes in the women's double-handed 470 dinghy.
The pair have enjoyed continuous wins at almost all the top level Olympic Class Regattas in 1997, winning 4 out of the 5 grade 1 events, as well as the 1997 470 World Championships.

At nearly every regatta, they have dominated decisively and not needed to sail the last race, although they have chosen to do so.

Miroslawa RYMKO (POL)

In recognition of this young, eighteen year old, Mistral sailor's consistent results and outstanding performance in the 1997 ISAF World Youth Sailing Championship.

She achieved seven 1st places, one 2nd and one 3rd, producing the most consistent and best placed results of all competitors in the regatta.

Miroslawa is also the 1997 IBSA Youth World Champion. Currently ranked 60th in the world, she is definitely a sailor to watch.