The criteria for nomination for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2004 was 'outstanding achievement' in the period 1 September 2003 to 31 August 2004.

With the pinnacle regatta of the nomination period being the 2004 Olympic Sailing Competition, and giving due credit to their achievements all eleven gold medal winning crews have been shortlisted, together with outstanding sailors from the world of offshore sailing and match racing. An interesting mix of achievements will no doubt set the race for some close voting.

To determine the winners, the ISAF Member National Authorities - the national governing bodies for sailing - around the world will cast their vote for the one female nominee and one male nominee whom they feel deserve the honour of receiving the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award 2004. The winners will be announced at the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards Presentation on 9 November 2004, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The winners of the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards will be presented with a Rolex timepiece and the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Trophy.

To view the achievements of the shortlisted sailors and the reasons for nomination click on the links in the left hand menu or below or read the press release announcing the shorlitst in the Media section.