Abu Dhabi: Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 winning skipper Ian Walker of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team SCA’s all-female crew skipper Sam Davies have been shortlisted for the prestigious International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year Awards for men and women.
A two-time Olympic medallist, Briton Walker finally got his hands on the Volvo Ocean Race trophy in the 12th edition, which ended on June 27 in Gothenburg, at the third attempt.
“Winning the Volvo Ocean Race was not only a special moment for me, but also a special moment in the sporting history of Abu Dhabi,” Walker said of the round-the-world race victory.
“The Volvo Ocean Race is a huge mental and physical challenge and I am extremely proud to have followed in the footsteps of some of my childhood heroes like Sir Peter Blake.
“Personally it took me eight years of hard work to win this race, but you cannot achieve anything without a great team of people with you. Being nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award is an absolute privilege.”
In the female category, Davies has been nominated for her campaign as skipper of Team SCA.
The first all-female crew to enter the race in more than a decade, Davies and her teammates set out to inspire a new generation of women.
They made history with a Leg 8 victory into Lorient on June 11, becoming the first all-female team to win a leg of the race in 25 years.
The awards will be presented on November 10 in another place with strong Volvo Ocean Race connections — Sanya, China, where the sailors visited in February this year at the end of Leg 3.
Also nominated in the male category is Team Volvo’s world champion Finn sailor Giles Scott.
Winners are selected by various means, including the ISAF member authorities and by those in attendance on the night.
