Sailing maestro Ben Ainslie continues to capture the hearts of boating enthusiasts worldwide. The 34-year-old has been shortlisted by the International Sailing Federation for Sailor of the Year for the fourth time (previously winning in 1998, 2002 and 2008). This comes as no surprise after he completed another resounding sailing season in which he became both Match Racing and ISAF Sailing World Cup champion.

Ainslie heads a five-strong men’s shortlist. In deciding the nominees, the achievements of sailors made during the qualifying period of 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011 are taken into consideration.  His competition includes Lorenzo Bressani from Italy (Melges 24 and 32 World Champion) and the US’ Rob Douglas (Outright World Speed Record Holder).

At the top of the women’s category are Britain’s Dee Caffari and Alexandra Rickham. Rickham, who first sailed as part of her rehabilitation from a diving accident in 1995, won her third consecutive IFDS Disabled Sailing World title in July. A few weeks later she clinched the 2010-11 ISAF Sailing World Cup title. Meanwhile the 38-year-old Caffari, 38 this year became the first woman to have sailed non-stop around the world three times.

The winners, to be picked by the national governing bodies for sailing from around the world, will be announced at the ISAF World Sailor of the Year awards in collaboration with Rolex in Puerto Rico on November 8.

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