Tuke up for world sailor of year

RULING THE WAVES: Kerikeri sailor Blair Tuke and Peter Burling competing at the recent ISAF sailing world champs.

Kerikeri sailor Blair Tuke, along with fellow Kiwi Peter Burling, are among the finalists for 2014 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year.

The London Olympic silver medallists have been a class above the rest in the 49er demonstrating exceptional teamwork, athletic prowess and drive that cannot be rivalled.

Over the nomination period the Kiwi duo brushed aside their challengers with ease, finding an advantage that many can only dream of.

They took their first world title in Marseille, France in 2013 and in their defence of the title at the Santander 2014 ISAF Worlds they crushed the opposition, sealing gold with a 46-point winning margin.

ISAF received nominations for the 2014 Awards from across the world for sailors representing all aspects of the sport.

The nominees are put forward based on achievements made during the qualifying period from September 1, 2013 to September 21, 2014.

Only one nominee wins in both the male and female categories.

The winners are selected by the ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs), the national governing bodies for sailing around the world and will be announced at the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards presentation and dinner, taking place on Tuesday November 4 at the Pueblo Espaol, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Each winner will be presented with the prestigious ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Trophy and a distinctive Rolex timepiece.

The full list of names vying for the coveted and prestigious 2014 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award are: Male: Mat Belcher and Will Ryan (AUS), Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (NZL), Bill Hardesty (USA), Giles Scott (GBR), James Spithill (AUS).

Female: Steph Bridge (GBR), Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze (BRA), Charline Picon (FRA).