In the golf resort of PenhLonga, the seat of the Portuguese royal family in earlier times, the world sailors of the year were honored yesterday evening.
For women, the country representatives of the world association chose the French Claire Leroy, who had an incredibly successful year. She was the undisputed number one in the women's match race rankings throughout the year, winning the world and European championship titles in this discipline.
"This year has been incredible," she said after the award ceremony. She also thanked her crew: "Sailing is a wonderful team sport. Thank you very much for your great support, I will make my contribution to our hopefully good performance at the Beijing Olympics."
In the men's race, Ed Baird won the race. The American won the 32nd America’s Cup in Valencia with the Swiss Alingi team against the crew from New Zealand. He steered the defending champion's ship to a very clear 5-2 victory.
He too thanked his crew profusely: "The victory at the America’s Cup and thus also this prize tonight would not have been possible without our great team. Ultimately, this success was the fulfillment of all our dreams."