Nominations Accepted For US SAILING’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards: Help Shape Sailing History

Portsmouth, R.I. (September 28, 2005) – Throughout 2005, U.S. sailors have achieved great regatta results at home and abroad. Starting today, US SAILING, national governing body of the sport, is accepting nominations for the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards, considered the highest individual sailing honors in the country. Through November 30, 2005, US SAILING members can nominate their favorite male and female sailors who have turned in outstanding performances on the water in this calendar year. Vote by going to US SAILING’s website at www.ussailing.org/awards/rolex.

After the nomination period ends, a shortlist of nominees is presented to a panel of noted sailing journalists who discuss the merits of each and vote by secret ballot to determine the award winners. In February 2006, the winners each will be presented with a specially-engraved Rolex timepiece and the perpetual Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Trophy: a Steuben crystal interpretation of the yacht America.

The Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards, created by US SAILING in 1961, have been sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. since 1980.

About Rolex Watch U.S.A.
Since Rolex Watch U.S.A. first presented timepieces to America's Cup defenders in 1958, the company has consistently recognized and encouraged excellence in every important arena of competitive sailing, including Olympic Games preparation, US SAILING championships, disabled sailing, and offshore, one-design and women's events.

The Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards join other prestigious Rolex-sponsored events including US SAILING's Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, International Rolex Regatta, Rolex IMS World Championship, Giraglia Rolex Cup, Rolex Swan American Regatta, Rolex Commodores' Cup and the New York Yacht Club's Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex.

About US SAILING
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING) is the national governing body for sailing and sailboat racing. Headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the organization's mission is to encourage participation and promote excellence in sailing and racing in the U.S. US SAILING offers training and education programs, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including the US Sailing Teams and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Teams. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.

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