October 30, 2019
The best yachtsman on the planet is 15 years old!
In the framework of the annual World Sailing conference, held in Bermuda, a solemn ceremony of presenting prizes to the best yachtsman and the best yachtsman in the world in 2019 took place.
The 15-year-old Italian Marco Gradoni was recognized as the best yachtsman – and this is a real sensation. Never before has a prize established by World Sailing and Rolex been awarded to such a young athlete.
However, the award found the hero absolutely in the case. The achievements of Gradoni are phenomenal, without discounts on his age. Marco is a three-time (2017, 2018, 2019) world champion in the Optimist class. Over the past year, he took part in 14 regattas of various levels – and invariably became the winner. Amazing constancy!
The prize for the best yachtsman of the world went to Anna-Marie Rind from Denmark, two-time winner of the World Championships in Laser Radial. The undisputed leader in her class, Anne-Marie throughout the year invariably defeated all rivals, and even for a clear advantage.
Other awards were presented during the ceremony. Thus, the F50 flying catamaran is recognized as the best ship of 2019 (this prize was established by Goslings), which is attended by participants in the international SailGP series. Whereas the crew of the year (the prize from Hempel) was the crew of the Wizard yacht (the owners of the vessel are David and Peter Eskew, the skipper is Charlie Enright). In 2019, the team won races such as the RORC Caribbean 600 and Rolex Fastnet Race.
Among other winners, we note the Oman Sail Federation, which received a prize for the development and popularization of sailing.
616 October 30, 2019 # 9628
Chief Editor
