After an exceptional twelve months for New Zealand yachting on many levels, narrowing down a list of finalists was a tough decision for the judging panel. The winners will be announced at the Yachting Excellence Awards Presentation and Dinner to be held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Friday 16 November.

Eight individuals or teams have been named as finalists for Sailor of the Year 2007 which in 2006 went to Mike SANDERSON for his Volvo Ocean Racing achievements. Dating back to 1964 the winner receives the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy, which this year will be presented by the Governor-General. Former winners include Sir Peter BLAKE, Barbara KENDALL, Team New Zealand, PJ MONTGOMERY and Russell COUTTS to name a few.

Eight individuals or teams have reached finalist status for Young Sailor of the Year 2007. Introduced in 1996 the Young Sailor of the Year must be under the age of 20 in the year of the Award.

Both Open 420 World Champions, Carl EVANS and Peter BURLING, (who have launched successfully into the Olympic 470 class) and Optimist World Champion Chris STEELE feature as finalists for both of the major Awards.

Finalist Nominees for Sailor of the Year 2007
(In alphabetical order) 

Jo ALEH – Olympic Laser Radial 
Tom ASHLEY – Olympic Boardsailing
Carl EVANS and Peter BURLING – International 420 and Olympic 470
Emirates Team New Zealand – America’s Cup
Barbara KENDALL – Olympic Boardsailing 
Andrew MURDOCH – Olympic Laser
NZ International 420 Worlds Team – International 420
Chris STEELE – Optimist World Champion

Finalist Nominees for Young Sailor of the Year 2007
(In alphabetical order)

Carl EVANS and Peter BURLING - International 420 and Olympic 470 
Josh JUNIOR – Laser
Alex MALONEY – Optimist
NZ Optimist Team to the World Champs - Optimist 
Paul SNOW-HANSEN and Blair TUKE – 29er and 420
Chris STEELE – Optimist
Thomas SAUNDERS – P Class, 420 and Etchell
Jason SAUNDERS – Starling and 420

Eleven Yachting New Zealand Merit Awards, 16 Honour Awards and the President’s Award will also be presented on 16 November.