ISAF accolade for Grael

Dave Kneale / Volvo Ocean Race

It's been a fantastic year and it was a fantastic Volvo Ocean Race. This year has made me aware of some feelings I am not used to ...

Tuesday 10 November 2009 16:30 GMT

Torben Grael was today named as the 2009 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year in Busan, Korea, at the ISAF Annual Conference. Grael wins the highest sailing honour in recognition of his outstanding achievement in skippering Ericsson 4 to overall victory in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race.

In an illustrious career, Brazilian Grael has also won five Olympic medals.

"It's an honour to be here," said an emotional Grael. "It's not the first time I've attended this award ceremony, but it's truly a different feeling to stand here.

"I am very thankful, and to be here I represent not only myself but all the people who helped me run my campaigns: the sailors, my family, my parents, my wife, the company Ericsson... it's been a fantastic year and it was a fantastic Volvo Ocean Race. This year has made me aware of some feelings I am not used to."

American multi-talented sailor, Anna Tunnnicliffe won the female award in recognition of her success in many sailing classes. After winning a gold medal in the Laser Radial at the Beijing Olympics, Tunnicliffe has successfully combined her Laser Radial sailing, with match racing in her training and competition schedule.

"I've had great fun competing in a variety of classes, I love doing it, and I'd like to thank my sponsors, my teams, my parents for being my managers, and my husband for always allowing me to sail, said Tunnicliffe.

The Awards have been held every year since 1994 and past winners include Peter Blake (NZL), Mike Sanderson (NZL), Ellen MacArthur (GBR), Robert Scheidt (BRA) and Russell Coutts (SUI). In 2008 the awards were presented to four-time Olympic medal winners Ben Ainslie (GBR) and Alessandra Sensini (ITA).