Since 1991, the Italian Sailing Federation’s Sailor of the Year Award has acknowledged Italian sailors who have distinguished themselves the most throughout the year at an international scale. First conceived by Acciari Consulting, as of 2022 the event has seen the Italian Marine Industry Association  join the organisation in an official capacity as partner alongside the Italian Sailing Federation.

The Sailing Federation’s Sailor of the Year Award has established itself as the most important and coveted prize in the industry so much so as to be referred to as the Oscar’s award for sailing. .

The prize ceremony also awards the titles of “Boat of the Year” and “Owner/Helmsman of the Year’. ”.

By virtue of the partnership with the Italian Sailing Federation, Federation awards are presented during the course of the prize-giving evening to Italian sailors who have distinguished themselves in the Olympic classes.

All nominated athletes take part in the award ceremony, which takes place in Rome (Villa Miani) and is one of the most eagerly anticipated and attended events in the industry. The entire sailing world shows up for the evening from owners to sailors, from technicians to journalists to public figures with a passion for sailing.