Ben Ainslie nominated for world sailor of the year award (From Daily Echo)

Ben Ainslie nominated for world sailor of the year award

3:54pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in General Sport

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie has been nominated for the International sailing Federation Rolex World Sailor of the Year.

The 35-year-old, based in Lymington, became the most decorated sailor in Games history this summer as he took gold on the home waters of Weymouth and Portland.

Ainslie also won the Finn Gold Cup this year to put him among the favourites to win the men's category, while there are two British sailors shortlisted for the women's award.

Southampton’s Helena Lucas became Great Britain's first Paralympic sailing gold medallist by winning the 2.4mR class at London 2012.

RS:X sailor Saskia Sills is the other British nominee after capping a fantastic year by winning the world and European youth championships.