22 Sep 2017

Ashby and Burling up for World Sailing award

7:53 am on 22 September 2017

America's Cup winning skipper Glenn Ashby and helmsman Peter Burling are both finalists for the World Sailing Male Sailor of the Year award.

Burling and Ashby raise cup during parade

Helmsman, Peter Burling, and Skipper, Glenn Ashby, with the America's Cup in NZ hands for the first time in 14 years. Photo: ( RNZ / Todd Niall )

The pair helped Team New Zealand win the America's Cup off Oracle Team USA in Bermuda in June.

The other finalists are French Ocean racers Thomas Coville and Armel Le Cleac'h.

Burling and Blair Tuke won the world honour in 2015 after their success in the 49er boat.

More than 80 nominations were received for the 2017 Award for sailors demonstrating outstanding achievement in the sport of sailing between 19 September 2016 and 31 August 2017.

The Brazilians Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze, who pipped New Zealanders Alex Maloney and Molly Meech for the 49er FX gold medal in Rio last year, are one of the women's finalists.