Team New Zealand sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are among the nominees for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year award for 2014.
Oracle Team USA skipper James Spithill has also made the shortlist.
Olympic silver medallists and back to back world champions in the 49er class, Burling and Tuke were also members of the team that won the inaugural Youth America's Cup.
New Zealand sailors Blair Tuke and Peter Burling on the 2012 Olympic medal podium. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In a release announcing the nominations, their achievements were spelled out clearly.
"New Zealand's Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have been a class above the rest in the 49er demonstrating exceptional teamwork, athletic prowess and drive that cannot be rivalled."
"Over the nomination period the Kiwis brushed aside their challengers with ease, finding an edge that many can only dream of."
They took their first world title in Marseille, France in 2013 and in their defence of their title at the 2014 Worlds in Santander, Spain they crushed the opposition, sealing gold with a day to spare, eventually winning with a whopping 46 point margin.
The winners will be announced in November.
