McIntyre’s World Sailor of the Year honour

Eilidh McIntyre and Hannah Mills have scooped the ultimate accolade in recognition of their sensational Tokyo 2020 gold medals by being named World Sailors of the Year.

The women’s 470 Olympic champions made history this summer, with Mills becoming the most successful female Olympic sailor of all time with two golds and a silver.

Hayling Islander McIntyre equalled the success of her father,

Mike, who took the top spot in the Star class at Seoul 1988.

The pair saw off some of the biggest names in women’s sailing to take top gong including Brazil’s two-time Olympic champion Martine Grael, kitefoil world champion Daniela Moroz (USA) and round the world yachtswoman Clarisse Cremer (France).

McIntyre, pictured, said: ‘I just want to say thank you to Hannah, and everyone for voting for us and for all of your support. We wouldn’t be here without all of the amazing women pushing us.’

Mills, from Cardiff, added: ‘I am completely blown away. The line up this year was incredible.

‘I am so proud of Eilidh for everything she put into this Olympic campaign, she was the absolute best teammate.

‘I feel privileged to be a female in sailing right now, there are so many opportunities. I really hope to be a part of forging the pathway for female sailors of today and for the future.

‘It is inspirational to be part of a federation like World Sailing who take sustainability so seriously and I feel so lucky to be involved in such an amazing sport.’

The pair picked up 37 per cent of the public vote.

Double Olympic champion Giles Scott was shortlisted for the men’s award but was beaten to it by Aussie Tom Slingsby.

He defended his Moth World Championship, winning 13 of the 14 races, securing back-to-back 2019 and 2021 title wins.

He also starred in the global SailGP circuit, earning the season 1 title as Team CEO and skipper of the Australian team.

He was also part of the crew of ‘Comanche’, winners of the 2021 Rolex Middle Sea Race.