London, UK – 13 January, 2012: Bill Hardesty tactician for ISAF Match Racing World Champions Team GAC Pindar has been named the 2011 US Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and in doing so, adds his name to the long and illustrious list that accompanies this prestigious award. 

Hardesty was a key member of the team that went to the Monsoon Cup in December, the final of the World Match Racing Tour, with a slender lead over their rivals and not only held their nerve to see off all challengers to the title, but like true champions, went on to win the event thus securing their fourth win of the year. 

Hardesty’s other successes last year included winning the Etchells World Championship, in an 81-strong fleet, the 47th Congressional Cup in Catalina 37s and the CMRC Grade 2 Invitational in Tom 28s, along with top finishes at the Rolex Big Boat Series in Express 37s (second) and the Farr 40 World Championships (fourth). 

"This is a huge honour," said Hardesty after receiving word that he had been named the 2011 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. "The long list of past winners is very impressive and includes people who I have always considered to be the best in the world. I would first like to thank Rolex for making sailing what it is today. Without their sponsorship of sailing, the sport would be a lot different."

"A lot of credit goes to the teams I raced with this past year," Hardesty continued. "Sailing is truly a group effort and winning this award would never have been possible without great teammates: the Etchells World Championship team of Steve Hunt, Mandi Markee and Craig Leweck, and Team GAC Pindar skippered by Ian Williams." 

Hardesty began competing on the World Match Racing Tour in 2006 and has been and invaluable team member. Ian Williams commented on Hardesty’s recent achievement: “I would like to congratulate Bill on winning this prestigious award. Match racing is very much a team sport and it is great that his contribution to Team GAC Pindar has been recognised in this way.  That combined with his brilliant 2^nd Etchells World Championship victory makes him a very worthy winner.”  

This coveted award was established in 1961 by US Sailing and sponsored by Rolex, USA since 1980, the annual presentation of US Sailing's Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards are considered the sport's ultimate recognition of an individual's outstanding on-the-water achievements for the calendar year. 

Jim O’Toole, CEO of the World Match Racing Tour, commented: “On behalf of the World Match Racing Tour, I would like to congratulate Bill on this exceptional achievement. We have long recognised Bill’s talent as a sailor and we are delighted that he as been deservedly awarded this outstanding accolade. Bill joined the WMRT in 2006 and not only has he been a key member of the team crowned World Champions twice during that time, but he has been a true professional of our sport and a pleasure to have on tour.”