Max Maeder topped the field at the 2026 Formula Kite Open European Championship. (Photo by Robert Hajduk/IKA Media)

28 October 2026, Singapore – Max Maeder has been named one of four finalists for the 2026 Rolex World Sailor of the Year (Male) award. The award is World Sailing's highest honour for a sailor.

The shortlist covers achievements between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026. During that period, Max won two Formula Kite World Championship medals. World Sailing’s citation also describes “an unbeaten run across the major international circuit in 2026.”

His results in the eligibility period:

• Silver, Formula Kite World Championship, Sardinia, Italy (October 2025)
• Gold, Trofeo Princesa Sofía, Palma, Spain
• Gold, Semaine Olympique Française, Hyères, France
• Gold, Formula Kite World Championships, Viana do Castelo, Portugal (May 2026), his third world title after 2023 and 2024
• Gold, Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta, USA, at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic sailing venue
• Gold, Formula Kite Open European Championship (September 2026)

The other male finalists are Thomas Coville (FRA), Luuc van Opzeeland (NED) and Matt Wearn (AUS).

“Max has given Singapore so much to cheer about this season. Now it’s our turn to cheer for him. Please vote before Monday’s deadline,” said Stanley Chan, President of the Singapore Sailing Federation.

Public vote counts for half the result

Anyone can vote, and the public vote makes up 50% of the final decision. World Sailing’s panel of judges decides the other 50%.

How to vote:

1. Go to worldsailing.awardsplatform.com and enter your email to register or log in.
2. Find Rolex World Sailor of the Year - Male and vote for Max Maeder.
3. You can vote once in each award category and change your vote until voting closes.

Voting closes at 8pm Singapore time on Monday, 2 November 2026 (12:00 UTC).

World Sailing will announce the winners at the World Sailing Awards ceremony in Qingdao, China, on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.

Max Maeder in action at the 2026 Formula Kite Open European Championship. (Photo by Robert Hajduk/IKA Media)