Four sailors have been recognised as national finalists in the Offshore Sailor of the Year category, with the winners to be announced at the Australian Sailing Award on November 4.

The first finalists, Rob Gough and John Saul from Derwent Sailing Squadron teamed up this sailing season to sail two-up on Sidewinder in the ROLEX Sydney Hobart’s new Two-Handed Division.

Both very accomplished sailors, they etched their place in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race history by winning line honours in the inaugural Two-Handed division.

Saul has previously competed in the race several times, including in 1998 when he was 15th over the line, just one of 44 finishers with Computerland, his modified Inglis 47.

On the other hand, Gough is best known as a former windsurfing and Moth World Champion, and a top SB20 sailor.

Matt Allen from Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has contributed to sailing in Australia both on and off water for decades, and the past twelve months has seen a continuation of success in competitive racing for Matt and the exceptional team he has put together.

His Botin 52 Ichi Ban swept the major Blue Water events winning the CYCA's Blue Water Pointscore on both IRC and ORCi.

His year culminated in his third overall win in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, joining only two other boats Love & War and Freya to have achieved this great feat.

Not only was it the boat's third win but a fourth win for Matt personally, having won as a crew member earlier on in his ocean racing career.

Matt was crowned Ocean Racer of the Year for 2021/22 by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, winning the Club's most prestigious Ocean Racing Award.

Earlier in the year, Matt enjoyed more success, finishing 1st in IRC in the Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race, 1st in IRC at Lincoln Race Week and 1st in the NSW IRC Championship.

The last finalist in the category, Lisa Blair is the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica, arriving back into Albany (WA) on May 25 this year on board her yacht Climate Action Now after 92 days at sea.

She had set out on the journey from the Western Australian coastal city in February, aiming to break the world record for the fastest unassisted voyage around Antarctica.

The previous record was held by Russian Fedor Konyukhov, who completed the journey in 102 days, 56 minutes, and 50 seconds back in 2008.

Ms Blair first attempted to break that record in 2017 but was forced to abandon her goal after her yacht was demasted in storm conditions more than 1000nm from land.

Five years on, Lisa has succeeded in claiming the title, beating the previous record by 10 days - finishing the voyage in just 92 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds.

Congratulations to all four finalists and their incredible achievements over the last sailing season. The winner will be announced at the Australian Sailing Awards to be held at the National Maritime Museum on November 4. For more information on the awards, click here.