Congratulations to King Ben

Ben Ainslie and Alessandra Sensini ISAF Sailors of the Year. Photo c/o Carlo Borleghi.

Comments

[Edward]

Do you think Ainslie beat out Joyon for the award based on an anti-French bias? I completely agree that he is deserving of the award but just not as deserving as Joyon. Looking at your last two posts (the tea thing and the gigantic flag (illegal sail area?)in Ainslie's hand) made me think that might have something to do with it.

It's really a throw-away thought but thought I'd put it out there.

[Adam Turinas]

I get the impression that ISAF is more about evnts that come under its own purview. The Olympics falls under this but Joyon's feat was two single-handed racers in an event that did not fall under their umbrella.

I agree that his feat was actually greater, although my personal vote and its entirely sentimental would have been for Nick Scandone

[O Docker]

For me, these two remarkable achievements are so different that comparing them is almost pointless. One could argue that Ainslee prevailed convincingly over much wider competition. How many could muster the resources to even attempt what Joyon did (but I'd sure choose a ride on his boat over Ainslee's)? The 'jury' was international, no?

[tillerman]

I would have voted for Ainslie over Joyon too. Olympic racing is so much more exciting than slogging round the world.

The longer the event takes the more boring it is, by definition. Just look at cricket. A match can take five days and still end in a draw.

And round the world sailing is even less interesting then cricket. For goodness sake, the competitors even take naps while they are racing. How much fun is it follow the progress of some guy who's actually asleep?