Anna was announced as the 2011 ISAF World Sailor of the Year last night on a hot but beautiful evening in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Photo: HM King Constantine of Greece, Anna Tunnicliffe, and Colette Bennett, Rolex Watch USA. (copyright: Daniel Forster/Rolex)

"It was such a surprise" said Anna. "I was honored to be a nominee, but to be announced as the winner, words can't describe how happy and proud I am. It was truly a team effort and although it was my name that was read out, Team Maclaren won the award this year."

Anna was joined by her team mates, Molly, Debbie, and Liz last night at the awards' ceremony. The team gave each other hugs and high fives immediately following the announcement.

The award ceremony was opened by His Royal Highness King Constantine of Greece, who welcomed everyone and started the evening with some jokes. Next, all of the nominees were introduced and it was amazing to watch the videos of everyone's achievements.The winners were announced right after and awards were presented by the King before dinner got underway.

It was a very special night put on by Rolex who, on behalf of all sailors worldwide, we would like to thank for their continued support of our sport.

The evening ended later at the hotel where we socialized over a drink and got to see J-Lo and Marc Anthony wrap up a shoot on the beach outside the hotel.

We are all now heading home before we head to Australia to start training for the ISAF World Championships.

(Anna with the beautiful ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year award and the specially engraved Rolex. Photo copyright: Daniel Forster/Rolex)

We would very much like to thank our Title Sponsor, Maclaren, our Gold Level Sponsors 11th Hour Racing and Laser Performance, and our Bronze Level Sponsors Carmeuse, Trinity Yachts, Chicago Match Race Center and Sperry Top-Sider for their continued support of our campaign for the 2012 Olympic Games. We would also like to thank US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) and its sponsors for their continued support. Also, thank you to our private donors. Please remember that any and all donations/contributions to our campaign should be made payable directly to either The Sailing Foundation of New York (tax deductible) memo'd Anna Tunnicliffe, or to Anna Tunnicliffe.

Sail Hard,

And as usual, don't forget, email us your questions and comments. We love getting them and sharing our love of sailing and women's match racing.