2005 Yachtsman And Yachtswoman Of The Year Named

Established in 1961 by US SAILING and sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. since 1980, the Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards recognize outstanding on-the-water achievement in the calendar year just concluded.

Scandone and Barkow will be honored and presented with specially engraved Rolex timepieces at a Feb. 24 luncheon at the New York Yacht Club, US SAILING said.

Scandone was recognized for his win of the 2.4 Metre World Championship in Italy. His performance in the 88-boat fleet included besting seven world champions as well as three Paralympic medalists who were among the 34 disabled competitors going head-to-head with the class' best able-bodied sailors from around the world.

Three and a half years ago Scandone was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Now 40 pounds lighter, he uses a cane and wears braces on both legs.

Sally Barkow, Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, was recognized for her "versatility and consistency, both abroad and at home" after winning a string of noteworthy international events including two world championships — the Virtual Spectator ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship held in Bermuda and sailed in J/24s and, with teammates Debbie Capozzi and Carrie Howe, the Yngling Women’s World Championship held on Lake Mondsee in Austria.