Pearl Lattanzi Selected As Rolex Yachtswoman Of The Year Finalist
PEARL LATTANZI SELECTED AS ROLEX YACHTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Pearl Lattanzi has steadily become one of the most respected young sailors in the United States, recognized not only for her results but for the professionalism, composure, and leadership she brings to the sport. Yesterday that body of work earned national recognition when Pearl Lattanzi was named a finalist for the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Award, one of the highest honors in American sailing.
The Rolex Awards are widely regarded as the benchmark for individual excellence in the sport. They honor sailors whose achievements reflect not only competitive success, but also character, leadership, and influence. Pearl’s inclusion among the finalists places her in exceptional company and signals her growing impact on American sailing with the WASZP at the national level.
Pearl’s rise has been defined by consistency and reliability at the highest levels of competition. She has shown a clear ability to perform under pressure and to carry herself with focus and confidence across seasons and events. Those qualities have earned her respect from peers, coaches, and competitors alike, and have made her a standout figure beyond the results sheets in the WASZP and larger sailing community.
Equally important is the reputation Pearl has built away from the scoreboard. She is widely regarded as thoughtful, grounded, and generous with her experience. Her presence elevates the environment around her, and she embodies the values of sportsmanship and leadership that are essential to the long-term health of the sport.
The finalists for the 2025 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Award were announced by US Sailing, which named Pearl alongside Alli Bell and Laura Grondin. The winners are selected by a vote of past Rolex Award recipients and leading members of the sailing media, underscoring the prestige and peer-driven nature of the honor. The awards will be presented on February 12, 2026, at the Champions Dinner hosted by New York Yacht Club in New York City.
In the official announcement, US Sailing CEO Charlie Enright noted that being named a Rolex Yachtsman or Yachtswoman of the Year is one of the most meaningful honors in American sailing. He emphasized that the finalists set the standard for excellence, sportsmanship, and leadership, and that their accomplishments inspire sailors at every level. Pearl’s nomination reflects that broader definition of success.
Established in 1961 and sponsored by Rolex, the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards have honored many of the most influential figures in American sailing, including Olympic medalists, world champions, and sailors who have shaped the modern era of the sport. Recent recipients include Ian Barrows, Hans Henken, and Cole Brauer, highlighting the caliber of sailors recognized through the program.
Pearl Lattanzi’s place among the 2025 finalists represents both recognition of what she has already achieved and momentum heading into the next phase of her career. That momentum was reinforced by her recent victory at the WASZP Pacific Championship in Australia, an important milestone not just for the result itself, but for the experience gained racing with the new downsized rig. As she looks ahead to the WASZP Games in Pensacola this March, Pearl continues to embody the blend of excellence, preparation, and leadership that defines the modern WASZP sailor and the future of elite sailing.
Congratulations Pearl!
For full details on the awards, selection process, and past winners, please visit the US Sailing Rolex Awards page.
Learn more about the WASZP Class here.