Max Maeder, 17, has been nominated by World Sailing for the prestigious Rolex World Male Sailor of the Year Award 2023. The nominees for the award represent the very highest achievement in the sport over the past year. David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said that this year’s nominees are drawn from far and wide across the entire sport of sailing. With so many diverse disciplines, inspirational figures and great achievements to honour, selecting the nominees was an incredibly difficult task for the judging panel as every one of them has a strong case.
Indeed, Max Maeder has demonstrated unmatched dedication, skill, and sportsmanship in the world of sailing through Kite Foiling. At the age of 16, Max was already Formula Kite world champion, claiming the gold at the Allianz Sailing World Championship, The Hague, and again successfully defended his Formula Kite youth world’s title this year. His incredible year also includes gold at the Asian Games and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Test Event in the same class. He is one of the most consistent athletes in the Formula Kite class with a podium finish at every event and will be one of the leading contenders in the Formula Kite event at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Now 17 years old, he is the youngest world champion of an Olympic class and the currently holds the World title, the Formula Kite Youth Worlds title (U21) and the World Sailing Youth Worlds kiteboarding male title (U19).
Gold Medal at the 19th Asian Games
Gold medal at the Formula Kite World Championship 2023
Gold medal at the Formula Kite Youth World Championship 2023
Bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Test Event Silver Medal at the Semaine Olympique Francaise De Voile 2023 Gold medal at the Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia 2023
Gold medal at the Formula Kite Pan American Championships 2023
Silver medal at the Formula Kite World Championships 2022
President of the Singapore Sailing Federation, Dr Lincoln Chee said…
“To receive a Rolex World Male Sailor of the Year nomination is one of the highest recognition in World Sailing. It is similar to getting a Ballon d’Or nomination in world football. The nomination is a recognition of Max’s consistent outstanding performance in elite sailing and his impact on his chosen sport of Formula Kite. No Singaporean sailor has ever received such an honour and Singapore Sailing congratulates Max for this new milestone in our history.”
Max, when contacted on his way to his training camp in Croatia, shared…
“I am surprised and grateful for the nomination – especially grateful to the many people who have made my journey possible! It means a lot to me if this could bring recognition to the sport and sailing in Singapore.”
It’s our turn to make Max feel the warmth of our support. Here’s what you can do…
1) Vote for Max Maeder:
The online voting is now on and a panel of judges and the online votation will decide the winner. Here’s the link to the voting site – https://www.sailing.org/world-sailing-awards-2023/ and cast your vote for Max Maeder as the World Sailor of the Year 2023. Voting closes at midnight UTC on Monday, 30 October. Let’s make his nomination an indisputable victory!
2) Spread the Word:
Share Max’s incredible journey with your friends, family, and on social media. Use the power of your voice to raise awareness and encourage others to vote and support Max Maeder.
3) Support Sailing Programs:
To honour Max’s dedication, consider supporting local sailing programs and initiatives. Help nurture the next generation of sailors and continue the legacy of excellence.
4) Stay Updated:
Keep yourself informed about Max Maeder’s accomplishments and his journey towards the World Sailor of the Year Award. Share his achievements and inspire others to join in our quest to celebrate his success.
5) Celebrate Singaporean Excellence:
Let Max’s nomination be a reminder of the incredible talent that our nation produces. Celebrate our excellence and show the world what Singaporeans can achieve.
Singapore has a strong and proud tradition of supporting its own, and we believe that together, we can propel Max Maeder’s nomination to victory. Max’s success is our success, and together we can show our support to ensure that he brings home the World Sailor of the Year Award to Singapore in 2023.