Conny van Rietschoten trophee
The prestigious Dutch sailing sport award is awarded annually to one or more individuals, who have made a remarkable achievement in sailing. The 2026 winners of these coveted trophies were announced by the Sailing Trophy Foundation during the Watersports Gala at Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam.
“With his Flyers,both built by Royal Huisman,Conny van Rietschoten won two editions of the Whitbread Round The World Yacht Race now known as The Ocean Race: a feat that has not been matched since.”
Willem Wiersema was honored for for his outstanding performance at the ILCA 7 World Championships in Qingdao, where he became World Champion.
The Flyer Award went to Merlijn Boswijk, for his exceptional victories in the iQFOiL class. Coach Award: Robbert-Jan van Velzen, De Maas Trophee: Gerd-Jan Poortman.
Additional prizes like Golden Paddle by Dutch Watersports Alliance:Women's Canoe Polo Team Cowl Vent Award: Arend Bloem (posthumously).
The most prestigious award is named after Conny van Rietschoten, who is known as the best Dutch sea sailor of all time. With his two racing yachts called “Flyer”, and both built by Royal Huisman, Conny was twice (1977 / 1978 and 1981 / 1982) the winner of the Whitbread Round The World Race, now known as The Ocean Race: a feat that has not been matched since.
Acknowledging the importance of this magnificent award to support and stimulate high performance sailing and racing in The Netherlands, the shipyard is privileged to act as sponsor of Foundation Sail Trophee and the Watersports Gala.
Learn more about Conny van Rietschoten and both Flyer campaigns? link
Discover our heritage – since 1884: link
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