Kiwi skipper Grant Dalton, on the eve of starting in his sixth round- the-world race, has been named sailing personality of the year in Monaco
Kiwi skipper Grant Dalton, on the eve of starting in his sixth round- the-world race, has been named sailing personality of the year in Monaco.
At a glittering gala dinner held in his honour in Monte Carlo, Dalton received the award from Prince Albert of Monaco.
Dalton was honoured in recognition of his contribution to round-the-world sailing, including five Whitbreads (now the Volvo Ocean Race) and his record-breaking circumnavigation earlier this year on the super catamaran Club Med.
Dalton’s first Whitbread was in 1981-81 on board race winner Flyer. He sailed with Sir Peter Blake in 1985-86 on Lion New Zealand. In 1989-90, Dalton led his own campaign on Fisher and Paykel New Zealand, followed by New Zealand Endeavour in 1993-94 and Merit Cup in 1998-99.
In the 2001 Volvo Ocean Race, Dalton is heading the Nautor Challenge syndicate which has entered two yachts, Amer Sports One, which he will skipper, and Amer Sports Too, skippered by Lisa McDonald.
Previous “Trophy de la Personalitie de la Mer” recipients include Swiss yachtsman Pierre Fehlmann, French solo yachtswoman Isabelle Autissier, French multihull ace Eric Tabarly and King Juan Carlos of Spain.