Sir Ben Ainslie, who learnt to sail in Cornwall, capped a remarkable 12 months by being named the British Yachtsman of the Year for an unprecedented sixth time.
After winning his fourth Olympic gold medal at Weymouth and Portland in the London 2012 Olympics, becoming ISAF world sailing champion, and receiving a knighthood in recognition of his services to sailing in the New Year's Honours, Ainslie was awarded the title by the Yachting Journalists' Association.
He told association chairman Bob Fisher the Olympic regatta had been his toughest test.
"I thought I might have left it too late," said Ainslie, who learned to sail at Restronguet, near Falmouth in West Cornwall.
"But it was all down to a match race with Jonas (Hogh-Christensen) in the medal race, and I seem to enjoy those."
The awards ceremony saw a double success for the Westcountry with 16-year-old Saskia Sills, from Launceston in North Cornwall, being named YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year – an honour presented to Ainslie in the past.
The Tavistock College student won the 2012 Volvo Youth National Championships, secured victory at her first Youth Sailing World Championships and also claimed the under 17 world title at the RS:X Youth Worlds last October.
The teenager also finished third overall in the Youth European Windsurfing Championships staged in Tallinn, Estonia.
She was also nominated in the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards alongside Olympic and Paralympic medallists.
"I feel really privileged to have been given this award as I was nominated alongside many other very talented individuals," Saskia said. "I am so happy to have won. I've had a great year winning some big events which took a few people by surprise."
Helen Salmon, principal at Tavistock College, said: "We are so proud of Saskia and her achievements on the water and in school.
"Her balance between her studies and sailing is perfect.
"She is a role model for everyone at Tavistock College and we know she has inspired many others to work hard and achieve their goals."
