East Troy native named Yachtswoman of the Year
Stephanie Roble, has been named the 2014 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.
A first-time shortlisted nominee, she was recognized by the selection panel for her versatility; her accomplishments as a skipper and as a crew; and her competitive successes on a variety of platforms, sailing against both men and women.
One panelist remarked that Roble “has made bold and courageous choices in her post-collegiate sailing life,” while another lauded her as “the latest in a generation of women sailors who are working hard to make a name and a living at sailing. She is a trailblazer; she is a tremendous ambassador for the sport.”
A member of the Etchells World Championship winning team, Roble also crewed on the seventh-place finisher at the J/70 North American Championship, and the fifth-place finisher at the Melges 20 North American Championship.
As a skipper, she won the U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship and placed third at the ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship. Based on her 2014 match racing results, she begins the New Year as the top American match racer, with a ranking of number three in the world.
“The nominees for this year were incredibly talented, and I am truly honored to be the 2014 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year,” said Roble. “The past year has been a fun adventure and true test of personal determination as I dove into professional sailing. I love sharing my passion for sailing with others and learning more about the sport each day. I was fortunate to be a member of several teams throughout the year, including my own match race team, which allowed me to reach many personal goals. In the end, it was through the massive support of my teammates who pushed me to become a better sailor and ultimately receive this coveted award. I am thrilled to join this admirable list of American sailors!”
The 25-year-old Roble began her sailing career in dinghies and scows from Lake Beulah Yacht Club in East Troy. A successful junior sailor, she twice earned ICSA All-American Honors (2010, 2011) while competing for Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Va.) from which she graduated in 2011. Roble has made the transition to match racing with a goal of winning the Women’s Match Racing World Championship while continuing to compete in the Melges 20, J/70 and Etchells classes.
A total of 10 men and seven women were shortlisted for the 2014 honors based on nominations submitted by members of U.S. Sailing, with these two sailors then selected for the noteworthy distinction by a diverse panel of sailing journalists.
Terry Hutchinson of Annapolis, Md., was named the U.S. Sailing’s 2014 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.
Established in 1961 by US Sailing and sponsored by Rolex Watch, U.S.A. since 1980, the annual presentation of US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards are considered the sport’s ultimate recognition of an individual’s outstanding on-the-water achievements for the calendar year. The winners will be honored on Thursday, Feb. 26, during a luncheon at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan, when they will be presented with specially engraved Rolex timepieces.
