Santiago Lange of Argentina - Rolex World Sailor of the Year for 2016 - celebrates winning in the Nacra 17 mixed class at the Rio 2016 Olympics ©Getty Images

World Sailing has invited nominations for the 2017 Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards.

There are two categories - male and female - and sailors nominated may represent any discipline of the sport.

Those nominated for the 2017 award must have performed an "outstanding achievement in the sport of sailing between September 19, 2016 and August 31, 2017".

Nominations must be received by World Sailing no later than 7pm UTC on September 1.

Britain's Hannah Mills, left, and Saskia Clark jointly shared the 2016 women's award ©Getty Images
Britain's Hannah Mills, left, and Saskia Clark jointly shared the 2016 women's award ©Getty Images

World Sailing will draw up a shortlist of nominations with the highest and most inspirational achievers going on to become the 2017 Rolex World Sailor of the Year nominees.

The winners will be announced on November 7 at the World Sailing Awards Ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards is considered the most prestigious award in sailing. 

Since inception in 1994 the trophy has proudly accumulated the names of those who have demonstrated unparalleled endurance, performance and accomplishment.

Beginning with Sir Peter Blake and Sir Robin Knox Johnston, the inaugural winners, the trophy reads like the definitive who's who in sailing.

The recipients last year were Santiago Lange of Argentina and the British pair of Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark.

Awardees in 2015 were New Zealand's Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, and Britain's Sarah Ayton.