Multiple World Sunfish Champion Malcolm Smith is among the favourites to have OMEGA Salior of the Year honours bestowed upon him during tonight's award ceremony at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC).

The veteran skipper continued to shine in the Sunfish class on the world stage last year, taking line honours at the South American and Caribbean Sunfish Championships as well as claiming the Master's title at the North American Sunfish Championships.

Smith also finished first competing in the Lasers during last year's International Race Week to add to another truly remarkable season of sailing, which has catapulted him thick in the hunt for this year's OMEGA Male Sailor of the Year Award.

But the 2003 Pan Am Gold medallist could encounter a challenge from collegian star Jesse Kirkland and past Olympian Peter Bromby, who produced a string of highly creditable showings in the Star Class last year, while J-24 skipper Luis Chiapparro also stands an outside chance of walking away with top honours.

In the ladies' category Laser skipper Sarah Lane Adderley has emerged among the favourites along with Laser Radial sailor Katrina Williams. Past multiple Women's International Match Racing Championships winner Paula Lewin is also said to be in the running for the coveted OMEGA Female Sailor of the Year Award.

Optimists skipper James Anfonsi and Laser Radial sailor Cameron Pimental top the list of nominees for this year's OMEGA Youth Sailor of the Year Award.

Anfonsi put Bermuda firmly on the map when he placed second at the Opti North American Championships and then raised eyebrows when he finished fifth at the World Championships.

Pimental also had a year to remember, though, placing ninth at the South American Championships and second at the North American Championships in Massachusetts competing in the Laser Radial.

In recognition of their outstanding achievements on the surf last year each of the winners will be presented with OMEGA timepieces.