Two Californians, John Kostecki, age 38, of Fairfax, and Liz Baylis, age 39, of San Rafael, have been named Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year, respectively, for 2002. A panel of sailing journalists selected the two accomplished sailors for this year's distinction from a shortlist of nine nominees for the Rolex Yachtsman and five nominees for the Rolex Yachtswoman.

Established in 1961 by US Sailing and sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. since 1980, the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards recognize outstanding on-the-water achievement in the calendar year just concluded. The winners will be honored and presented with specially engraved Rolex timepieces at a March 21, 2003, luncheon and press conference at the New York Yacht Club in New York City.