Libby McKee of Kirkland is one of eight women who have been shortlisted for US Sailing’s 2017 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.

According to a US Sailing press release, the nominees and their complete 2017 sailing resumes will be reviewed by a panel sailing journalists who discuss the merits of each sailor’s racing results before voting to determine the award recipients. The winners will be announced in January 2018 and honored on Feb. 28, 2018 during a luncheon at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan, when they will be presented with specially engraved Rolex timepieces.

McKee is part of a lineup of sailors who hail from various disciplines from around the country and represent different stages in their respective careers. Many of these sailors were selected based on their “consistent exceptional performances throughout the 2017 season and some were chosen for their signature win(s) at major international events,” the release states.

This year, McKee won the Taser World Championship again as a crew member with Jonathan McKee.

Established in 1961 by US Sailing and sponsored by Rolex Watch, U.S.A. since 1980, the annual presentation of the 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 release states.

Over its history the award has been presented to 44 men and 35 women.

For more information about these awards, visit rolex.ussailing.org.