OLYMPIC legend Sir Ben Ainslie has been named the British Yachtsman of the Year for an unprecedented sixth time.

The title, awarded by the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) in association with yacht insurers Pantaenius UK, caps off a year of historic achievements for the sailing star.

Ainslie won his fourth Olympic gold medal on the waters of Weymouth and Portland at the London 2012 Games, just months after becoming Finn World Champion for a sixth time.

The 35-year-old, who was named ISAF World Sailor of the Year and knighted in the New Year’s honours for services to sailing, appeared via television link at the YJA lunch and ceremony at Trinity House, London as he was on route to San Francisco to join the Oracle Team USA, the defender of the America’s Cup.

Other finalists for the YJA award were Portland’s Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas and the four-time match-racing world champion Ian Williams.

The awards coincided with the London Boat Show, which is being held at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London until Sunday.

The show’s first-ever live sailing regatta is scheduled to begin today and it is expected to make for a spectacular sight, with each boat sail decorated by an internationally-acclaimed artist.

Ten Star class keelboats will take to the waters of the Royal Victoria Docks, with competitors including Olympians Andrew Simpson, Iain Percy, Pippa Wilson, Ian Walker, Mark Covell, Mike McIntyre and Bryn Vaile.

Simpson said: “I think the preparations are going well. We are a little concerned about the cold weather, the forecast is horrendous, but it will be good to toughen us up.”

The CNM Estates UK Star Championships will conclude on Sunday. Find out more at londonboatshow.com and fineartsails.com