BRITISH Olympic champions Portland-based Hannah Mills and Weymouth-based Saskia Clark have won the women's World Sailor of the Year award.

The pair, who upgraded their London 2012 silver by winning gold in the Women's 470 class in Rio, were honoured at an awards ceremony in Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The pair's victory in Brazil saw them end their five-year partnership in style.

Receiving their award, Mills described the occasion as ‘completely overwhelming’.

She added: “We’re so grateful to everyone who was there to celebrate sailing and what a fantastic sport it is.

"Thank you to everyone who voted for us, but also to all the other nominees who were just incredible this summer. Rio was a fantastic Games and the Brazilians put on an amazing show. Everyone had to deliver their absolute best performance.

“It’s really emotional, thank you very much everyone.”

Clark added: “We owe a big thank you to our coach Joe Glanfield who’s been a massive part of this, and all our family at British Sailing.

“This is just an amazing end to our partnership together.”

Argentinian Santiago Lange beat Portland-based Giles Scott to the men's award.