SAILING: Australian Olympians Mat Belcher and Will Ryan, along with James Spithill have been nominated for the World Sailor of the Year award.

The International Sailing Federation announced five finalists, including American Bill Hardesty, Great Britain's Giles Scott and New Zealand duo Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.

It's Belcher's fourth nomination in five years for the award, which he won in 2013.

Belchar and Ryan have dominated the men's 470er class since teaming up after the 2012 London Olympics, finishing on the podium at every major regatta in which they've competed.

Their victory at last month's world championships was their second straight world title, and a record fifth for Belcher.

The result also secured Australia a place in the men's 470 event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"It's an honour for Will and I to be nominated amongst the best sailors in the world," Belcher said.

"It is a great recognition for the efforts we've put in and the results we've achieved."

Spithill was the first Australian skipper to twice win the America's Cup with the Oracle team.

The winner, chosen by the national governing bodies for sailing around the world, will be announced at a ceremony in Spain on November 4.

AAP