Local sailor earns national award

Lighting World Champion Jeff Linton of Tampa has been named U.S. Sailing’s 2007 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

Linton was first nominated for this prestigious award in 2005, after he crewed aboard winning boats at the Etchells World Championship and the J/24 Midwinters.

Linton earned U.S. Sailing's top honor for his mastery of the Lighting, a 19-foot centerboard sloop.

Linton, 45, also earned points format he selection committee for winning two other one design classes, the Flying Scot North American Championship and the Classic Moth National Championship.

Linton’s wife, Amy Smith Linton, often crews with her husband in the Lightning and Flying Scot, making her a world champion as well. Linton joins a short list of prominent Florida sailors, including St. Petersburg's Ed Baird, who have been named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.