WEST Mersea sailor Saskia Clark has ended her stunning year on another high - by scooping a top global award.

Clark and Rio Olympics gold medal-winning partner Hannah Mills have been crowned Rolex World Sailors of the Year.

They received their coveted prize at a glittering awards ceremony in Barcelona on Tuesday night.

Emphatic winners of the 470 Women’s event at this year's Games, Mills and Clark beat four other female Olympic champions to the annual prize, ensuring the perfect end to their partnership as Clark bows out of Olympic competition.

Clark said: “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.”

Mills described the occasion as "completely overwhelming".

“We’re so grateful to everyone who’s here (at the awards) to celebrate sailing and what a fantastic sport it is," she said.

"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 and Mills were up against Dutch Laser Radial winner Marit Bouwmeester, RS:X windsurfing gold medallist Charline Picon, Nacra 17 gold medal-winning crew Cecilia Carranza Saroli and 49erFX Olympic champions Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze.