Each year, Sailing World conducts the Boat of the Year contest to determine the best new racing sailboats on the market.

The field of entrants is drawn from models introduced to the North American market since the previous year's Annapolis boat show, which takes place each October. Editors scrutinize the entrants at the Newport boat show and during the opening days of the Annapolis show, and announce the nominees at a special ceremony in Annapolis. Independent judges then conduct extensive onboard inspections and rigorous on-the-water tests during the next week, considering each nominee's design, construction, seaworthiness, performance, purpose of the boat, fitness for the use intended, and cost.

The editors announce winners for categories such as Racer/Cruiser, PHRF/ Sportboat, Day Racer, Best Value, Multihull, Innovation, and Best Overall in the January issue of Sailing World.