Peter Burling appeared borderline bashful in receiving the Supreme Award at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Bay of Plenty Sports Awards.
The Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club sailor, who this year proved he could likely sail an empty ice cream container fixed to a handkerchief, said he was looking forward to some downtime on the back of a massive schedule of varied racing.
After a spectacular Olympic year in 2012, the world champion sailor in the 49er class won the World Sailing Championships, the European Championships and skippered the Red Bull Youth America's Cup to first place, so he probably deserves a break.
The problem is he is not likely to have one, with Burling admitting he is confirmed for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race beginning on Boxing Day.
Still, like he said, a change can be as good as a rest.