Back-to-back 49er world champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are in the running for the prestigious World Sailor of the Year award, shortlisted alongside America's Cup winner James Spithill.

The International Sailing Federation announced their finalists for the annual awards with Burling and Tuke one of five up for the award.

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke in action in the 49er class. Photo: Supplied.

Other nominations are Mat Belcher and Will Ryan, Australia, American Bill Hardesty, Giles Scott from Great Britain and Australia's Spithill.

Burling and Tuke have been in impressive form as of late, winning back-to-back 49er World Championships, the 2014 Open European Championships and 11 consecutive 49er regatta victories.

The ISAF nomination reads: 'New Zealand's Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have been a class above the rest in the 49er demonstrating exceptional teamwork, athletic prowess and drive that cannot be rivalled”.

'Over the nomination period the Kiwis brushed aside their challengers with ease, finding an edge that many can only dream of.”

The nominees are put forward based on achievements made during the qualifying period from September 1, 2013, to September 21, 2014.

'They took their first world title in Marseille, France, in 2013 and in their defence of the title at the Santander 2014 ISAF Worlds they crushed the opposition, sealing gold with a 46 point margin.”

While the Kiwi pair have made the cut, they are up against stiff competition in reigning World Sailor of the Year Belcher and winning America's Cup skipper – known to many as Jimmy Spithill.

Belcher and Ryan have dominated the Men's 470 class, finishing on the podium at every major regatta they've competed at.

Having their unbeaten run halted in January, they quickly recovered leaving their rivals in their wake at the Santander 2014 ISAF Worlds and Open European Championship.

Their victory in Santander was their second consecutive world title together and brings Belcher's tally to a record-breaking five in a row.

Spithill, on the other hand, produced one of the greatest sporting comebacks, clinching the 34th America's Cup against Emirates Team New Zealand.

Oracle Team USA trailed Emirates Team New Zealand 8-1, in San Francisco, in a first to nine quest for the Auld Mug, but even though Oracle were down, they weren't out.

Skipper Spithill masterminded a comeback of epic proportions. Levelling the score at eight apiece and in a winner-take-all final race, the Australian maintained his crew's focus right until the very end to take victory and with it, his second America's Cup win.

The winners will be announced at the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards presentation and dinner on November 4 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.