World champion 49er sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have been crowned ISAF men's world sailors of the year.

The duo have won 21 regattas in a row since winning the silver medal at the London Olympics.

The 49er world champions and Team New Zealand sailors were nominated last year, but lost out to America's Cup winner Jimmy Spithill.

They join the late Sir Peter Blake, Russell Coutts and Mike Sanderson as men's winners, with 470 sailors Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie winning the women's category in 2013.

Burling said it's a tremendous honour.

"There's been some amazing Kiwi yachties win the award before us and only a few of them. To be on the list with them is pretty special."

He said there's no magic answer for the their success.

"We just really enjoy each other's company and enjoy our yachting. We love our sport and what we do and that makes it easy to dig deep when the going gets tough."

"For us it's not about those accolades, it's just trying to be the best we can."

Among the other contenders for the men's trophy was Brit Ian Walker, who skippered the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing to the Volvo title.

Great Britain's double Olympic medallist Sarah Ayton has been named female sailor of the year.