International superyacht sailor and car dealer Neville Crichton has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to yachting and business.

Speaking from France he said the honour hadn't sunk in yet. "I'm really proud to receive it," he said. "It's nice to be recognised, particularly for something I love doing."

Crichton, a former professional racing car driver, is in Europe for the Grand Prix in Monaco and will this week visit the factories of his clients, Ferrari and Maserati.

Sydney-based Crichton was this month also recognised in the 2012 World Superyacht Awards in Europe where he was presented with the Legacy Award for his outstanding contribution to the industry over many years.

That award trumpeted his role in establishing and promoting the New Zealand superyacht building industry and his leading position in the world of sailboat racing.

Dubbed the "serial winner" by the Italian media, his three Alfa Romeo super yachts won 174 races, including two Sydney to Hobart races.

Crichton is uncertain as to whether he'll race the Sydney to Hobart again.

"I'm doing a lot less (sailing), certainly not to the level I've been doing with maxis, but I intend to do some Farr 40 sailing this season."

He has also built a highly successful automotive import and distribution business, the Ateco Group, on both sides of the Tasman, which carries makes including Ferrari, Maserati, Citroen and Lotus.

- © Fairfax NZ News