RPAYC Commodore Rob McClelland, Hansas Jackie Kay and Chris Mitchell and RPAYC Vice Commodore, Julia Hornsby. Photo: Alex Dare, Hansa Worlds 2025, hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport, and held on Pittwater
A stellar line-up of clubs, volunteers and sailing stars from around the country have been named as national finalists for the 2025 Australian Sailing Awards on Monday October 13.
The nation’s peak sailing awards will recognise the most outstanding performances from Australia’s sailors, while also paying tribute to clubs and volunteers when the winners are announced at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on Friday 14 November.
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has been named a Finalist in three categories while a club they have supported since its inauguration, the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (NSW/ACT), has also been named as a Finalist.
RPAYC Commodore, Robert McClelland said
‘’It’s a tremendous honour for the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club to be named a national finalist in three categories of the 2025 Australian Sailing Awards. To see RPAYC recognised among Australia’s leading sailing clubs, and to have both Louis Tilley and Julia Hornsby acknowledged as finalists, is a wonderful reflection of the dedication, teamwork and passion that define our Club community.
Louis has had an outstanding season, representing RPAYC with distinction at youth and national levels, while Julia’s tireless leadership and contribution to major events, including the 2025 Hansa World Championships, have exemplified the volunteer spirit that keeps our sport thriving.'' Commodore McClelland said
''For RPAYC to also be shortlisted as Club of the Year is a tribute to the efforts of our members, volunteers, and staff who have worked so hard over recent years to deliver exceptional sailing programs and a welcoming environment for all.
On behalf of the Board and Flag Officers, I extend warm congratulations to all the finalists across Australia. It’s inspiring to see our sailing community represented so strongly on the national stage. ‘’
Scott Reynolds, co-founder, said this week:
"The Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) is grateful and humbled to be named a finalist in this year’s Australian Sailing Awards. This nomination is a huge credit to the collaboration of our local sailing and yacht club communities who’ve supported us in making it all happen over the last few years.
Through the support of clubs, volunteers, and mates across Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, and Australia-wide, we’ve been able to create more opportunities for veterans and their families to get on the water, connect, and discover the wellbeing benefits that come with sailing together.
This recognition is as much about the community behind us as it is about the veterans we support.”
After winning their category in the 2025 NSW/ACT State Awards, co-founder Scott Reynolds wanted to acknowledge where it all began - at the RPAYC:
A SALTY’S MESSAGE to RPAYC
These photos are symbolic of the incredible support we’ve received over the years. To share the stage at the Australian Sailing NSW & ACT Awards night, where both RPAYC and SVSP were individually recognised for the efforts and contributions of our respective — and overlapping — sailing communities, was truly special.
The second photo goes back to 6 Feb 2016 — my first day of a Start Crewing course with Tommy Spithill at RPAYC. That was the OG of support and the grassroots backing for our veterans sailing community that has since grown and thrived into the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project — now an ACNC-registered charity, Australian Sailing–affiliated club, and mobile Discover Sailing Centre.
Today, we’re also sailing in multiple locations across NSW and interstate with the amazing support of clubs and businesses, and I want to take a moment to reflect on, and honour, the many years of encouragement and generosity from RPAYC members and the club.
Thank you. Forever grateful Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.'' - Scott Reynolds, Saltwater Veterans
More in September 2025 report:
Australian Sailing Awards 2025 for NSW/ACT: RPAYC Wins Club of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Youth Sailor of The Year - Lifetime Achievement Award for Ted Anderson + Club of the Year (Cat. B) is Saltwater Veterans
Finalists in the Female and Male Sailor of the Year categories include major regatta medallists, America’s Cup winners and World Champions across multiple classes.
The Female Sailor of the Year category will be hotly contested with finalists including Bridget Conrad (NSW/ACT), Zoe Thomson (WA) and Laura Harding (VIC).
Paris Olympian Zoe Thomson had a key breakthrough in 2025 with her first overall international win at the Sailing Grand Slam – Palma in March, Bridget Conrad had multiple podium finishes this season and claimed the Australian WASZP Championship, NSW and WA WASZP Championships, while Laura Harding teamed with Annie Wilmot to secure big results across the 49erFX class.
In the Male Sailor of the Year category, the line up of national finalists includes Mark Bulka (VIC), Nathan Outteridge (NSW/ACT) and James Mayo (NSW/ACT).
Mark Bulka became a five-time World Champion when he won the Contender Worlds in Italy in August at Fraglia Vela Malcesine, capping off a strong 2025 campaign where he had multiple first place and podium finishes. Nathan Outteridge climbed the summit of world sailing when he became the fourth Aussie to helm an America’s Cup winning campaign, while James Mayo became a three-time World Etchells champion, winning unprecedented back-to-back titles.
Four clubs are in the running for the Club of the Year (Category A) including Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (WA), Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (NSW/ACT), Royal Brighton Yacht Club (VIC) and Southport Yacht Club (QLD), while another four clubs are competing for the Category B Club of the Year award including Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (NSW/ACT), Port Dalrymple Yacht Club (TAS), Davey's Bay Yacht Club (VIC) and Cleveland Yacht Club (QLD).
One of the most anticipated awards of the night will be the Volunteer of the Year award, where a host of amazing candidates will be highlighted including Julia Hornsby (NSW/ACT), Rosaline Marshall (VIC) and Donnah Jordan (QLD).
Other awards on the night will include Youth Sailor of the Year, Para Sailor of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Instructor of the Year, Official of the Year and many others as the Australian Sailing community gathers to salute another outstanding season.
Winners will be announced at the National Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Friday, November 14 at Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney. You will be able to follow the Australian Sailing Facebook and Instagram channels which will be announcing the winners live on the night.
The full list of finalists for the 2025 Australian Sailing Awards is as follows:
Female Sailor of the Year
- Bridget Conrad (Woollahra Sailing Club, NSW/ACT)
- Laura Harding (Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, VIC)
- Zoe Thomson (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and East Fremantle Yacht Club, WA)
Male Sailor of the Year
- Mark Bulka (McCrae Yacht Club, VIC)
- James Mayo (Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
- Nathan Outteridge (Wangi Amateur Sailing Club, NSW)
Team of the Year
- Sandy Higgins and Paul Marsh (Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club, SA)
- Peter Nicholas and Luke Payne (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA)
- Team Magpie (Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
Para Sailor of the Year
- Peter Coleman (Royal Brighton Yacht Club, VIC)
- Chris Symonds (Wynyard Yacht Club, TAS)
- Genevieve Wickham (Royal Perth Yacht Club, WA)
Youth Sailor of the Year
- Joshua Garner (Royal Geelong Yacht Club, VIC)
- Rory Meehan (Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, QLD)
- Louis Tilly (Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
Coach of the Year
- Tony Bull (Royal Geelong Yacht Club, VIC)
- Mikael Lundh (Australian Sailing Team, WA)
- Rafael Trujillo (Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and Australian Sailing Team, QLD)
Club of the Year - Category A
- Royal Brighton Yacht Club (VIC)
- Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (WA)
- Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (NSW/ACT)
- Southport Yacht Club (QLD)
Club of the Year - Category B
- Cleveland Yacht Club (QLD)
- Davey's Bay Yacht Club (VIC)
- Port Dalrymple Yacht Club (TAS)
- Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (NSW/ACT)
Innovation Award
- Airlie Beach Race Week (Whitsunday Sailing Club, QLD)
- Alan Young (Adelaide Sailing Club, SA)
- Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club 100% Day (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA)
Instructor of the Year
- Samantha Bailey (Wynyard Yacht Club, TAS)
- Lucas James (Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, VIC)
- Makenzie Mayne (Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club, NSW/ACT)
Official of the Year
- Rob Hubbard (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA)
- Ian Ross (Derwent Sailing Squadron, TAS)
- Ken Semple (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
SheSails Award
- Eleanor Cunningham (Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
- Robyn Ragauskas (Sandringham Yacht Club, VIC)
- South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia, SA)
Sport Professional Award
- Gemma Burns (Sandringham Yacht Club, VIC)
- Colleen Darcey (Derwent Sailing Squadron, TAS)
- Jacqueline Ellis (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
- Chelsea Hall (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA)
Sport Promotion Award
- Geographe Bay Race Week (Geographe Bay Yacht Club, WA)
- Making Waves Foundation (NSW/ACT)
- VIODA - Leah Keh (VIC International Optimist Dinghy Association, VIC)
Volunteer of the Year
- Julia Hornsby (Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, NSW/ACT)
- Donnah Jordan (Mackay Sailing Club, QLD)
- Rosaline Marshall (Albury Wodonga Sailing Club and VIC International Optimist Dinghy Association, VIC)
