A record number of nominations were submitted by clubs and members from across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory of the 2025 Australian Sailing Awards for these states. These included sailors who are performing at a high level around Australia and internationally, volunteers who put in incredible hours to help their club community, professionals who work in this ancient and still modern sport, and promoters who ensure that sailing is seen and made accessible for all.
Australian Sailing thanked the members of the NSW & ACT Regional Advisory Committees who took the time to review and judge the award nominations.
Winners for all categories were announced at the NSW & ACT Sailing Awards Presentation held at St George Sailing Club, on Saturday evening 20th September.
Among those announced as Winners were four recognitions for one of Australia's oldest proponents of sailing, Pittwater’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club: the legend known as one of the nicest men around, Ted Anderson (ably assisted always by his wife Sue, a tireless volunteer herself), Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby and the 'he can sail anything, very very well' young man who just keeps winning, Louis Tilly.
All up seven RPAYC Members were announced as finalists at the beginning of this month, while the club awarded the Category B Club of the Year is one they have supported since he get-go: the Saltwater Veterans.
Female Sailor of the Year - Natasha Bryant
Youth Sailor of the Year - Louis Tilly
Volunteer of the Year - Julia Hornsby
SheSails Award - Emily McCutcheon+ Katie Spithill
Lifetime Achievement Award - Ted Anderson
Club of the Year – Category A - Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
This team epitomise the club's Vision, Mission and Values.
Further local Finalists were named as Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club and Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club in the two Club of the Year categories, which speaks to the level of community spirit, sharing of knowledge and skills, and simply enjoying sharing the love of being on the water sailing that lives here.
The Australian Sailing Awards are the peak awards for the sport of sailing in Australia and will act as a national celebration of sailing and its significance at a local, state, and national level.
This year sees the introduction of the Innovation of the Year Award, which expands the criteria of the previous Sustainability Award to include the outstanding technology, sustainability, programs, products, boat design and concept advancements contributing to a more innovative sailing industry.
Nominations will first be judged for their relevant State Awards, with the winners set to be announced throughout September and August. The winning nominations from the State Awards will then be put forward as nominees to the judging panel of the National Australian Sailing Awards, with national winners to be announced at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Dinner in Sydney on Friday 14 November.
The Full List of Finalists, many of whom residents would have see around the Alfreds or out on the estuary, even though not RPAYC members, along with Australian Sailing's announcements, are:
NSW & ACT Sailing Award Finalists - 2025
Female Sailor of the Year
- Annie Wilmot – RSYS
- Bridget Conrad – WSC
- Natasha Bryant – RPAYC
- Sylvie Stannage – HHSC
Male Sailor of the Year
- Grae Morris – WSC
- James Mayo – RSYS/RPEYC
- Nathan Outteridge – WASC
- Tom Slingsby – GSC
Team of the Year
- John Sanderson & Sarah Plunkett
- Andoo Team Australia Challenge - Olivia Price & Cole Tapper
- Smuggler Racing Team (TP52) - Sebastian Bohm
- Team Magpie - James Mayo, Graeme Taylor, Ben Lamb, Richard Allanson
Youth Sailor of the Year
- Healy Ryan – DBSC
- Joel Beashel – B16’s/CYCA/M16'SSC/SLMASC
- Louis Tilly – RPAYC
Para Sailor of the Year
- Len Snowdon – AHCA/Sailability NSW
- Michael Katzakis – AHCA/Sailability NSW
- Sarah Plunkett – DAC/Sailability NSW
Instructor of the Year
- Dennis Hume – NCYC
- Makenzie Mayne – LC12’SSC
- Scott Reynolds – SVSP
Official of the Year
- Alex Palmer – DSC
- Ken Semple – NCYC
Volunteer of the Year
- Ben Howell – HHSC
- James Hunter – MWF/CYCA
- John Whitfeld – MWF/CYCA
- Julia Hornsby – RPAYC
SheSails Award
- Eleanor Cunningham – LMYC
- Emily McCutcheon – RPAYC
- Helly Hansen Women's Challenge - MYC
- Katie Spithill – RPAYC
Sport Promotion Award
- Making Waves Foundation
- Mark Rothfield - Promocean Media
- Nicole Douglass – Adventures of a Sailor Girl
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Bruce Davis – MYC
- Ian MacDiarmid - RSYS
- John Kirkjian – CYCA/RSYS
- Ted Anderson – RPAYC
Club of the Year – Category A
- Lake Macquarie Yacht Club
- Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club
- Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
Club of the Year – Category B
- Carcoar Dam Sailing Club
- Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club
- Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project
Club of the Year
We are pleased to announce the winner of the Club of the Year (Category A) for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards! Congratulations to Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has demonstrated significant commitment to growing sailing from grassroots to global success.
The club’s Discover Sailing Centre activities, off-the-beach and Youth Development training programs, and SheSails development pathway programs continue to flourish, driving significant growth in community participation and engagement.
Signature events such as the Pittwater Regatta, Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship, Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race, and other significant class championships, have strengthened the club’s position as a leader in hosting high level sailing events.
In March 2025, the club welcomed nearly 200 sailors from 18 nations, to compete in the International HANSA Class Association and Para Sailing World Championships. The event showcased complete inclusivity, with sailors of all abilities, including those with physical or intellectual disabilities, vision impairments or deafness, competing as equals. This event, combined with the clubs Alfreds Community Sailing program, highlight Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s leadership and dedication to promoting inclusive sailing.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards! Congratulations to Ian MacDiarmid, and Ted Anderson.
Ted Anderson has been an active and passionate contributor to the sport of sailing for over 38 years. A longstanding member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Ted has made an indelible impact on sailing in offshore racing, youth development, race management, committee leadership, and community engagement. Ted is highly regarded as a volunteer Race Officer and over the years has been involved with events such as the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the 2019 Invictus Games, Sail Port Stephens and Hamilton Island Race Weeks, Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts, and International Youth Match Racing Championships.
Ted was one of two recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the other Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ian MacDiarmid
Ian MacDiarmid has dedicated over six decades to the sport of sailing in Australia and internationally. He is both a World Champion and National Champion in multiple classes, as well as an Olympic team member. Ian has been a member of several sailing clubs over the years, and held governance roles, including at Greenwich Flying Squadron, Hunters Hill Sailing Club, Wallamatagul Land, Sydney Amateur Sailing Club and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
We are pleased to announce the winner of the Club of the Year (Category B) for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards! Congratulations to Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project!
From humble beginnings as “Four Men in a Boat” in 2017, the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) has evolved into a nationally recognised, purpose-driven sailing initiative that is transforming lives – one sail at a time.
As an Australian Sailing Affiliated Club, Discover Sailing Centre, and registered charity, Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project provides inclusive sailing and social experiences that foster connection, healing, and community for veterans and their families.
Through strategic partnerships, innovative promotion, and a deep commitment to diversity, safety, and sustainability, Saltwater Veterans is striving to make sailing more accessible, meaningful, and inclusive for those who have served.
Female Sailor of the Year Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Bridget Conrad.
Bridget has consistently placed 1st in Australian WASZP Class events over the past year, including the Australian WASZP Championship, NSW and WA WASZP Championships, and the SailGP Inspire Sydney regatta in February 2025. Not only has Bridget been competing at a high level domestically and internationally, she is also an active ambassador for growth in female participation and foiling, and a well-respected role model for youth sailors in our sport. Woollahra Sailing Club
Male Sailor of the Year for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is James Mayo.
James has competed at a high level in various events over the past year, including winning back-to-back Etchells World Championships with Team Magpie, sailing on ‘Rainbow’ in the J-Class Barcelona World Championships, and racing onboard the 100-foot ‘ARCA SGR’ in the Barcolana56 Race. James is also the co-skipper of the super-maxi Master Lock Comanche, which won the CYCA SOLAS Maxi Championship in 2024. James is well respected amongst the Australian Sailing community for not just his performances on the water, but his contribution to the sport and willingness to support others. Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron R.P.E.Y.C.
Volunteer of the Year Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards were named as Julia Hornsby and Ben Howell.
Julia is the Vice Commodore at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and was the Chair of the Organising Committee for the International Hansa Class Association World and International Para Championships, held earlier this year.
Julia’s dedication to the HANSA and Para World Championships ensured harmonious collaboration between Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and key stakeholders to deliver this successful landmark event.
In addition to this event, Julia oversees many programs at RPAYC, including the Alfreds Community Sailing Program which supports greater access and inclusivity in sailing.
Ben is the Commodore of Hunters Hill Sailing Club, and one of the most active and passionate volunteers around the club and on the water.
Ben is at the forefront of the club’s operations, for everything from preparing the annual Sailing Program calendar to keeping the vessels and equipment in working order. Ben is also known as the steadfast Race Officer for all club races and events. He is a passionate and highly respected leader in the Hunters Hill Sailing Club community.
Para Sailor of the Year in the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Len Snowdon.
Len placed 5th in the HANSA 2.3 Class in the 2025 HANSA World Championship, and 1st overall in the NSW and Australian HANSA 2.3 Open Championships. Len is a long-time supporter of the Hansa Class, as well as a long serving member of Sailability NSW, including time as the Vice President of the Sailability Illawarra branch.
The Sport Promotion Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards went to the Making Waves Foundation.
Making Waves Foundation is a nationally recognised not-for-profit organisation that uses sailing as a transformative tool to promote inclusion, resilience, and empowerment for young Australians living with a disability or experiencing disadvantage. Making Waves has advanced the profile of sailing across our region over the past year, by broadening the reach and relevance of our sport through adapted on water program delivery, impactful media exposure, and community engagement. Many of their participants have gone on to join sailing clubs and volunteer programs, building a more inclusive community.
Team of the Year for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Team Magpie!
TEAM MAGPIE has enjoyed a highly successful season, first winning their sixth Australian Etchells Title in November 2024, before going on to win the 2025 Etchells Pre-Worlds Regatta in early January. The highlight of their season was winning the 2025 Etchells World Championship in Victoria – a back-to-back World Championship is an impressive result in any class. The Etchells class community recognises Team Magpie for their seamless and impressive teamwork, as well as their ongoing efforts and contributions to developing the class and sailors.
Youth Sailor of the Year for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Louis Tilly.
Louis has showcased exceptional talent and dedication to competition over the 2024-25 sailing season. He has consistently delivered performances at the top of the WASZP class fleet in Australia, placing first in the Australian WASZP Championships in Hobart, and 1st in the Australian WASZP Sprint Championship in Perth, amongst many other results. Louis also won, for the third time in a row, the SailGP Inspire series at the Sydney event. Just recently in July, Louis placed 30th overall, and 9th in the under-19 category, at the International WASZP Games in Weymouth (UK), where there were over 200 competitors. Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC
Sport Professional Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Jacqueline Ellis
Jacqui is the Sailing Development Manager at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and oversees the management of the club’s Sailing Academy. Her outstanding leadership, professionalism and thoughtful contribution to the delivery of programs has resulted in the club’s successful results in Discover Sailing program participation. Jacqui has also carefully planned and implemented pathways for academy graduates to prepare for racing activities in a supportive environment. Her participant focused mindset and desire to retain sailors in the sport reflect her dedicated commitment to sailing.
Winner of the She Sails Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Eleanor Cunningham
Eleanor has been instrumental in the success of the SheSails Program at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. Eleanor gives endless volunteering support to provide sailing and development opportunities for female members of LMYC. Eleanor’s selfless work has had a great influence on the club’s success in female engagement and participation in sailing, with a growth of over 70% in the last two years. Eleanor also leads the Lake Macquarie SheSails Committee that has strategically developed the Lake Macquarie SheSails Regatta over the last 8 years.
Coach of the Year Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards went to Dante Olivieri.
Dante is a passionate Sailing Coach who is dedicated to supporting youth sailing in whatever way he can. His vibrant energy is highly respected by youth sailors across the state, particularly in the Wing Foiling class. Dante is always striving to create inclusive and encouraging environments for young athletes to grow and find a lifelong enjoyment of our sport.
Instructor of the Year Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Makenzie Mayne.
Having progressed from being an Assistant Instructor at Lane Cove, Makenzie has delivered many of the Discover Sailing Courses at Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club as the Head Dinghy Sailing Instructor. In addition to Instructing and Sailing at Lane Cove, Makenzie also oversees Discover Sailing programs at Vaucluse Amateur 12ft Sailing Club. Makenzie carries out her role as an Instructor with great enthusiasm and understanding of the challenges facing new participants in Sailing.
Official of the Year Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards is Ken Semple.
Ken is an active and dependable member of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club officiating team. Ken supports all activities from club racing to major events in the capacity as a National Race Officer or a Protest Committee chairman. Most notably, Ken has been involved with Sail Fest Newcastle, as Deputy Race Officer, and Sail Port Stephens as the Chair of the Protest Committee. Ken is a well trusted and respected leader and always encourages others to get involved in officiating.
