David Pescud OAM to Be Inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions
A gentleman Pittwater has a long-term connection with, David Pescud OAM, is set to be recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing with the announcement of his induction into the NSW Hall of Champions.
Long-term readers will remember Palm Beach Sailing Club raising money for 'Faceboat' back in 2013. The wonderful Linda Renouf sent in some photos, telling us we had to let our community know:
'Sailors with disAbilities is receiving $325 from Palm Beach Sailing Club Sailors and there will be 13 new crew members on the side of their Sydney to Hobart racing yacht!'
Since 2010, the Sailors With Disabilities team has been sailing the TP52, Wot Eva (the former Wot Yot, which was generously donated to SWD by wotif.com co-founder Graeme Wood), in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This year, the crew is back to sailing the Lyons 54 that won PHS in the 2007 Hobart after winning PHS in the 2006 Sydney Mooloolaba race and scoring second in the inaugural Sydney Mackay Yacht Race in 2006. David Pescud, owner, and crew famously also won PHS overall in the fatal 1998 Hobart with a former yacht.
This year, SWD came up with a very clever plan, launching its ‘Face Boat’ campaign. For a tax deductible $25.00, donors can have their photo appear on the hull of the boat. Patron, Malcolm Turnbull, launched this novel campaign in September to help raise funds for SWD. There is space for more than 3,800 photos on the Lyons 54, which has contested every east coast regatta and offshore race since being launched in 2000. In July 2003, with this yacht, the disabled SWD crew shattered the monohull circumnavigation of Australia record, a record it still holds today.
Grace, the 19 year girl sailing with SWD to Hobart that year, stated;
"Sailing with all the faces on the boat feels amazing. I'm really blown away by family, friends and community support. The Faceboat sea of faces will help me find the courage to face the mighty seas of Bass Strait."
Grace with Shane Withington at RMYC's Timber Boat Festival 2013. Photo: Linda Renouf
This was followed support from across the Pittwater when Bayview's Team Windcraft back in July 2014 to raise funds to support what was then called 'Sailors with disABILITIES', a not-for-profit organisation, that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people through sailing. They raffled of a yacht and sales for the tickets meant a substantial investment in Mr. Pescud's mission to share the joy of being on the water.
By October 2014 Windcraft's MD Peter Hrones said he "Felt like Father Christmas" as he handed over the keys of a brand new Hanse 345 yacht to raffle winner John Scott and a cheque for $174,550.37 to David Pescud the founder of Sailors with disAbilities (SWD).
This was the second time the Windcraft team have raffled a yacht in support of a much loved Australian charity. Three years prior to 2014 it was Bear Cottage who benefitted from their support and then Windcraft chose SWD.
The Windcraft Team had the privilege of then Premier of NSW Mike Baird visiitng Middle Harbour Yacht Club to officially name the prize Hanse 345 in the 'Amazing Grace' raffle.
The yacht was named 'Amazing Grace' after Grace Kennedy who has Spina Bifida and was just 19 when she competed in the 2013 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Mike Baird spent time chatting to Grace before the ceremony, learning about the skills and courage needed to race to Hobart.
In a short speech Mr Baird praised Grace's determination and dedication. Mr Baird also took time to recognise David Pescud and the opportunity the organisation had by then offered to over 3000 children and adults living with disability or at disadvantage each year.
L to r: Grace Kennedy, David Pescud, Mary Bickley and 2014 Premier Mike Baird. Photo supplied.
Pittwater residents would have seen Grace Kennedy, alongside Em Dieters as part of Australian Surfing's Irukandjis para-surfers cohort in recent years - Grace won bronze last year and represents Australia in California this November again - go girls!
Even then David was using sailing as a tool to build the confidence and self-esteem of participants whilst learning the thrill and freedom of sailing in a team environment, and the results and progression of Grace is testament to that.
Pittwater's own Royal Motor Yacht Club of Broken Bay (at Newport) is continuing their own tradition of supporting David Pescud and his team with both the Making Waves Foundation and Marine Rescue NSW fundraising at their 2026 Timber Boat Festival, running next weekend, November 7-8, with LOADS on (Interactive Displays, On Water Action, a Family Fun Zone). The RMYC is making it easy to get there and back too with the Club hosting free park and ride bus.
The announcement made by Sport NSW recognises Mr. Pescud's commitment to increasing inclusion and accessibility within the sport of sailing. His pioneering work includes a dedication towards creating opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the freedoms of sailing.
David Pescud founded the Making Waves Foundation (formerly Sailors with disAbilities) and skippered the first boat crewed by people with disabilities in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. His crews have twice won their division in the Boxing Day Classic and the team still hold the World Sailing Speed Record for the fastest circumnavigation of Australia by a monohull yacht, set in July 2003 aboard KAZ.
In 2022 David Pescud was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the NSW/ACT Sailing Awards.
Australian Sailing's NSW/ACT division said then:
''David founded Sailors with Disability back in 1994 as President of the organisation, now known as the Making Waves Foundation. That year he put together a team of disabled sailors to contest the 50th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.''
''This was the first time ever a fully disabled crew had competed in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Earlier in the same year, competing in the Sydney Southport Race MWF was the first fully disabled crew to compete in an ocean race.
''MWF has since competed in 20 Sydney to Hobart yacht races. The foundation has provided sailing opportunities to more than 64,000 disabled and disadvantaged people. 2,500 people partake in their programs each year. He went to a lot of trouble to make boats for the disabled to sail on even with wheelchairs. It’s an experience they just wouldn’t get anywhere else. He felt it was important to get them out in an environment that they would never have dreamed of, and that expanded their horizons.
David is a great advocate for the disabled and disadvantaged in yachting, and very widely respected for this. This has very effectively demonstrated to the sailing community that sailors with a disability can seriously compete on their level, often to their surprise and amazement.
Looking at what has been achieved we have a great deal to celebrate as a result of one man’s vision as a catalyst for change in the sport of racing and sailing – the list of sailing achievements is significant, but more importantly it demonstrates the sailing community’s ability to put aside fear and prejudice and move forward inclusively acknowledging difference rather than hiding it. ''
In 2023, David received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disability.
Malcolm Page OAM, CEO Australian Sailing recognised Pescud’s decades of contribution to the sport of sailing and congratulated him on the announcement.
"David’s contribution to sailing extends far beyond the water, making a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with disability. His dedication to making sailing accessible to everyone is helping create a more inclusive sport, where everyone has the opportunity to experience the freedom and enjoyment of sailing," said Page.
"On behalf of Australian Sailing we thank him for his significant contribution to our sport and congratulate him on his induction into the NSW Hall of Champions."
Mr. Pescud is being inducted this year alongside Stephen Davies (Hockey), Jennifer Luff (Rowing), Rick McCosker OAM (Cricket) and Kathleen Shannon-Bazzano (Cycling).
NSW Sport Hall of Champions Committee Chair, Alan Whelpton AO, congratulated the five inductees adding their distinguished careers earned them worthy selection.
“The five inductees are very worthy additions to the Hall of Champions. Each are recognised for their outstanding sports careers which saw them represent their country, state, sport, and themselves with distinction,” said Mr Whelpton.
“Their contribution to sport goes beyond the field of play. Through their unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment, they have shown the next generation of athletes the pathway to unleashing their potential and enjoy success at the highest levels,” added Mr Whelpton.
Sport NSW Chief Executive, Ellie Laing-Southwood paid tribute to the new inductees.
“Stephen, Jennifer, Rick, David and Kathleen exemplify the hallmarks of being a sports champion and we are thrilled to see them join an illustrious cohort of outstanding athletes. They have served their sport and the wider sports community with honour and distinction,” said Ms Laing-Southwood.
Hall of Champion inductees are approved by the Minister for Sport following recommendations from the Hall of Champions Selection Committee and NSW peak sporting bodies.
The NSW Hall of Champions is located at the Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.
These five athletes will be inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions at the prestigious NSW Champions of Sport ceremony at The Star Event Centre on Monday, November 23.
Congratulations David - so much done for so many for so long.
