Coach, Team, Instructor, Para Sailor, SheSails, Volunteer, Sports Professional.
The nation’s peak sailing awards will be held at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on Friday, November 14, with the winners set to join an illustrious honour roll including Olympic and world champions and legends of the sport.
Coach of the Year finalists
Mikael Lundh
Mikael Lundh has taken the national ILCA6 squad to the next level internationally.
This season he has coached first place finishes in the Australian ILCA6 National Championships, Australian Championships and Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia.
He also passionately contributes beyond his ILCA6 squad, including direct support into the 49erFX group. He played a hands-on role in the delivery of the STEM Sailing project in WA, bridging performance coaching and community engagement.
Mikael openly shares learnings across classes, and supports the broader AST coaching group with a generous and collaborative mindset and leads with humility and purpose, inspiring trust in athletes and peers alike.
Tony Bull
Tony Bull is a highly respected local sailmaker who has dedicated his life to the sport of sailing. His passion for coaching and helping sailors achieve their goals is truly remarkable.
In the 2024/25 season, Tony led yet another Australian team to a world championship title in the International Cadet class, his third world title in 10 years, alongside several other podium finishes. His sailors’ achievements were also recognised more broadly, winning the prestigious Lee Troop Award in both 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 VicSport Young Team of the Year.
Whilst immensely proud of individual world championships and the amazing sailors who achieve these, Tony personally takes the greatest pride in promoting a strong team ethos. From a coaching perspective, he is most proud of instilling the “team working together” mantra, highlighted by having six of the top ten boats at the most recent World Championships.
Tony’s tireless dedication to developing not only skilled sailors but also outstanding young people earned him one of RGYC’s highest honours, Life Membership. This prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals who have gone above and beyond for the club over an extended period.
Rafael Trujillo
Last year’s Coach of the Year, Rafael had another massive year in 2025, claiming a national title and coached the Australian ILCA7 Squad to a World Championships podium finish.
Rafael regularly supports athletes outside his immediate squad. He invests in the development of future ILCA6 athletes by making himself available across the pipeline and is widely respected for his depth of knowledge and willingness to share technical and tactical insights.
Rafael leads by example in professionalism, with a clear passion for athlete success across the whole team.
Team of the Year finalists
Sandy Higgins and Paul Marsh (SA)
The 505 World Championships in Adelaide in January 2025 was a culmination of Sandy and Paul’s campaigning for nearly 25 years.
Over that time, they’ve claimed multiple Australian Championships and earned podium finishes at previous 505 World Championships, both domestically and overseas.
Sandy and Paul built a new boat for the Adelaide Worlds. Paul, who was working in Thailand, regularly returned to Adelaide to train with Sandy in preparation for the event. Both managed full-time careers while preparing for the regatta, dedicating time to on-water training, regular gym sessions, and meticulous boat maintenance and tuning.
Competing at this level for so long requires extraordinary commitment, resilience, and an intuitive connection between sailors.
It should be noted that Sandy and Paul stepped in at the last minute to gave, their spare mast to local sailor Robin Cross, enabling him to compete in his final 505 regatta after more than 35 years in the class. Robin was sincerely grateful for the gesture, which stands as a testament to Sandy and Paul’s sportsmanship and generosity.
Team Magpie (NSW/ACT)
The team consisting of; James Mayo, Graeme Taylor (GT), Ben Lamb and Richard Allanson claimed back-to-back Etchell World Championship and Pre-World Regatta wins in 2024 and 2025.
Team Magpie also claimed victory at the 2024 Royal Brighton Christmas lead-up regatta, and their sixth Australian National Championship title (Metung, 2024).
Over the last decade, Team Magpie has earned over 35 podium finishes at national and international levels. Their consistency, speed, and tactical sharpness set them apart.
Equally impressive is their contribution off the water. The team openly shares tuning guides, setup knowledge, and strategic insights to support the wider Etchell fleet. Their willingness to improve the class as a whole shows great leadership and character.
Team Magpie exemplifies excellence, both in results and in the way they support the Etchell community. In addition to their dominance in the Australian scene, their results on the world stage are a symbol of their commitment and engagement to their sailing.
Peter Nicholas and Luke Payne (WA)
Peter and Luke are a formidable team and have demonstrated unwavering commitment, resilience,and passion for sailing.
Peter and Luke led the fleet throughout the 2025 Worlds in Adelaide but narrowly missed back-to-back World titles, finishing second overall. However, they secured victory in the Australian Championships, reinforcing their elite standing in the class.
Peter and Luke claimed the 2024 505 World Championship (95 boats) and placed second in 2025 (70 boats), demonstrating their excellence, consistency, and unwavering drive.
Their partnership began at the 2011 505 World Championships in Hamilton Island, quickly evolving into a decade-long journey of world-class performance. In 2012, they finished 7th out of 188 boats, and in 2014, they claimed an impressive second place at the Worlds.
Instructor of the Year finalists
Makenzie Mayne (NSW/ACT)
Makenzie Mayne joined Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club in 2015 and progressed through Learn-to-Race, and then onto racing Sabots, Flying 11s, Pacers with her school, and now Cherubs at Lane Cove.
Makenzie started volunteering in late-2018 as an Assistant Instructor (aged 12), contributing over 100 volunteer hours in her first season and has helped instruct and mentor over 200 youngsters that join the Club each season for LTS, volunteering over 400 hours.
Makenzie was a lead instructor for LTS under a number of the Club’s senior Instructors starting in late 2023 and ran her first program as Head Instructor in December 2024. The latter saw her with responsibility for over 10 instructors and assistant instructors, and over 50 participants.
She manages Vaucluse 12ft SSC’s school coaching programs and school holiday camps in conjunction with managing the administration of these programs. She is also running Lane Cove 12ft SSC’s Winter F11 training program, and was recently seen back in a LTS Sabot helping junior racers perfect their starting techniques.
Makenzie is uniquely qualified to assist and instruct young sailors. She is an accomplished sailor, and has developed into an excellent instructor.
Samantha Bailey (TAS)
Samantha undertakes her role at WYC covering all aspects of growing the sport through the WYC’s accreditation as an Australian Sailing (AS) Discover Sailing Centre.
Sam is the WYC’s Discover Sailing Principal, a role she has held for three years. The Discover Sailing Principal role ensures that instructors, governance and equipment meet the AS standards to train members and the community.
Sam shows her commitment to WYC as a Director on the Board of the WYC, and sets the Start Sailing and Tackers program dates working in partnership with the Saturday Sailing Coach.
For the 2024-25 season Sam coordinated two Start Sailing, and two Tackers programs. These programs saw her volunteer over 64 hours delivering programs with the support of Assistant Instructors (AI) and safety boat crew.
Sam was able to identify five WYC members to become Assistant Instructors and then coordinated to hold a Dinghy AI course at Wynyard. This was a great outcome to have the program held at WYC, allowing the club to comply with the WYC’s child safe policy of not travelling alone with youth.
Mentoring and developing others to be of the same high standards that Sam shows ensure WYC’s future is in good hands for many years ahead.
Lucas James (VIC)
Lucas James is an exceptional young instructor who exemplifies the values and spirit of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and Australian Sailing. Since becoming a qualified Dinghy Instructor, Lucas has consistently demonstrated leadership, maturity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Beginning as an Assistant Instructor at BYS in 2021, Lucas has grown into a key member of the Club’s instructional team, delivering programs across juniors, youth, and adults.
Lucas works with both beginner and advanced sailors, ranging from young Tackers and Minnow sailors to more experienced ILCA and Sabre racers.
In the 2024–25 season, Lucas served as a Lead Instructor for BYS’s Youth Sailing Program supporting ILCA and Sabre sailors, oversaw training for the Minnow fleet at the 2025 Youth State Championships, and supported the ‘Out There Sailing’ initiative. He has also delivered adult learn-to-sail sessions and is actively contributing to the refinement of BYS’s instructional programs for the upcoming season.
Lucas was selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 Australian Sailing Coach Development Program (Victoria Pilot Program), where he is mentored by Olympic coach Amelia Catt.
Lucas continues to race competitively in ILCA6, ILCA7, and Aero7 classes at local, state, and national levels. He believes that staying active in the sport is critical to staying relevant as an instructor and coach. He has also instructed at Albert Sailing Club, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Scotch College, and through the Victorian Laser Association—broadening his understanding of Victoria’s sailing culture.
Para Sailor of the Year finalists
Genevieve Wickham (WA)
Genevieve Wickham is a standout in Australian Para Sailing, with a season marked by elite results, leadership and personal strength.
In 2024, she earned silver in the Inclusion category and bronze in the Open division at the RS Venture Connect World Championships in the UK, following her 2023 world title. At the Para World Sailing Championships in Sydney, she claimed gold in the Hansa 303 Women’s division, cementing her place among the best in the world.
Locally, Genevieve won the WA Hansa 303 State Title and secured both the Club Consistency and Championship Awards at Royal Perth Yacht Club. She competes regularly in both dinghy and keelboat events, reflecting her deep commitment to the sport.
Genevieve’s journey is defined by resilience, tenacity, and courage. On and off the water, she leads by example and is a passionate advocate for the future of Para Sailing. She is actively involved in promoting its reinstatement into the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games, using her platform to support the international campaign.
As she prepares for the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman later this year, Genevieve continues to inspire through her performance, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to making sailing more inclusive and competitive for all.
Peter Coleman (VIC)
Peter was awarded Victorian Para Sailor of the year last year and has had another remarkable 2025 season both on and off the water.
Peter had multiple first place finishes including the Hansa Asia Pacific Titles, Hansa Australian Champs, 2.4 Australian Championships and the 2.4 Victorian States.
As well as mounting his own campaigns in the 2.4 meter and Hansa Classes, Peter is heavily involved with Australian Sailing, class associations and yacht clubs in the promotion of para sailing and the running of events.
Peter has been a proponent of innovations to assist para sailors (audible buoys and suitable changes to sailing instructions) and also generates enthusiasm in others for volunteering, sailing and boat building – amongst able bodied and para sailors alike.
In 2024, in recognition of Peter’s performance in regattas, Peter was awarded the RBYC award for Outstanding Performance in National and International Events.
Chris Symonds (TAS)
Chris is heavily involved with Wynyard Yacht Club and the local community, he is Commodore of the club and has been in this role for some time.
This season Chris took line honours at the Australian Hansa Championships – 303 Singles and also finished seventh at the World Hansa Championships – 303 singles.
Chris partnered with Samantha Bailey to achieve 9th place in the RS Venture Connect Worlds. Chris then partnered with Manuela Klinger in the Hansa 303 doubles to win the Tasmanian, Australian, Asia Pacific and runner up in the World Championships.
He is the Commander of the local Marine Surf Rescue and is always promoting how active the club is in the community. Chris is an active volunteer in the club’s Sailability Program supporting people from the North Coast of Tasmania to experience sailing despite their disabilities Outside of Wynyard Yacht Club.
SheSails Awards finalists
South Australia Women’s Keelboat Regatta (SA)
The South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (SAWKR), hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of SA (CYCSA) at North Haven, is an example of collaboration and inclusivity in sailing.
The 2024 event, delivered in partnership with the Royal SA Yacht Squadron (RSAYS) and the Port Adelaide Sailing Club (PASC), marked the third SAWKR since its successful launch in 2022.
The regatta has continued to build remarkable momentum, growing from 118 women sailors and 21 boats in its inaugural year to 174 competitors on 30 boats. The growth highlights both the expanding impact of the event and the increasing demand for opportunities for women in keelboat racing.
The aim of SAWKR is to provide a unique, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive regatta experience that will build women’s participation in sailing in South Australia and beyond. It strives to provide diverse racing opportunities for growth and development of women’s sailing skills and knowledge, encourage more women skippers and crews to participate in the sport of keelboat racing, and promote women’s leadership and camaraderie on and off the water.
Participation has increased over three regattas from 118 to 174 competitors and is a testament to the enthusiasm, competitiveness and fun enjoyed by everyone involved with SAWKR 2024.
Eleanor Cunningham (NSW/ACT)
Eleanor Cunningham has been instrumental in the success of the SheSails Program at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. She also leads the Lake Macquarie SheSails Group Committee that has strategically developed the Lake Macquarie SheSails Regatta over the last 8 years.
This year saw over 20 yachts competing with over 120 sailors, 8 yachts with all female crews and all other yachts having at least 50% female crew.
Eleanor is actively passionate about sailing and provides endless support in volunteering her time. She has also introduced women to other boat owners for crewing opportunities throughout the LMYC fleet and heads up an all-female crew for two seasons on an Adams 10.6.
She has also been highly active in organising & competing in crews that represented LMYC in five NCYC SheSails Open Regattas, crewing in the ‘Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series’ 2025 and competing in LMYC’s Wednesday & Saturday summer season races.
Eleanor has also been a Flag Officer at LMYC for many years and is a current member of the LMYC Board, Sailing and History Committee.
All of this selfless work by Eleanor has influenced LMYC’s success in female participation. There has been an increase of over 74% in the last two years with 215 female Sailing Members at LMYC with Australian Sailing SIN numbers for 2025.
Robyn Ragauskas (VIC)
Robyn’s leadership, drive, and unwavering commitment has played a central role in transforming the landscape of women’s sailing at Southport Yacht Club.
For the past three seasons, Robyn has served as the SheSails representative on the SYC Sailing Committee, using her role to drive meaningful initiatives that empower, educate, and connect female sailors.
One of her most impactful contributions has been the launch and ongoing delivery of SYC’s women-specific training courses, now entering its third season. These courses regularly attract participants and offer a supportive, inclusive space where women can build skills, confidence, and camaraderie on the water.
Robyn’s passion extends beyond training, into the competitive racing arena. She and her husband Eddie co-own and race their keelboat Bullet, which competes regularly in Division 2 of the SYC Aggregate and other club events. Robyn is also a dedicated supporter of all-women racing, consistently assembling all-female crews to take part in the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series.
Robyn plays a central role in both of the club’s flagship women’s events – the Women in Sailing Challenge and the Commodore’s Challenge. The Women in Sailing Challenge forms part of the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series and also includes a cruising division for those less experienced or sailing more cruising type yachts.
Beyond racing and formal training, Robyn has been instrumental in building a vibrant and supportive women’s sailing community at SYC. Robyn is a vocal champion for female helms, regularly promoting opportunities for women to take the helm during SYC’s Wednesday and Thursday racing series. Her efforts have resulted in a visible and meaningful increase in female participation across club racing, with more women stepping into leadership roles on and off the water.
Volunteer of the Year finalists
Julia Hornsby (NSW/ACT)
Julia Hornsby, as Chair of the Organising Authority, led the very successful delivery of the ‘Hansa Worlds’ held at RPAYC.
With over 200 sailors living with or without a disability, from 18 countries competing in 167 boats, these Championships demonstrated inclusion, accessibility and diversity in action.
The event’s open fleet racing enabled athletes living with a wide range of disabilities to race alongside and against those without, showing the inclusive nature of sailing as a sport. They also showed very clearly the importance of sport for people living with a disability.
As Chair, Julia’s total dedication to these championships ensured harmonious collaboration between RPAYC and key partners including Sailability NSW, Australian Sailing, World Sailing, the Hansa Class Association, Hansa Sailing Systems, local and NSW Government authorities, other supporters and her RPAYC colleagues. A collaboration that was key to the success of the event for the competitors.
Julia was able to work with Northern Beaches Council who provided dedicated parking for a 40-foot container and for many of the competitor’s trailers.
The championships were transformational for the club, its members, staff and competitors. Julia was proud and honoured to play a central role in an event that has left a legacy for inclusive sailing in this country.
Rosaline Marshall (VIC)
Rosaline is an outstanding and selfless volunteer who has made a remarkable contribution to youth sailing in Victoria through her work with the Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association (VIODA).
She is known for her unwavering commitment to supporting young sailors from all walks of life, while exemplifying good character, sportsmanship, and inclusiveness.
She supports children across a wide variety of cultural, social and geographical backgrounds, including sailors from regional and border communities. Her work promotes youth participation in the International Optimist Dinghy class from beginner to elite levels, and she plays a critical role in helping both children and their families feel welcomed and supported.
Rosaline has been instrumental in organising and encouraging participation in regional events, such as VIODA’s Winter Training Camps and the “Sail Country” Regatta at Albury Wodonga Yacht Club. She has built bridges between Melbourne and regional sailing communities, resulting in Albury Wodonga sailors gaining the confidence to travel to capital city regattas— something rarely seen before.
At state, national, and international regattas, Rosaline volunteers in any capacity needed—from start boat flag assistant at Nationals to kitchen hand, trolley collector, canteen server, or safety support crew. She was a steady and familiar presence at the National Optimist Championships at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, offering support to Victorian families and volunteering as a Start Boat Assistant. Her photos and updates helped connect parents onshore and back home with the experience of the regatta.
Donnah Jordan (QLD)
Donnah Jordan is the Mackay Sailing Club Secretary, a Committee Member of the North Qld Sabot Association and the President of the Australian National Sabot Council.
Donnah introduced a new location for the Mackay Festival of Sail at Seaforth which was a mammoth effort alone and turned out to be a huge success.
Donnah has been working with the Mackay Regional Council for the last two years and has now secured a parcel of Waterfront Land for the club at Mackay Harbour, cementing the club’s future. This wouldn’t have happened without her continued efforts and the club now has a place to call home.
Donnah is also a committee member of the North Qld Sabot Association. She is spearheading the organizing of this year’s National Titles in the Whitsundays this Christmas. Donnah has secured most of the sponsors, negotiated the contract with Host Club and organised the accommodation / billeting and transport options for the other associations coming to the region.
Amongst other things Donnah is also the President of the Australian National Sabot Association. She organises the State Associations, maintains the record and promotes events for the Sabot Class. Donnah also updates the Websites and Socials for the Sabots.
Sports Professional of the Year finalists
Chelsea Hall (WA)
Chelsea is a driving force within the WA sailing and training community, serving as the DSC Principal at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC). A highly experienced sailor herself, she brings her expertise as an instructor and coach to both beginners and advanced fleets across dinghy, keelboat, and windsurfing disciplines, and has helped coach some of WA’s most advanced fleets.
As project leader for several key events, Chelsea has created a lasting impact. Most notably, she led the 2025 Great Southern Regatta and Clinic, attracting 31 youth sailors from across the Great Southern, South West, and Perth Metro areas, and even as far afield as Tasmania. With six coaches working alongside her, Chelsea delivered high-level training and development to both sailors and support staff.
She also spearheaded the Princess Royal Sailing Club Green Fleet Coaching Clinic in Albany, training 17 regional sailors and upskilling 13 coaches and volunteers, and sharing fresh, practical methods to engage and grow local fleets.
She was a key presenter at the 2025 Sailing Summit at East Fremantle Yacht Club, speaking to over 50 attendees on how to boost participation at DSCs using effective, hands-on strategies.
A passionate advocate for women in sailing, Chelsea is the force behind the “Girls to the Front” initiative – an RFBYC-nominated program under the SheSails category. Her commitment to inclusion and gender equity is matched by her broader vision for long-term participation in the sport.
More than just her accomplishments, Chelsea is known for her infectious positivity, collaborative spirit, and unwavering “can-do” attitude. She fosters community, builds networks, and inspires others with her belief that sailing is not just a sport, but a lifelong passion.
Jacqueline Ellis (NSW/ACT)
Jacqueline demonstrates outstanding leadership, professionalism, and contribution to the delivery of sailing programs at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC).
Her management of the club’s Sailing Academy has had a profound and measurable impact on participation, retention, and the quality of sailing experiences delivered to the community.
As Sailing Development Manager, Jacqueline oversees every aspect of the club’s accredited Discover Sailing Centre operations. She manages a team of approximately 30 casual instructors and ensures the consistent and safe delivery of courses to all ages and skill levels.
Her calm and capable leadership, attention to detail, and strong organisational skills allow the academy to deliver high-quality programs at scale without compromising on participant experience.
Under Jacqueline’s guidance, NCYC achieved remarkable results including; ranking first in Australia for Keelboat program participation, fourth nationally for Tackers, fifth nationally for OutThere Sailing and the second busiest Discover Sailing Centre in Australia by total participation.
These figures are the result of Jacqueline’s thoughtful planning, high operational standards, and consistent efforts to ensure every session is well-prepared, professionally delivered, and welcoming for new sailors.
Recognising the gap between learn-to-sail programs and club racing participation, Jacqueline introduced a structured transition pathway for academy graduates. This program gives learners the chance to step onto larger yachts and prepare for club racing in a supported environment.
Her work has directly contributed to making NCYC one of the most successful participation centres in Australia, while building a strong and sustainable future for sailing in the region.
Colleen Darcey (TAS)
As former Sailing Operations Manager and now Vice Commodore of the Derwent Sailing Squadron (DSS), Colleen has been instrumental in shaping a more connected, welcoming, and resilient Tasmanian sailing community.
Her influence reaches across all levels of Squadron activity. From relaxed twilight series to major offshore regattas, Colleen has ensured events are not only well-executed but inclusive and engaging. Her calm, collaborative leadership has fostered an environment where sailors of all backgrounds and experience levels feel encouraged to participate, and where volunteers are empowered and appreciated.
In addition to overseeing more than 40 individual race events annually, Colleen played a central role in delivering two of Tasmania’s flagship events, the 2024 Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race and the 2025 King of the Derwent Yacht race.
Colleen was the lead sailing administrator who delivered the successful 2025 Australian Yachting Championships on behalf of Australian Sailing. Her work across planning, logistics, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer coordination helped ensure both events were professionally run and deeply rooted in community spirit.
Her commitment to participation extends well beyond race management. As the driving force behind DSS’s club-based training program, Colleen has helped hundreds of people find their way into the sport, especially women, young sailors, and newcomers. Her quiet mentorship and tireless advocacy have made sailing more accessible and welcoming for all.
She is also a champion for Tasmania’s sailing heritage. Through her leadership in preserving and promoting the Derwent Class, one of the state’s most enduring one-design fleets, Colleen continues to connect past and present. Her work organising annual regattas, curating stories, and engaging the broader community ensures this unique class remains relevant and alive for future generations.
Gemma Burns (VIC)
Gemma is an exceptional sports professional whose contribution to sailing at Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) and within the broader Australian sailing community has been impactful and wide-reaching.
As the Boating and J/70 Coordinator at SYC, Gemma has played a pivotal role in creating and driving programs that have significantly increased participation, supported emerging talent, and built a vibrant, connected community among young sailors.
Gemma leads SYC’s J/70 program, a dynamic, multi-layered offering that includes social sailing, development opportunities, a dedicated Youth Squad, and an Advanced-level Program. Now in its third season, the program has gone from strength to strength under her guidance. Managing over 30 athletes year-round, Gemma supports the development of these young sailors both on and off the water, helping them transition into keelboat sailing and grow into confident, collaborative team members.
Through her leadership, the J/70 program has become a key pillar at SYC and has increased engagement with members aged 18 to 35. Gemma has played an essential part in attracting and retaining this demographic, which has led to a noticeable increase in regular sailing activity and involvement in club life. During her time in the role, SailPass membership has grown by 25% – a direct outcome of her initiative to promote the J/70s as an accessible and fun way for young sailors to participate in the club’s Summer Thursday Twilight series.
Gemma’s impact extends well beyond day-to-day programming. As a highly active member of the SYC Boating Office, she helps deliver a high volume of club, state, and national regattas and events. She is also a Senior Instructor accredited by Australian Sailing in both keelboat and dinghy disciplines, and plays a key role in mentoring the next generation of instructors.
This year, she introduced a winter upskilling initiative for young members, offering both sailing and powerboat development opportunities – programs she designed and organised to keep the young members engaged and active at the club during the winter.
For more information visit www.sailing.org.au.
