More than 140 sailors, coaches, instructors, officials, volunteers and club representatives from across New South Wales and the ACT gathered at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron recently (19 September) for the 2026 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards, celebrating the individuals, clubs and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport over the past year. The evening recognised achievement across all areas of sailing, from international competition and coaching through to participation, volunteering, inclusion and club development.
2026 NSW & ACT Sailing Award Winners
- Club of the Year (Category A): Lake Macquarie Yacht Club
- Club of the Year (Category B): Carcoar Dam Sailing Club
- Female Sailor of the Year: Jiang Lin, CYCA
- Male Sailor of the Year: Andy Green, CYCA
- Youth Sailor of the Year: Connor Radford, B16’s
- Team of the Year: Kairos Racing, CYCA
- Official of the Year: Evan McHugh, NCYC/TASC/RMYCT
- Instructor of the Year: Scott Reynolds, SVSP
- Coach of the Year: Victor Kovalenko OAM, MHYC
- Para Sailor of the Year: Gregory Myers, DAC
- Sport Promotion Award: Sail Port Stephens, NCYC
- Sport Professional Award: Simon Turpin, LMYC
- Volunteer of the Year: Gerry Brooks, CYC
- SheSails Award: Canberra Yacht Club
- Innovation Award: BYRA Northbridge Junior Boatbuilding Program
- Lifetime Achievement Awards: Bruce Davis (MYC), John Kirkjian (CYCA)and Dr Stephen Wilson (RSYS)
The evening also saw Archie Gargett and Sarah Hoffman formally recognised as recipients of Australian Sailing’s prestigious Barranjoey Pins. Introduced in 2018, the Barranjoey Pin honours athletes who have achieved Australian Sailing Team status and celebrates Australia’s rich Olympic and Paralympic sailing legacy. Gargett and Hoffman earned their place among Australian Sailing Team Alumni following a breakthrough 2026 Nacra 17 campaign, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in France and further top-10 international results.
Award Citations
Club of the Year (Category A) – Lake Macquarie Yacht Club
Lake Macquarie Yacht Club was recognised for its leadership in sailing participation, development and community engagement. Following the establishment of its accredited Discover Sailing Centre, the club expanded opportunities for newcomers through keelboat programs, school sailing initiatives and structured pathways into racing and membership, while also supporting major regattas and collaboration across the Lake Macquarie sailing community.
Club of the Year (Category B) – Carcoar Dam Sailing Club
Carcoar Dam Sailing Club demonstrated how a volunteer-driven regional club can drive exceptional growth in participation and membership. Through investment in instructor development, safety resources, training opportunities and affordable pathways into sailing, the club increased membership by more than 50 per cent while expanding sailing opportunities across Central West NSW.
Female Sailor of the Year – Jiang Lin
Jiang Lin made history as the first female skipper to win the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race overall and the first double-handed crew to claim the Tattersall Cup. Beyond her racing success, she has actively supported and promoted participation in offshore and double-handed sailing.
Male Sailor of the Year – Andy Green
An outstanding yachtsman, navigator and meteorologist, Andy Green played a key role in several major sailing victories over the past year, including Comanche’s Rolex Sydney Hobart line honours triumph and multiple TP52 championship successes, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s leading navigators.
Youth Sailor of the Year – Connor Radford
Connor Radford has emerged as one of Australia’s leading wing foiling athletes, achieving impressive national and international results while also supporting and encouraging participation within the Lake Macquarie foiling community.
Team of the Year – Kairos Racing
Led by skipper Cole Tapper, Kairos Racing became the youngest team ever to win the prestigious Congressional Cup and only the second Australian team to claim the title, defeating world number one Chris Poole on their way to victory.
Official of the Year – Evan McHugh
Evan McHugh was recognised for his professionalism, judgement and race management expertise, supporting major events, regattas and youth championships while ensuring safe, fair and consistent racing for competitors.
Instructor of the Year – Scott Reynolds
Through the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project and Discover Sailing Centres across Australia, Scott Reynolds has introduced thousands of people to sailing. His commitment to creating inclusive pathways into the sport has helped participants develop confidence, skills and lifelong involvement in sailing.
Coach of the Year – Victor Kovalenko
Under the guidance of Victor Kovalenko, Australian sailors achieved world-class performances, including the 2026 Etchells World Championship title. His ability to build adaptable, successful teams continues to set the standard for coaching excellence.
Para Sailor of the Year – Gregory Myers
Gregory Myers enjoyed an exceptional season, winning both the Australian Para Championship and the Open Australian Championship in the Hansa 303 Single division. He also continues to contribute to the sailing community through volunteering and mentoring.
Sport Promotion Award – Sail Port Stephens
Sail Port Stephens was recognised for creating one of Australia’s leading sailing events, attracting competitors from across a broad range of sailing disciplines. Record participation, innovative engagement initiatives, extensive media coverage and significant economic benefits to the region contributed to its success.
Sport Professional Award – Simon Turpin
As Sailing Manager at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Simon Turpin has demonstrated outstanding leadership in growing participation, strengthening safety and governance, developing volunteers and creating new pathways into sailing through the club’s Discover Sailing Centre.
Volunteer of the Year – Gerry Brooks
A dedicated volunteer for more than a decade, Gerry Brooks continues to make a significant contribution to sailing in the ACT through race management, event officiating, club administration and safety leadership.
SheSails Award – Canberra Yacht Club
Canberra Yacht Club was recognised for creating welcoming and sustainable pathways into sailing for women and girls through SheSails activities, training programs and youth initiatives that have increased participation and retention in the sport.
Innovation Award – BYRA Northbridge Junior Boatbuilding Program
The BYRA Northbridge Junior Boatbuilding Program combines boatbuilding, STEM education, practical skills and sailing into a unique participation pathway, creating affordable access to the sport while strengthening connections between generations of sailors and volunteers.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Bruce Davis
Bruce Davis has dedicated more than 30 years of outstanding service to sailing, leaving a legacy that has shaped generations of sailors. A Life Member, long-serving Director and former Commodore of Manly Yacht Club, Bruce revitalised the club’s junior sailing program, transforming it into a thriving pathway for young sailors. His contributions extend from club governance, race management and infrastructure development to supporting international events, Sailability and the broader boating community. Through his leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment, Bruce has embodied the very best of sailing volunteerism and made a lasting impact on countless lives both on and off the water.
Lifetime Achievement Award – John Kirkjian
John Kirkjian has made an extraordinary contribution to sailing for over 50 years, with a legacy built on leadership, safety and the fair application of the Racing Rules of Sailing. John served as a member of the Protest Committee’s at Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron throughout this time, as well as a member of the CYCA Sailing Committee for nearly 30 years, playing a pivotal role in race administration, governance and safety. John also held roles with Yachting NSW and Yachting Australia, helping shape national safety standards as Chair of the Special Regulations Committee. John’s expertise, integrity and dedication have helped make sailing safer, fairer and stronger, leaving an enduring impact on the sport at every level.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr Stephen Wilson
Dr Stephen Wilson has devoted almost three decades to advancing inclusion in sailing, becoming one of the world’s leading figures in Para Sailing Classification. As Head of Classification for Australian Sailing and a former International Chief Classifier, he has played a pivotal role in developing and safeguarding the systems that enable fair competition from grassroots participation through to the Paralympic Games. Dr Wilson continues to lead pioneering research into classification for sailors with intellectual impairment, work that has the potential to expand Para sailing opportunities and shape the future of inclusive sailing worldwide.
Australian Sailing congratulates all award winners, finalists and Barranjoey Pin recipients recognised throughout the evening. Their achievements reflect the depth of talent, dedication and community spirit that continues to strengthen and grow sailing across New South Wales and the ACT.
National Award winners will be announced at the 2026 Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Gala Dinner at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on Friday 30 October. You can purchase tickets to the event here.
