Volunteer Award (Formerly Services to Yachting)
2022 - 23 Sarah Cooper
Sarah Cooper is Henley Sailing Club’s current Treasurer and Sail Training Principal, Web Master and Social Media guru. She has notched over two and a half decades of continuous service as a volunteer and is an unsung heroine to the sailing community. Sarah’s passion and commitment to the Club, its members, and the sailing community in general for not just the last 12 months, but during the past two decades are undeniable.
2021 - 2022 Peter Kinsman
Peter Kinsman makes an extraordinary contribution as a volunteer at Rye Yacht Club and has done so for more than ten years. Currently, Peter holds the positions of Secretary and Registrar on the Club Executive Committee and is a member of the Sailing School Committee. Peter is also voluntary Sailing Instructor and is very active in all Discover Sailing Centre programs.
2020 - 21 Max Gundy
On 7 June 2021 our Club membership unanimously elected Max Gundy as a Life Member of the Club in recognition of his service to the Club as a volunteer, sailor, Commodore and member of the Committee. Max has overseen multiple projects as Commodore, including the redevelopment of the Club as head of the Redevelopment Committee, a task that involved hundreds of hours of discussion, negotiation and planning with insurers, project managers, builders, Sate & Federal Government Members and Lane Cove Council.
2019 - 20 James Mitchell & Chris Mitchell
Sandringham Yacht Club jointly nominated two Members, husband and wife duo Chris and James Mitchell both of whom have demonstrated outstanding service to SYC in 2019/2020. Both James (Chairman) and Chris joined and essentially drove the Laser 2020 Organising Committee to facilitate the successful delivery of the Nov 2019 Laser State Championships, Jan 2020 Australian Laser National Championships, Feb 2020 *Men’s World Laser Championship, Feb 2020 *Radial Women’s & Men’s World Championship. *Olympic selection events for Tokyo, held from November 2019 – February 2020. They volunteered 7 days per week, 12 hours per day and did it with a smile. They were also on call 24/7. They went above and beyond and did a remarkable job.
2018 - 19 Peter Merritt
In the last season, Peter was Principal Race Officer (PRO) for the following regattas: Laser Australian Championships, Laser Oceania Masters Championships, Laser Victorian Masters Championships, Victorian Youth Regatta held at BYS, George Mac Regatta RBYC, Sail Country Race Officer and Melges 20 Australian Championship. When Peter is not busy organising these events he also runs race officer courses at various clubs and is a weekly on course volunteer with his wife Jenny at his home club McCrae.
2017 - 18 David Kemp
David has been an active sailing race management volunteer for over 25 years. Over the past 15 years he has not only dedicated himself to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron by volunteering on water but also created tailor software that enables RQYS to track volunteer information and boat usage.
2016 - 17 Jack Winning
Jack retired in 2008 and since then has helped Lane Cove's learn to sail courses see over 2000 introduced to sabots and sailing
2015 - 16 Louise Hoise
Louise Hosie has been an active member and supporter of the Mordialloc Sailing Club for many years, has acted as a regular volunteer in the tower and assisted with junior sailing. Louise steps up and assists in every regatta or sailing event the Club runs including State and national championships, regional regattas and other events. The club has come to rely on her assistance as well as her skills in the roles she undertakes >> Nomination Citation
2014 - 15 Paul Pascoe
ver his lifetime, Paul Pascoe’s commitment and contribution to the sport of yachting has never ceased. Since the very first involvement in organising a major event at the 1982 Hobie Nationals, Paul has been involved in all aspects of managing sailing. Regatta management, race management, coaching, jury, website management and results are all areas where Paul has been involved and excelled. Paul has been heavily involved at club, state, national and international level including the International Hobie Class Association, ISAF and every Olympic Games since Atlanta 1996.
He has been a national judge since 1998, international judge since 1994 and serves as Olympic Tornado class coach for the British Sailing Team for four years leading up to the 1996 Olympics. He has also been the President and is a Life Member of the International Hobie Class Association >> Nomination Citation
2013 - 14 Garry Hosie, John Rosser & Brian Sorell
Garry Hosie (VIC)
Garry has an impressive record of regattas that he has officiated, giving up an extraordinary amount of personal time to attend and officiate regattas across Australia and overseas as RO, CRO and PRO. His contribution as a race officer dates back before 2002 and he is looking forward to hosting the Moth World Championships in 2015 in Sorrento.
John Rosser (WA)
John became a regular race office in the mid 1980s. He played a significant role in the smooth management of the 2011 ISAF World Cup utilising his engineering skill to implement an automated starting system. As a volunteer during the 2006 IFDS Disabled Worlds John created a rotating skippers seat and continues to be a valuable contributor to the disabled sailing community. John's engineering skills were also utilised in his involvement in Alan Bond’s 1977 team to challenge for the America’s cup.
Brian Sorell (SA)
As a member of Adelaide Sailing Club, Brian has been the chief coxswain for the last seven years and has recently retired. Brian has been instrumental in the up keep of the club rescue and race management boats, ensuring they are in reliable condition by coordinating the maintenance of the motors and general condition of the nine boats that make up the fleet at the club.
2012-13 John Burgess
John has an impressive and extensive resume of voluntary services to yachting and has been committed to the sport for over 41 years.
2011 - 12 John Middleton & Lyn Wallace
Both Victorians John Middleton and Lyn Wallace were recognised for their continual commitment to sailing.
2010 - 11 Cherry Calcott and John Chatham
Both West Australia Cherry Calcott and Victorian John Chatman were recognised for their continual commitment to sailing.
2009 - 10 David Brookes
David is the longest continuous serving Yachting Queensland committee member having joined the Racing Rules committee back in 1995, which has seen him also appointed to the Board of Yachting Queensland. Since 1997 David has been a Yachting Australia National Judge, in 1999 became a National Race Officer, and in 2000 was appointed as an International Race Officer by ISAF.
2008 - 09 Richard Grubb
Richard Grubb has been the CYCA's official race starter for over 25 years. Prior to his retirement in September 2008 from race official duties, Richard has been on the start and finish line for almost all CYCA races since 1983, driving MV Offshore and often staying overnight for long races. Richard also acted as the leader of the CYCA team of volunteer race officials.
2007 - 08 Murray Jones
Murray is highly active in many areas of the sport. A prominent youth and team racing coach, Murray coached the Australian Team Racing at the World Championships three times. An active member on the Management Committee of the Tasmanian Sailing Association, Yachting Australia's Team Racing Committee and director of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. ;Murray also turns his hand successfully to umpiring, running regular rules seminars and is the Race Officer at club races and Championships.
The previous Services Award was split in an effort to recognise the contribution to sailing and/or boating achievements over a number of years in the area of coaching, officiating or administration by both professional personnel and by volunteers.
2006 - 07 Doug Jarvis, Michael Fletcher, Phil Vardy & John Winning
Doug was the driving force behind the Geelong based event, ‘Festival of Sail’, created in 1998. Seeing the huge potential in the event and the ability to make it greater, Doug travelled to Skandia Cowes Week in the UK to evaluate and learn from the event. From this, Skandia Geelong Week was born in 2004. The event has now grown to over 400 yachts, 4000 competitors, 100,000 visitors to the city of Geelong and an economic impact of $12.4M. This is all primarily due to the vision, passion and hard work of Doug.
Michael (Fletch) has been an icon of the Olympic sailing arena for nearly three decades. He has participated in every Australian Olympic Team since 1972, several times as Head Coach and has personally coached crews to four Olympic Medals including the Silver medal won by Tornado pair Darren Bundock and John Forbes at Sydney 2000. In the last year, he has coached Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby to Gold and Silver medals at several ISAF Graded events, wins at the ISAF World Sailing Games, the Tornado World Championships in Argentina and most recently the Miami Olympic Class Regatta.
For over 13 years, Phil’s name has been synonymous with disabled sailing. As the National Sailability Coordinator, he oversaw the incorporation of Sailability into every Australian state and territory as well as the ‘sailing is for everybody’ philosophy. During his eight years as Vice President of the International Association of Disabled Sailing (IFDS) he made a considerable contribution to the international sailing scene for people with a disability. When he retired from IFDS in 2006, he was immediately appointed President of Sailability World.
John is an accomplished sailor with wins at the 12ft Skiff Australian and Interdominion Championships as well as being 18ft Skiff World and Australian Champion. He has competed in some of the world’s toughest ocean races including taking line honours at the 1976 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, winning the veterans division of the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and contesting the Transpac Race. John currently contributes greatly to the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race through donating his personal boat JBW to act as ‘Radio Relay Vessel’ as well as providing sponsorship for the event.
2005 - 06 John Kirkjian, Bill Joselin and Lou Abrahams
John has put over 20 years work into the sailing community, officiating on committees and holding flag officer positions at sailing clubs. On a voluntary basis, John, a long-term member of the Yachting NSW Racing Rules Committee, is the present chairman of the protest committees at the CYCA and RSYS and chairs protests at number of other clubs when needed. He is currently Chair of the National Safety Committee, and until recently, represented the CYCA on the Yachting NSW Special Regulations Committee.
Bill, who built and sailed his own boats as a youth, switched from 16ft skiffs to windsurfing in the 1980's, becoming successful in the Windsurfer One Designs. Bill has helped establish policies and guidelines, encouraged the development of clubs, co-ordinated youth training and personally encouraged the involvement and participation in racing of board sailors throughout windsurfers.
Lou, a world renowned and respected yachtsman has been a member of Sandringham Yacht Club for over 30 years. He holds the record for skippering his own yachts in the Sydney Hobart race, which ha has done since 1965 and has competed in 43 races. Lou represented Australia four times at the Kenwood Cup in Hawaii.
2004 - 05 Stanley Burnicle, Arthur Hodge, Jackie Kay and David Tillet
Stanley Burnicle has been a committed volunteer at the Dobroyd Aquatic Club in Sydney since 1964, he is a life member and patron of the club.
Since the 1970s Arthur Hodge has also been a committed volunteer. He has held various class and club positions and is currently Principal Race Officer for numerous major events.
Jackie Kay has contributed to the development of Sailability around Australia and in thirteen other countries. Her full time commitment includes Chairmanship and membership of the Access Dinghy Foundation, Sailability International Steering Committee, International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Development Committee and Yachting Australia’s Sailability Australia Committee.
David Tillett is an experienced and skilled international jury member, umpire and committee member and has officiat in these positions at numerous Olympic Games, Pre Olympic regattas, America’s Cups and Louis Vuitton Cups.
2003 - 04 Michael Kelly
Michael has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing. Acting in a volunteer capacity, Michael has been a dedicated and devoted Chairman of Skandia Geelong Week’s Regatta Committee for five years over two periods. Michael Kelly citation.
2002 - 03 Syd Fischer
Syd Fischer is highly respected, well-known member of the yachting community. His past record indicates that he is a fantastic yachtsman – he has competed in 34 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Races and races on a regular basis (and places well) in many of the major offshore yacht races around Australia. Syd Fisher citation.
Kevin Wood
Kevin is well known in yachting circles as an active keelboat sailor and also for his efforts in yachting administration. Over the years he has introduced many young sailors to keelboat racing aboard his various yachts, and has significantly contributed to the life and development of Sandringham Yacht Club. Kevin Wood citation.
Alan Carlisle
Alan has demonstrated a huge voluntary commitment to the sport of yachting and in particular, the promotion and development of boating safety within Victoria and Australia. His commitment to training and education in this field has significantly enhanced the safety of recreational mariners. Alan Carlisle citation.
Malcolm Hughes
Malcolm has been involved in sailing for many years as competitor, club and class administrator, event manager and race officer. Malcolm’s dedication to the sport stems from a desire to encourage sailing, primarily at youth level, within South Australia. Malcolm Hughes citation.
Christopher Mitchell
Christopher designed, developed and manufactured the first ever 2.3m single seated Access dinghy. Chris recognised a need for a safe, stable, user-friendly boat in order to promote sailing for disabled people, and used his design and boat-building skills to develop a class of boat that is now sailed worldwide, and has introduced approximately 10 000 Australians to sailing. In 2002 Chris was named National Winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Business and Community Partnerships, and was also a National Finalist in the Australian Sports Industry Awards for Business Innovation. Christopher Mitchell citation.
2001 - 02 Ralph Duffield
An active member of the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club since 1963, Ralph has served on the Executive Committee, has held the position of Commodore, Rear Commodore, and Vice Commodore. Ralph has been the club coach, the QYA delegate, the Chairman of the QYA Regatta Committee, the current Measurer, and Principle Race Officer for many championships, including the World A Class Catamaran Championship.
Ross Wilson
Ross has been involved in Race Management covering World Championships, Olympic test events, Sail Melbourne, and the 2000 Olympic Games. Ross was also an integral part of the VYC Coaching Committee, Development Committee, Youth Program, State Squad Program, Regional and Country Program, and coaching courses around Victoria. He is also a member of many race management and officials Committees, and helps to develop race management and judging accreditations.
Kevin Wilson
Kevin has been involved in many International and Olympic regattas, taking part as a member of race management committees or the jury. He works toward improving Race Management Principles, presents seminars, helps to develop accreditation programs, and organises the officiating of many large events.
2000 - 01 William (Bill) Cheal
Bill started sailing in 1940 at the Port Jackson 16ft Skiff Club. He was a Foundation Member of Balmoral 12ft Skiff Sailing Club and from 1945 until 1960 he served as Race Officer and on the Sailing Committee. Bill was made a Life Member of the club. In 1963 Bill moved to the Central Coast and reformed Toukley Sailing Club conducting sailing lessons in TL1 & TL2 and running TL3 courses. He has been Sailing Master and Principal since 1984. Also acting as course setter, starter and finisher, shipwright (his trade) and general handyman. Bill is now approaching his 38th year, unbroken, as Secretary of the club. During this time there have been 38 State and 16 National Championships conducted at the club. In 2000 he commenced sailing clinics for the NSW Dept of Sport & Recreation and is currently setting up for Sailability. Bill is a Life Member of Toukley Sailing Club, has received the NSW Government Community Service Award and Ministerial Sports Appreciation Award and is still going strong in his 76th year.
John Harrison
The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games was the pinnacle of a lifetime of volunteer work in Sailing by John. At his third Olympic Games for Australia, John delivered to the Australian Olympic Sailing Team the best possible management support a Team could hope for. Working under stressful conditions due to the demands of a home Games and the administrative requirements of the Australian Olympic Committee, John ensured that the Team Members were fully supported both on the land and on the water. He managed a team of 18 athletes and 11 support staff at what was Australia’s most successful Olympic sailing regatta. John has established a standard of team management that will be difficult to match. The Olympic Team members and staff appreciated his efforts and believe that John should be recognised nationally for his contribution to Australia’s Olympic sailing history.
David Linacre
David joined Royal Brighton Yacht Club in 1936 and sailed a 12ft Cadet Dinghy – he is now a Life Member of the Club. David became Club Captain and then in 1972, Commodore of Royal Brighton Yacht Club. From 1970 until 1972 David was the President of the Victorian Yachting Council and Victoria’s representative to the AYF. As Manager of the 1972 Australian Olympic Sailing Team, David was instrumental in arranging overseas training for the Olympic Team that contributed to a Gold Medal for John Cuneo in the Dragon class and a Gold Medal for David Forbes in the Star class. David recommended a Victorian Olympic Development Committee be established following the 1972 Games and this Committee has continues to this day. He become an International Judge in 1982 and was a member of the VYC Racing Rules Committee and the AYF Racing Rules Committee and remains a consultant to the national committee. David has participated in and contributed to the sport of sailing for over 60 years.
1999 - 00 John Hornby
“Hornblower” is acknowledged as a stalwart of the sport over a great number of years with a strong dedication to yachting safety. John’s knowledge of safety matters is utilised by the entire yachting community and he is a leading adviser on the AYF Safety Regulations.
1998 - 99 Lew Carter
Volunteer radio operator onboard the Young Endeavour during the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race for more than 10 years. Highly regarded amongst the offshore sailing fraternity.
1996 - 98 Graeme Owens
30 year involvement in sailing administration specialising in rules and officiating. A National & International Judge and Umpire, Instructor at 17 ISAF Judging/Umpiring seminars and author of the initial ISAF Umpire’s Call Book and Match Racing Manual. Graeme introduced protest mediation procedure in Australia.
1995 - 96 John Harrison
Acknowledged for his outstanding contribution as Team Manager for the 1992 & 1996 Australian Olympic Yachting Teams and the 1994 IYRU World Sailing Championship.
1994 - 95 Alan Payne (posthumously)
Acknowledged for his exceptional design in a variety of craft from entry level sailboats, to cruisers and racing yachts. Designer of Australia’s first America’s Cup challenger Gretel. More recently designing the Catamaran Ferries for Sydney Harbour.
Kay Cottee AO
Outstanding volunteer contribution to disabled sailing as Patron and Chairman of Sailability Australia. Chairman of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Acknowledged for the first female solo non-stop unassisted circumnavigation. 1988 Australian of the Year.
1993-94 Lindsay Cunningham
Involved in the design and winning of the Little Americas Cup Challenge in the C-Class catamaran and designer of the Sailing World Speed Record holder (at 46.02 knots!). Designer of many successful monohull and catamaran classes.
1992 - 93 Frank Bethwaite AM
Acknowledged for his outstanding work in boat & rig design, aero & hydro dynamics and weather analysis. Author of many books and magazine articles and contributor to high performance coaching seminars.