We are thrilled to unveil the full list of exceptional finalists who have been nominated for the prestigious Australian Sailing Victorian State Award. These individuals, groups, and clubs have made remarkable contributions to the sailing community, demonstrating their dedication, passion, and unwavering support. 

Let's take a moment to celebrate our incredible finalists who have enriched the world of sailing: 

Female Sailor of the Year

Casey Imeneo of McCrae Yacht Club and Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, for her remarkable results in various international and national events, and not only excelling on the competitive stage but also actively contributing to her home club's development and young sailors' training. 

Laura Harding of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, for her devotion to her sport, her outstanding performance in international competitions, and her active engagement in promoting female participation. 

Sophie Jackson of Mornington Yacht Club, for her unwavering pursuit of improvement, combined with her exceptional skills and sportsmanship. 

Male Sailor of the Year

Bruce McCraken of Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, for his exceptional achievements, consistent victories, and dedication to giving back to the sailing community. 

Graeme Taylor of Mornington Yacht Club, for his outstanding performances across different sailing disciplines, from Etchell championships to offshore racing, along with his dedication to mentorship and support. 

Matthias Houvenagel of Port Melbourne Yacht Club, for his remarkable victory as the Musto Skiff World Champion as a testament to his exceptional sailing abilities. 

Team of the Year Finalists  

Alex Newman, Matt Turner & Peter Williams of Sandringham Yacht Club, for their collaborative efforts and remarkable victories in multiple prestigious events, including the Australian Yachting Championships and the Victorian Rating Championships, driven by a strategic program that pooled resources, emphasized youth and female participation, and fostered fun and learning. 

Ginan of Mornington Yacht Club, for their endeavors to build a competitive team for both inshore and offshore races, showcasing a blend of experience and youth. Through major refits, offshore compliance adjustments, and a strong program of events, including significant victories. 

Luke Reinehr of Sandringham Yacht Club, for their consistent triumphs across various regattas during the 2022/2023 summer season, including securing the Victorian S80 State Championships for the 15th time, standing as a testament to their exceptional sailing skills and sportsmanship. 

Youth Sailor of the Year  

Aidan Simmons of Indented Head Yacht Club and Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, for his achievements including securing 1st place at the ILCA 4 Australian National Championship,  23rd place at the ILCA 4 Youth World Championship (1st Australian), and further victories at the ILCA 4 Victorian State Championship, Sail Sydney, and the New South Wales Youth Championship. 

Callum Simmons of Indented Head Yacht Club and Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, for his performance extending to the 2023 Optimist World Championship, where he demonstrated his skill by qualifying for the Gold Fleet, securing top 10 finishes, and achieving an overall 46th position among a competitive field of 248, and his willingness to provide guidance, share knowledge, and even offer on-water demonstrations. 

Hamish Gilsenan of Albert Sailing Club, for his excellence in the competitive ILCA6 class, showcasing his prowess in local and international championship events, earning a spot on the Australian Youth Squad, and actively contributing to the sailing community through coaching and training initiatives. 

Para Sailor of the Year

Alison Weatherly of Ballarat Yacht Club and Royal Geelong Yacht Club, for her excellence as a para sailor with victories in the Australian Para Sailing Championships and Victorian Hansa Class Championships, and her impactful contributions extending to her roles in organizing events and representing the para sailing community internationally. 

Neil Patterson of Royal Brighton Yacht Club, for his efforts in expanding the fleet at RBYC, being an active representative for the class association, achieving remarkable successes in para sailing events such as the Australian Para Nationals, and the Victorian 2.4mR Championships, reflecting his dedication and prowess in the sport. 

Sarah Millsom of Lake Wellington Yacht Club, for her sailing prowess with a notable 2nd place at the Victorian Hansa Class Championships and a commendable 3rd place at Wynyard Yacht Club. 

Coach of the Year 

Brody Riley of McCrae Yacht Club and Royal Brighton Yacht Club, for his remarkable achievements, including nurturing a core group of talented sailors who now shine on national and international stages. 

Rhett Gowans of Royal Brighton Yacht Club and Victorian Laser Association, for his work orchestrating exceptional training programs to guide our talented youth to victory at events like the ILCA Youth Worlds. 

Club of the Year 

Hobsons Bay Yacht Club for their welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, innovative programs, and commitment to community engagement 

Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club for their unique island club spirit, commitment to inclusivity, impressive growth, and community engagement reflecting their exceptional contributions to the sailing community. 

Rye Yacht Club for their dedication to skill development, personalized experiences, and collaboration with schools and other clubs, showcasing their holistic approach to sailing. 

Williamstown Sailing Club for their emphasis on junior development, innovative training programs, dedication to women in sailing, and community engagement initiatives 

Instructor of the Year  

Robert Cooper of Rye Yacht Club, for his commitment to community engagement and innovative approaches, engrained with his passion for sailing, making him an exceptional role model and instructor. 

Harriette Singh of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, for her dedication to sailing, commitment to continuous learning, and mentorship of other instructors exemplifying her role as an outstanding instructor. 

Clare Olding of Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, for her exceptional ability to inspire, instruct, and empower young sailors, embodying the true spirit of sailing. 

Official of the Year  

Andrew F. Little of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron/Sandringham Yacht Club, for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and innovations in sail training and race management with his commitment to professionalizing race management techniques, tireless mentoring of officials, and efforts in fostering sailing education. 

Benedict Fels of Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, for his commitment to self-development, mentoring, and fostering the growth of sailing officials underscoring his passion for the sport's continued progression, along with his significant involvement in high-profile events and program development, coupled with his exemplary conduct. 

Colin Dods of McCrae Yacht Club, for his significant impact on race management for OTB dinghies at various levels, exceptional leadership, and dedication to developing officials and enhancing the sailing community. 

Volunteer of the Year  

Delma Dunoon of Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, for her unwavering commitment and countless volunteer hours, significantly contributing to the ORCV's success, fostering a positive image for the club through her media savvy, strong stakeholder relationships, innovative marketing, and successful event planning, particularly highlighted by her pivotal role in orchestrating the 50th Melbourne to Hobart race. 

Felicia Brown of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, for her extensive history of selfless volunteering, coupled with her significant role as a regatta manager for multiple events, her dedication to fostering the growth of sailing through various committee memberships and instructional roles, and her unwavering commitment to numerous aspects of the sport, epitomizing her passion for giving back, building camaraderie, and creating lasting impact within the sailing community. 

Sean Purcell of Rosebud Yacht Club, for his exceptional dedication to his yacht club's improvement and growth shining through in over 500 hours of voluntary work over the past year, encompassing an extensive array of tasks from sourcing materials, renovating facilities, and assisting in sailing programs to selflessly contributing his multifaceted skills and expertise, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the club's infrastructure, spirit, and camaraderie. 

Discover Sailing Centre of the Year  

Rye Yacht Club for their commitment to fostering a vibrant sailing community through innovative programs like Tackers, OutThere Sailing, and Adult Start Sailing, with an extraordinary conversion rate from beginner programs to membership. 

Williamstown Sailing Club for their commitment to providing a seamless sailing pathway, from introducing beginners to nurturing seasoned racers, with impressive conversion rates into programs and memberships, and a vibrant range of offerings. 

Sports Professional Award  

Jan Hurst of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, for her warm and caring nature, commitment to creating a positive club environment, and ability to uplift members' experiences as a true ambassador for sailing in a professional capacity over the last 20 years. 

Julia Mackinnon of Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, for her commitment to self-improvement, and dedication beyond administrative tasks, leading race management teams and contributing to the success of significant events. 

Sports Promotion Award  

Ocean Racing Club of Victoria for their strategic efforts in attracting participation, and delivering impressive results across various media platforms, significantly elevating the profile of ocean racing and their commitment to creating connections, inspiring sailors, and showcasing the camaraderie and teamwork involved in ocean racing 

Sail Bellarine of Indented Head Yacht Club, for its commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere and delivering an exceptional event. For establishing, growth, and success in not only elevating the club's profile but in also creating a welcoming and engaging platform for sailors of various skill levels. 

SheSails Award  

Norma Watt of Albert Park Yacht Club, for her remarkable dedication to Albert Park Yacht Club, particularly in fostering female participation and growth. Her contributions as an instructor, committee member, and driving force behind events like CitySail, playing a pivotal role in advancing gender equality in the club. 

SSCBC Lady Skippers Race Taskforce of Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, for their transformation of the clubs Lady Skippers Race into a thriving and inclusive event and the dedication and commitment that successfully addressed barriers and encouraged female participation, ultimately turning the race into a celebrated highlight on the club's calendar. 

Davies Bay Yacht Club for their resolute dedication to fostering female participation in sailing, clearly reflected in their proactive initiatives. From hosting the renowned "Girl Sail" regatta and local school sailing events, to maintaining gender-balanced representation in race management, instruction, and committee roles, the club's commitment to inclusivity and equal access to sailing opportunities shines brightly. 

Congratulations to all the 2023 finalists for the Victorian Sailing Awards. 

Join us at Sandringham Yacht Club from 6:00 pm on Friday, September 15, 2023 for a cocktail reception followed by the theatre-style presentation of awards and trophies from 7:00 pm as we recognise the outstanding contributions and/or achievements associated with the sport of sailing.