Australian Sailing has recognised Daniel Belcher and Barry Johnson for their outstanding contributions to the sport, recognising both with life membership in recognition of their significant service to sailing in Australia and internationally.

Life membership is one of Australian Sailing’s highest honours, recognising individuals whose dedication, leadership and expertise have made a lasting contribution to the sport.

Belcher and Johnson have each played important roles in the development and governance of sailing, contributing their time and expertise across a range of national and international organisations.

Belcher has made a significant contribution through leadership and governance, starting with volunteer roles with the International 470 Class from 2000 to 2004. From there he continued to serve in volunteer roles at sailing clubs around the world before joining the Australian Sailing Board of Directors in 2014.

That post included working as a member of the One Sailing Governance Reform Steering Committee before becoming President from 2019 to 2022. In that time, he held several key international roles, including Secretary-General of the Oceania Sailing Federation and World Sailing’s Council and Events Committee.

Elected World Sailing Vice-President in 2024, Belcher continues to contribute to the sport’s development globally. He also chaired Australian Sailing’s Olympic Selection Panel for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Johnson has dedicated decades to the technical development and integrity of sailing, contributing to national and international class associations, equipment committees and measurement working parties.

His early administrative roles included being the Technical Advisor to the America’s Cup Committee (1986-87), Royal Perth Yacht Club Board Member (1998-2003), Yachting Association of Western Australia Board Member (1999 to 2003) and leadership roles across the Australian Mirror and 420 Classes and the International 29er and 49er Classes.

From there he went on to give extensive service to World Sailing’s precursor, the International Sailing Federation, including roles on the Equipment Committee and International Measurers Sub-Committee among others from 2004 to 2020.

A World Sailing International Measurer, Johnson has contributed to the technical delivery of six Olympic Games, from Sydney 2000 to Tokyo 2020.

Australian Sailing President Shevaun Bruland said the two appointments recognised the significant and lasting impact both individuals have made on the sport.

“Daniel and Barry have each given an enormous amount to sailing, contributing their expertise, leadership and countless hours of time to strengthen our sport at both a national and international level. Their commitment over many years, indeed decades, has helped shape sailing into what it is today, and it is fitting that their contributions are recognised through Australian Sailing Life Membership.”

The appointments recognise two outstanding contributors whose service has helped advance sailing through leadership, technical expertise and a sustained commitment to the sport.

A full list of Life Members can be found on the Australian Sailing History page.

Daniel’s list of contributions to sailing include:

• Volunteer for the Australian Fleet of the International 470 Class 2000-04
• Volunteer with the Etchell Fleet Queensland 2004-06
• Volunteer at the Larchmont Yacht Club 2006-16
• Director of Australian Sailing 2014-22
• Member of the Australian Sailing “One Sailing” Governance Reform Steering Committee 2015
• Chairman of Australian Olympic Sailing Selection Panel for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• President of Australian Sailing 2019-22
• Australian High Performance Advisory Committee 2022
• Secretary-General of the Oceania Sailing Federation 2019-24
• Member of the World Sailing Council 2021-24
• Member of the World Sailing Events Committee 2021-24
• Member of multiple World Sailing working parties 2021-24
• World Sailing Vice-President 2024-Current

Barry’s list of contributions to sailing include:

• Americas Cup – Technical Advisor to the Americas Cup Committee 1986-87
• Royal Perth Yacht Club Board Member 1998-2003
• Yachting Association of Western Australia Board Member 1999-2003
• ISAF Equipment Control Sub-Committee from 2005-08
• ISAF Equipment Evaluation Committee 2007
• ISAF/World Sailing Equipment Committee from 2008-20
• ISAF/World Sailing International Measurers Sub-Committee from 2008-24
• ISAF/World Sailing Events Appointment Working party 2013-20
• ISAF/World Conflict of Interest Working Party from 2012-20
• ISAF/World Sailing Guide to Measurement Working Party from 2016-20
• Sailing World Cup Equipment Inspection Working Party from 2016-20
• World Sailing Equipment Evaluation Committee 2019
• Past President AUS International Mirror Class
• Past President AUS International 420 Class
• Past President International 29er Class
• Past Member of International 420 Class Technical Committee
• Chairman International 49er and 29er Class Technical Committee
• Current Member International Kiteboard Class Technical Committee
• Past Member Australian Sailing Race Officials Committee
• World Sailing International Measurer 420, 29er, 49er and Kiteboard Classes
• Measurer / Technical Committee at the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games