Leadership and development are at the heart of the Instructor of the Year finalists at the 2026 Australian Sailing Awards. 

Three exemplary candidates, Ian Fox (VIC), Samantha Hogerheyde (QLD) and Scott Reynolds (NSW/ACT), are the finalists for the award, which recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional levels of self-development and leadership of others in their development. 

The nation’s peak sailing awards will be held at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on Friday, October 30. 

The Finalists: 

Ian Fox 

For more than 20 years, Ian Fox has been inspiring people of all ages to discover, enjoy and excel in sailing as Training Manager at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. 

Ian delivers an extensive year-round program through the club’s accredited Discover Sailing Centre, covering keelboat sailing, powerboat handling, marine radio and the Tackers junior learn to sail program, which regularly books out. 

One of his greatest strengths is turning first-time participants into lifelong sailors. He encourages Tackers graduates into the club’s Off the Beach fleet, while many adults who complete his keelboat training go on to join RYCV, crew in club racing and become active in club life. 

Ian is an exceptional instructor whose patience, encouragement and ability to adapt his teaching to every individual enables students of all ages and abilities to build confidence on the water 

Over two decades he has mentored countless instructors, trainee instructors and volunteers, strengthening RYCV’s training programs and contributing to the success of Australian Sailing’s Discover Sailing pathway. 

Samantha Hogerheyde 

As Sailing Coordinator and Senior Instructor at Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club, Samantha Hogerheyde oversees programs that recorded more than 8,400 attendances in the 2025–26 financial year. 

Sam designs, delivers and continually reviews a wide range of programs, including around 10 Adult Learn to Sail courses a year, weekly Adult and Junior Squad development, Junior Learn to Sail, Green Fleet Learn to Race, homeschool and school sport programs, school holiday camps and Sailability for people living with disability. 

Just as important as the participation numbers isthe club’s high retention across every program. Sam’s patient, empathetic approach, particularly her ability to recognise when a young sailor is anxious or hesitant, helps participants of all ages and abilities build confidence and keep sailing. 

She leads a predominantly female instructor team, actively encourages women into instructing, coaching and leadership, and mentors both new and experienced instructors as well as young sailors competing at state and national level. 

Sam also coordinates the annual Sailability Regatta and the Sunshine Coast Inter-School Regatta, helping make NYRC known across Queensland as a welcoming club that develops sailors at every stage. 

Through Sam’s leadership, exceptional instruction and genuine care for every individual, she has set a culture where sailors feel supported, understand the value of fun, are challenged and focused to progress from complete beginners through to competitive sailing, if that is their goal. 

Scott Reynolds 

Ten years after stepping into his first Start Crewing course as a self-described “reluctant participant”, due largely to injuries from his military service, veteran Scott Reynolds achieved Australian Sailing Senior Instructor accreditation in both Keelboat and Powerboat during the nomination period, alongside his qualification as a Sailing Coach. 

Having experienced every stage of the pathway himself, Scott brings a deep understanding of the barriers faced by adults coming to sailing later in life, including veterans navigating rehabilitation, rebuilding confidence and social connection. 

As Co-Founder and Program Lead of the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project, Scott has led delivery across Sydney, Pittwater, Newcastle, Gosford, Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast. During the nomination period SVSP recorded more than 2,000 participant registrations across 292 activities. 

He has developed an adult equivalent of Youth Development pathways, hybridof instruction and coaching designed specifically for adult learners. This includesinitiatives such as “Skills, Drills and Friday Chills” sessions for veterans and their families.  

Inclusivity is a driving feature of his coaching practice. Scott actively supports and coaches, mixed gender and all female crews in competitive environments, including events such as the Manly Yacht Club Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge and the Royal Sydney Yacht SquadronLadies of the Sea Regatta.  

Scott also prioritises building instructor capacity, recently training and upskilling nine keelboat instructors on the Sunshine Coast, including four veterans, significantly strengthening regional capability. 

Ten years on from his first sail, Scott’s achievementsreflect a sustained commitment to building accessible adult learning pathways, growing instructional capacity and ensuring new sailors are supported from their first experience through tobecoming confident, long-term participants in the sport.