A two-time Olympic champion, an Olympic silver medallist, and one of the world’s most sought-after offshore navigators will battle it out for Male Sailor of the Year at the 2026 Australian Sailing Awards. 

The outstanding line-up of national finalists includes ,Matt Wearn OAM OLY (WA), Grae Morris OLY (NSW/ACT) and Andy Green (NSW/ACT) who will be at the nation’s peak sailing awards at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on Friday, October 30. 

The winner will join an illustrious honour roll including Olympic and world champions and legends of the sport. 

The Finalists: 

Andy Green 

Andy Green navigated Master Lock Comanche to Line Honours in the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, capping a season that confirmed his standing as one of the finest offshore navigators in the world. 

His services are in high demand around the world. Andy navigated Jolt to victory at the 2026 IMA Maxi European Championship, Mockingbird to first place in the 2026 Chicago to Mackinac Race, Katana to the win at the GL52 Ugotta Regatta and Jolt to third place at the 2026 Sardina Cup. He also provided meteorology support to Magpie’s win at the 2026 Etchells World Championship in San Diego. 

Back in Australia, he helped TP52 Hooligan win IRC Division 1 at Hamilton Island Race Week and the TP52 Australia Cup. 

Andy delivers clear, articulate and highly accurate information that enables crews to make the best possibledecisions when it matters most. His work has directly influenced positive race outcomes and has played a significantrole in teams winning major international events and World Championships. 

Calm under pressure and meticulous in his preparation, Andy remains humble and generous with his knowledge, regularly mentoring emerging navigators and helping develop the next generation of offshore sailors. 

Grae Morris OLY 

Still only 22, Grae Morris has dominated the men’s iQFOiL world rankings since claiming silver at the Paris Olympic Games, holding the world number one ranking from September 2024 to May 2026. 

Grae was crowned iQFOiL U23 World Champion in Portimão in September 2025, winning against a fleet of 95. He went on to win the Sailing Grand Slam French Olympic Week in Hyères in April 2026, finished seventh at the 2026 iQFOiL European Championships and placed second at the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta in July after a dominant performance all week after building a commanding 43-point lead in the qualifiying series, the cut-throat nature of the Finals Series saw him finish with silver on the future Olympic waters.  

Beyond his impressive international results, he also claimed victory at Sail Melbourne and the Australian Nationals, as well as the New Zealand iQFOiL Nationals. 

Grae has also proven his versatility and talent in one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the sport, finishing sixth at the 2025 Wingfoil Racing World Championships in Italy. 

Matt Wearn OAM OLY 

Matt Wearn returned to international ILCA 7 competition in 2026 in dominant fashion, winning three Sailing Grand Slam regattas in the wake of his historic back-to-back Olympic gold medals. 

Matt won the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma and French Olympic Week in Hyères, before claiming the San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic racecourse. 

Representing Royal Perth Yacht Club at home, he won six races on the way to win the 2026 Oceania and Australian ILCA Championships, to mark his seventh National Title, along with victory at Sail Melbourne. 

Matt also showed his versatility offshore aboard Leopard 3, finishing first in the RORC Caribbean 600 and second at the 2026 IMA Maxi European Championship. 

A passionate ambassador for grassroots sailing, Matt regularly shares his knowledge with Royal Perth Yacht Club youth sailors, coaches and members. A highlight of the year was the Questmas Cup, where he raced alongside junior sailors in RS Quest dinghies, inspiring the next generation. 

Previous winners: 

2024-25 James Mayo 

2023-24 Matt Wearn OAM 

2022-23 Matt Wearn OAM 

2021-22 Tom Slingsby OAM 

2020-21 Mathew Belcher & Will Ryan 

2019-20 Tom Slingsby OAM 

2018-19 Mathew Belcher & Will Ryan 

2017-18 Matt Wearn 

2016-17 Glenn Ashby 

2015-16 Tom Burton 

2014-15 Mathew Belcher & Will Ryan 

2013-14 Mathew Belcher & Will Ryan 

2012-13 Mathew Belcher & William Ryan 

2011-12 Tom Slingsby, Mathew Belcher & Malcolm Page, and Nathan Outteridge & Iain Jensen 

2010-11 Tom Slingsby 

2009-10 James Spithill 

2008-09 Nathan Wilmot & Malcolm Page 

2007-08 Tom Slingsby 

2006-07 Darren Bundock & Glenn Ashby 

2005-06 James Spithill 

2004-05 Richard Perini 

2003-04 Darren Bundock and John Forbes 

2002-03 Darren Bundock & John Forbes 

2001-02 Darren Bundock & John Forbes, and Arthur Brett 

2000-01 Tom King OAM & Mark Turnbull OAM 

1999-00 Lars Kleppich 

1998-99 Colin Beashel OAM & David Giles 

1996-98 Chris Nicholson & Daniel Phillips