On Wednesday 14^th May, the Victorian Sporting Community gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to recognise and celebrate the achievements in Victorian Sport and Active Recreation during the 2024 calendar year. 

There was a record 330 nominations received which a panel of 45 experienced members of the Victorian sports community was responsible for selecting the award finalists and winners. 

Sailing was fortunate to end up with seven finalists across five different categories. Congratulations to the members of our sailing community in Victoria who were acknowledged as being finalists. 

• Meaghan Densley (former Australian Sailing Victoria General Manager) - revolutioniseSPORT Sports Administrator of the Year – Eunice Gill Award
• Samantha Batty (Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron) - Gallagher Community Coach of the Year
• Ocean Racing Club of Victoria – Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award
• Leah Keh – Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award
• Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association - VicHealth Sport and Active Recreation Initiative of the Year
• Joshua Garner and Jack Benyan (Royal Geelong Yacht Club) - AFL Sports Ready Young Team of the Year
• Henri and Miles Lenespeil (Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club) - AFL Sports Ready Young Team of the Year

We had an incredible night at the awards ceremony where three of our outstanding finalists walked away with an award. 

Congratulations to our award winners:

Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) – Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award 

Focusing on education and community connection in 2024, ORCV grew their social media presence with a 23% increase in Facebook followers, a 14% bump on Instagram and their monthly newsletters achieved an impressive 54% open rate which all helped lead to a 35% growth in membership. Utilising media coverage across TV, radio and print enhanced the ORCV’s public image with the promotion of programs such as Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy (KISS) which is designed by women for women, the Rip Tour that emphasises community education and the Novice Skipper & Navigator program.

Joshua Garner and Jack Benyan – AFL SportsReady Young Team of the Year

Joshua and Jack dominated the International Cadet Class in 2024, winning the Victorian and Australian Championships before heading to Plymouth in the United Kingdom where they became World Champions. Solidifying their presence as stars to watch out for in the future, they claimed all three victories with a race to spare. Having missed out on making the Australian team by one point in 2023, Joshua’s drive was stronger than ever and his historic success alongside Jack in addition to the teamwork and sportsmanship displayed on the international stage is already proving to be an inspiration to fellow Victorian sailors.

Meaghan Densley – revolutioniseSPORT Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year – Eunice Gill Award

Former General Manager of Australian Sailing Victoria, Meaghan secured a $160,000 grant to increase the number of qualified officials, coaches and instructors within her sport. Across 2024, this led to a 3% increase in club membership, an 11% surge in Learn to Sail participants, a 10% bump in grassroots programs that now feature 1,500+ participants and a 30% increase in female and junior participation through Discover Sailing which is aimed at regional and lower socio-economic areas. Meaghan successfully led the Victorian Sailing Summit that looked at participation growth and inclusivity topics and oversaw 100% of Victorian clubs receiving support and visits in 2024 to reach a three-year high in club satisfaction.

It was a great evening to celebrate and recognise the achievements that our community has made. We are incredibly proud of all our finalist and winners for everything you all have achieved.