Volunteers are incredibly valued in the Australian Sailing community. Always a near impossible task to separate them, four finalists have been chosen for the 2022 Australian Sailing Awards, with their commitment, experience and willingness to help clear through their continued dedication to their communities.

Andy and Ali Byne have volunteered at Safety Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) since moving to the area several years ago, taking on significant roles that are pivotal in keeping the club afloat both on and off the water.

Ali has undertaken the roles of caretaker and room hire manager, overseeing the club bar as well as acting as club treasurer and running the shore-based operations on race days.

Her efforts in generating revenue has enabled the club to conduct its water based activities (windsurfing and kitesurfing) in a safe, reliable and consistent manner.

Without Ali’s efforts in this regard, SBYC would have struggled to be able to operate any events.

Andy Byne volunteers as the club bosun whose sailing journey derives from the RYA sailing pathway.

Every week when club members turn up they know the gear and equipment at the club will be fixed, cleaned and checked to ensure it is in good working order and fit for purpose – thanks to Andy’s tireless efforts.

Andy has also been a RYA dinghy sailing instructor/coach and will use his experience and skill-set to help deliver SBYC’s keelboat sail training program over the upcoming summer.

They are both great characters who have made significant contributions to SBYC, setting a fine example of what volunteering is all about.

The second finalist, Peter Kinsman from Rye Yacht Club (RYC) in Victoria makes an extraordinary contribution at his club and has done so for more than the ten years.

Currently, Peter holds the positions of Secretary and Registrar on the Club Executive Committee as well as being a member of the Sailing School Committee.

He is a voluntary Sailing Instructor and is very active in all Discover Sailing Centre programs.

As Club Secretary he is also responsible for all Club communications to members through email and the “Sailor” app.

He sets up and maintains the Club’s current website and he has written successful grant applications, both for the Club and the Discover Sailing Centre.

These have enabled the Club to refurbish the kitchen, the upstairs room and in the coming season to upgrade the decking, whilst the Sailing School last season was able to purchase two Bic Techno windsurfers and partially pay for wings.

Peter also helps collate and organize the Club newsletter, Sandbar, as well as the Club Year Book and Race Management Manual.

He manages the use of Club facilities by groups outside the RYC, showing people around the Club and following up on any other issues. As Club Registrar, Peter also maintains the Club Membership List and Boat Register.

The last finalist in the category is Jennifer Potter from Sandy Bay Sailing Club (SBSC) in Tasmania.

Commencing her involvement at SBSC in 1975 with a wetsuit and optimism, Jennifer Potter began what is nearing an outstanding 50-year volunteer contribution to Sandy Bay junior sailing club.

Growing up sailing International Cadet Dinghies, Rainbows and helming the first all-female Sharpie crew in a National Championship, her love of sailing goes without saying, continuing to give back.

After graduating from SBSC herself as a sailor, Jennifer’s two children Alexander and Amy have followed in her footsteps, growing up at the club.

Jennifer’s outstanding volunteer contribution continues – she remains as generous as ever.

Jennifer has been a key leader in running major events from the International Cadet Nationals and World Championships in 2012, to the 2013 and 2019 Optimist Nationals, and she is now onboard for the 2023 Sharpie Nationals.

Jennifer’s weekly hours behind-the-scenes as ‘canteen coordinator’ ensures volunteers are recruited each week and all sailors are fed and fuelled with the perfect number of chicken burgers prepped for race day. She is always willing to fill any role needed and is the first to arrive and last to leave.

Congratulations to all of the finalists recognised in the Volunteer of the Year category – the entire Australian Sailing community thanks you for your dedication, passion and service. The winner will be announced on November 4 at the 2022 Australian Sailing Awards in Sydney. To learn more about the awards or finalists, please click here.