In a joint presentation for the two communities, the 2024 New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory State Sailing Award winners were announced at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on September 21.

Overlooking Sydney Harbour, the event welcomed a gathering of sailors, friends, family and club representatives to support outstanding members of our community that have given so much to the sport over the past year.

Toronto Amateur Sailing Club won Club of the Year (Category B) while Newcastle Cruising Yacht came away with the Club of the Year (Category A) trophy.

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club was well represented at the ceremony, with many of their members recognised as winners, including Bella Jones (Instructor of the Year), Jack Buchan (Sports Professional Award) and Peter Mansbridge (Volunteer of the Year).

Paris 2024 Silver medallist Grae Morris (Woollahra Sailing Club) won Male Sailor of the Year in recognition of his impressive Olympic debut, while fellow Australian Sailing Team member Olivia Price (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Drummoyne Sailing Club) won Female Sailor of the Year for her 49erFX campaign and Women’s America's Cup commitments. 

Healy Ryan (Hunters Hill Sailing Club and Double Bay Sailing Club) won the Youth Sailor of the Year, and the dynamic duo of Olivia Price and Evie Haseldine (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Drummoyne Sailing Club) won Team of the Year. 

Members of the Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club were present to support long-time club member, Michael McMahon as he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael has been involved with skiff racing for nearly 60 years and has held numerous roles in the club during that time, including starter, treasurer, race secretary, handicapper, and delegate to associations. Earlier in 2024, Michael was recognised with an OAM for his dedication to sailing. 

Australian Sailing New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory offers our sincerest congratulations to all those recognised at the 2024 Awards. 

2024 New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Sailing Awards

Instructor of the Year - Bella Jones (NCYC)

Youth Sailor of the Year - Healy Ryan (HHSC / DBSC)

Team of the Year - Olivia Price & Evie Haseldine (CYCA / DSC)

Coach of the Year - Robert Brewer (RPAYC)

She Sails Award - Women’s Sailing Program (NCYC)

Sustainability Award - Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

Volunteer of the Year - Peter Mansbridge (NCYC)

Female Sailor of the Year - Olivia Price (CYCA / DSC)

Male Sailor of the Year - Grae Morris (WSC)

Sports Promotion Award - Lisa Darmanin (Manly 16s)

Sports Professional Award - Jack Buchan (NCYC)

Lifetime Achievement Award - Michael McMahon (Manly 16s)

Club of the Year (Category A) - Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Club of the Year (Category B) - Toronto Amateur Sailing Club

The winners are now nominated for the Australian Sailing Awards with the national finalists to be announced soon. We wish all the best for the nominees from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Winners will also be nominated in the NSW Office of Sport and ACT Sport Awards. 

Photographs from the evening are available here.