On Friday night the 15^th October, the Queensland Sailing Community got together at the Colmslie Hotel for the announcement of the winners for the 2021 Queensland Sailing Awards. It was a gala event with over 100 people celebrating the finalists and winners of each award. 

Australian Sailing CEO Ben Houston joined via video to wish all the finalists well and it was fantastic to have Australian Sailing Board Member Joanne Keen in the room to help with the award presentations.

In his opening remarks Yachting Queensland President, Matthew Johnson, congratulated the nominees and also the unrecognised army of volunteers behind them who’s consistent support enabled our athletes, coaches, race officials, casual sailors and clubs continue to enjoy sailing in Queensland through these troubled times. While acknowledging the hardships that had been endured by our clubs and recognising the continuing difficulties for those impacted by lockdowns in the southern states, he praised the significant energy that had gone into getting Queenslanders back on the water.

He said “In an Olympic year we naturally look to the success of our champions and those who made their journey to the podium possible. Tonight however, we also recognise that those athletes started their journey at local clubs, with local instructors, supported by their parents, and the champions of a locally hosted Olympic games in Queensland in 2032 could be attending a Tackers class at your clubs this season. As we celebrate our current victories, let us look forward with optimism for the next opportunity.”

First on the program was the awarding of the Barrenjoey Pin. This year we celebrated Nick Behrens who was an Australian Sailing Team member for four years and sailed with Mathew Belcher in the 470 up to 2008. The Barranjoey Pin is an embodiment of the great traditions and values of those who have competed and continue to compete at the highest level for Australia in sailing.  It was lovely that Mathew could be there to do the honours and present Nick with his pin.

The 2021 Queensland Sailing Award winners are:   

• Youth Sailor of the Year – Hugo Ralph from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
• Para Sailor of the Year – Neil Rowsthorn from Southport Yacht Club
• Offshore Sailor of the Year – Glenn Burrell from Southport Yacht Club
• Female Sailor of the Year – Mara Stransky from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
• Male Sailor of the Year – Mathew Belcher from Southport Yacht Club and Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
• Instructor of the Year – Shari O’Brien from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
• Coach of the Year – Conrad Byrt from Keppel Bay Sailing Club
• Official of the Year – Louise Davis from Wynnum Manly Sailing Club
• Volunteer of the Year – Craig Knight from Townsville Sailing Club
• Sports Promotion Award – Mitchell Pearson from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
• Sports Professional Award – Simon Turpin from Southport Yacht Club
• SheSails Award – Townsville Sailing Club

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ann McLindin from Brisbane Sailing Squadron
• Daryl Skinner from Keppel Bay Sailing Club
• Rob Mundle OAM from Southport Yacht Cub

You can read a short story on each of the Lifetime Achievement winners here

Club of the Year for 2021

South Brisbane Sailing Club

All of our winners are now nominated for the National Awards.  National Finalists will be announced soon and we wish all our nominees the best.

Every club is special in its own way and our community is filled with incredible people who are part of our sport.  We hope that more clubs and individuals will be nominated for the 2022 Queensland Sailing Awards. 

If you would like to see all the past and present winners, you can view the online Honour Board

Thank you for your support.