Held at Adelaide Sailing Club on Friday 20 September, the 2024 South Australian Sailing Awards saw the community come together in celebration of notable individuals, events and clubs that excelled over the past 12 months.

The event saw attendees come from far and wide to celebrate and support the State finalists, including regional clubs such as Clayton Bay Boat Club, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club and Goolwa Sailing Club, each deserving in their own right.

In the Female Sailor of the Year category, Ellen Sampson (Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club) was awarded the trophy, while clubmate and 470 and 505 sailor Angus Higgins (Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club) won Male Sailor of the Year.

Higgins found himself awarded a second trophy in one evening when he was announced as the winner of Team of the Year alongside sailing partner, Ben Schultz (Adelaide Sailing Club).

Club of the Year (Category B) was awarded to Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, while Club of the Year (Category A) was won by the hosts, Adelaide Sailing Club.

While several fantastic events took place in South Australia over the 2023-24 season, including no less than five National Championships, the 2024 ILCA World Championship Regatta won the Sport Promotion Award.

Australian Sailing South Australia offers our sincerest congratulations to all those recognised at the 2024 Awards. 

2024 South Australian Sailing Awards

Female Sailor of the Year - Ellen Sampson

Male Sailor of the Year - Angus Higgins

Youth Sailor of the Year - Carter Baker

Team of the Year - Ben Schultz/Angus Higgins

Coach of the Year - Brady Lowe

Club of the Year (Category B) - Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club

Club of the Year (Category A) - Adelaide Sailing Club

Instructor of the Year - Adam Spees

Official of the Year - Wayne Thompson

Volunteer of the Year - Peter Royle & Malcolm Hughes

Sports Professional Award - Matthew Young

Sport Promotion - 2024 ILCA World Championship Regatta (Adelaide Sailing Club)

She Sails Award - 2023 South Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (SAWKR)

Lifetime Achievement - Peter Royle

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 South Australian nominees.