The Victorian sailing community came together on Friday to celebrate an array of outstanding individuals, clubs and achievements at the annual State Awards evening.

Held at Sandringham Yacht Club, the 2024 Victorian Sailing Awards and Celebration saw 18 prestigious awards presented to deserving members of the community.

In the Female Sailor of the Year category, Australian Sailing Squad member Laura Harding (Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron) was recognised for her impressive achievements throughout the 2023-24 season, including a fifth place finish at the 2024 49erFX World Championships with teammate Annie Wilmot.

Andoo Comanche’s Graeme Taylor (Mornington Yacht Club) was announced as Male Sailor of the Year for the second time, having won the same award in 2020.

Esteemed sailor Peter Coleman (Royal Brighton Yacht Club and Australian Hansa Class Association) won the Para Sailor of the year award, while the up-and-coming Gus McIntyre (Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club and Royal Brighton Yacht Club) won Youth Sailor of the Year after becoming the first youth-aged sailor to win the Australian Sabre Championship since 1993.

Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club won the Club of the Year (Category A), whilst the inner-city based Williamstown Sailing Club came away with the trophy in Club of the Year (Category B).

In a rare occurrence, two Lifetime Achievement awards were deemed appropriate in 2024, presented to both Kevin LeNepveu (Hobsons Bay Yacht Club) and Rod McCubbin (Beaumaris Yacht Club and Top Yacht).

Australian Sailing Victoria offers our sincerest congratulations to all those recognised at the 2024 Victorian Sailing Awards. 

2024 Victorian Sailing Awards

Female Sailor of the Year - Laura Harding

Male Sailor of the Year - Graeme Taylor

Team of the Year - Team Ginan

Youth Sailor of the Year - Gus McIntyre

Para Sailor of the Year - Peter Coleman

Coach of the Year - Rhett Gowans

Club of the Year (Category A) - Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club

Club of the Year (Category B) - Williamstown Sailing Club 

Instructor of the Year - Samantha Batty

Official of the Year - Glenys Hitchen

Volunteer of the Year - Michael Doherty

Discover Sailing Centre of the Year - Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron

Lifetime Achievement  - Kevin LeNepveu 

Lifetime Achievement - Rod McCubbin 

Sports Professional - Stephen Cheney

Sports Promotion - Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

SheSails - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta

Sustainability Award - Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

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 Victorian nominees.