2026 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards: Meet the winners, Part I - Yamaha Motor NZ Service Awards

The winners of the 2026 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards have been selected by the judging panel and will be celebrated at a special awards event at Royal Akarana Yacht Club on Friday, 6 November 2026.

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The recipients of the following awards will be revealed on the night:

• Orbit World Travel Sailor of the Year Award for the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy
• Barfoot & Thompson Male Sailor of the Year Award
• Barfoot & Thompson Female Sailor of the Year Award
• NZL Sailing Foundation Young Male Sailor of the Year Award
• NZL Sailing Foundation Young Female Sailor of the Year Award
• B&G Performance Coach of the Year
• Yachting New Zealand Emerging Coach of the Year
• Millennium Hotels and Resorts Official of the Year
• PredictWind Emerging Talent Award
• Lawson's Dry Hills Peter Lester Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sailing
• MAST Academy Young Leadership Award
• Hesketh Henry Inclusive Sailing Award
• North Sails Sportsmanship Award
• AON Sustainability Award
• Appliances Online Youth Performance Awards
• Kiwi Yachting & Baltic Lifejackets Cruising Awards

In the first of a two-part series, meet the winners of the Yamaha Motor NZ Service Awards.

Alan Barker (Whangārei Cruising Club)

'Womble' has been a club member for 23 years and regularly contributes around 30 hours a week. He has served on the board, led the development of the club's new constitution, supported operations and maintenance, and volunteered behind the bar. His sailing and boat repair knowledge, generosity and quiet dedication make him an invaluable member of the community.

Tash Brasell (Lake Taupo Yacht Club)

Tash has made a significant contribution to youth sailing through her work with the CNI Secondary School Teams Regatta and New Zealand national championships. She coordinates teams, supports sailors and helps ensure smooth transitions onto the water. She also manages the Tauhara College and Taupō-nui-a-Tia College teams and will lead the national event in Taupō next year, helping make sailing more accessible to families and young sailors.

Geoff Herd (SSANZ)

Geoff has contributed more than two decades to offshore sailing through race management, administration and competition. He has supported seven Round North Island Races, the Round New Zealand Race and Triangle events as a race officer and safety officer. He has held senior roles with SSANZ and Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and received SSANZ life membership earlier this year in recognition of his sustained service.

Tim Harris (Murrays Bay Sailing Club)

Tim has played a significant role in supporting the club's operations, facilities and sailors. He has served as rear commodore and previously as health and safety officer, while helping launch and retrieve boats, organising working bees and developing venue hire income. Over two years, he led the process to secure the building's Code Compliance Certificate, achieved in 2026.

Ann Hamilton (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron)

Ann has been a valued member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's race management team since 2020, supporting Winter Series, Wednesday Series, Commodores Cup races and regional, national and international match racing events. She regularly volunteers with the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme and contributes to working bees and events, bringing professionalism, reliability and a welcoming approach to every role.

Pamela Lilley (Panmure Yacht and Boating Club)

Pam has led the club's social committee and served as an active general committee member and club captain for several years. Before joining the club, she and her husband, Neville, were involved with trailer yacht clubs before progressing to keelers and the launch Ronaki, which served as a committee boat for the annual short-handed weekend.

John and Linda Macduff (Sailability Nelson)

John and Linda led Sailability Nelson for 12 years, establishing the trust and growing its presence in the Nelson sailing community. John served as founding chair, commodore and volunteer coordinator, overseeing sailing day operations and community partnerships. Linda managed the treasury, pontoon team, catering, and sailor and whānau liaison, helping create an inclusive and welcoming sailing environment.

John Olds (Torbay Sailing Club)

'Oldsie' has spent more than 30 years supporting sailors at regattas throughout New Zealand, repairing boats and helping competitors return to the water. He has been a key part of the Sir Peter Blake Regatta and regularly puts in the work needed to ensure boats are ready to sail. He received the PJ Montgomery Trophy in 2024 and a Yachting New Zealand Excellence Award in 2009.

Lynn Porter (Lowry Bay Yacht Club)

Lynn has served the club since 1998 and volunteered with Sailability Wellington for many years as bosun. She contributes to club operations, serves as sailing secretary and supports equipment preparation and safe sailing for people with disabilities. Her generosity, extensive knowledge and commitment to welcoming members, sailors and families have made a lasting contribution to the boating community.

Vanessa Robson (Maraetai Sailing Club)

Vanessa has served as RS Feva Association president for five years, playing a key role in growing the class and supporting Maraetai Sailing Club. She has organised national championships, traveller series events and SailGP Inspire activities, while promoting inclusive and female participation. Under her leadership, the class reached a record 48 crews at the 2024 nationals and 50 crews at SailGP Inspire 2025.