Issue date
The last few months have not been normal but it doesn't mean we shouldn't recognise excellence so we're calling for nominations for this year's Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards.
The annual awards have recognised a swathe of different achievements since 1963, from grassroots through to the highest level on the international stage.
Not only will the top honour, the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy for Sailor of the Year be awarded, but the awards are also an opportunity to recognise the valuable work done by people behind the scenes who often give up countless hours of their own time so others can continue to enjoy our great sport.
We've introduced a couple of different changes this year, most notably awards for the Male Sailor of the Year and Female Sailor of the Year as well as the Volvo Young Male Sailor of the Year and Volvo Young Female Sailor of the Year.
The nomination period is from September 1, 2019, and there were plenty of notable achievements on the world stage before international competition was suspended, like Josh Junior's success in becoming the first Kiwi to win the Finn Gold Cup (world championships) and Peter Burling and Blair Tuke's success in claiming two 49er world titles (Auckland and Melbourne).
And we know volunteers continue to make big contributions at their clubs or at local and regional level.
The following award categories are recognised:
- Orbit World Travel Sailor of the Year Award for the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy
- Zhik Male Sailor of the Year & Zhik Female Sailor of the Year
- Volvo Young Male Sailor of the Year & Volvo Young Female Sailor of the Year (20 years or under)
- Yachting New Zealand Coach of the Year
- Yachting New Zealand Official of the Year
- Aon Emerging Talent Award
- Lawson’s Dry Hills President’s Award
- Lucke Young Leader Award (aged 16-24)
- North Sails Sportsmanship Award
- Propspeed Sustainability Award (club, organisation or individual)
- Yachting New Zealand Service Awards - supported by Boating New Zealand
- Yachting New Zealand Performance Awards - supported by Zhik
- Yachting New Zealand Youth Performance Awards - supported by Harken (aged 20 years or under)
- Yachting New Zealand Cruising Awards - supported by Wichard by Kiwi Yachting
For more information about the Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards, including a link to the nomination form, see here. The winners will be announced in November.
- Pic: Late last year Josh Junior became the first Kiwi to win the Finn Gold Cup. Photo: Robert Deaves.
