Yachting Excellence Awards winners announced
by Yachting New Zealand 26 Sep 2021 09:04 BST
26 September 2021
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke -Mens 49er - Day 7- July, 31, - Tokyo2020 - Enoshima, Japan © Richard Gladwell - Sail-World.com/nz
Club stalwarts through to world champions and America's Cup winners have been recognised in the first batch of recipients for the 2021 Yachting Excellence Awards.
The judges met last week to consider the nominations for this year's awards and were thrilled with the quality of nominations despite a lack of international activity.
The winners of the major awards including the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy for the Orbit World Travel Sailor of the Year, won last year by Josh Junior, will be announced at a gala dinner at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club on November 12, COVID permitting.
The awards recognise achievements taking place from September 1, 2020 until August 31, 2021. They are also a great chance to recognise the achievements and work done behind the scenes by sailors, volunteers and organisations in the Service Awards.
"I have been a judge for some time now and it always amazes me the quality of people we have in our sport at all levels, from those who give up so much of their time to help others right through to our top high performance sailors," judge and yachting commentator Peter Lester said.
"There might not have been as many international regattas due to the impact of COVID-19 but we still had some very robust discussions to try to narrow down the winners. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and especially the winners."
Tickets for the gala dinner on November 12 are on sale and can be purchased here.
2021 Yachting Excellence Awards
Service Awards supported by Boating New Zealand