Sailing’s top honours

The crew completed the voyage in 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, making Jackson the fastest Australian to sail non-stop around the world.

The Queenslander claimed the award ahead of Jiang Lin, who became the first woman to skipper an overall winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and 2025 Female Sailor of the Year Zoe Thomson OLY.

It’s a huge achievement for me to finally win the award. I’ve been a finalist before, but to get the recognition for my offshore sailing, in particular competing in the Jules Verne Trophy, I’m hugely proud of it,” Jackson says.

“I’m also so happy to have the discipline of offshore sailing promoted on a national level.”

Western Australian Matt Wearn claimed Male Sailor of the Year for the fourth time following a successful return to ILCA competition after an 18-month break following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The double Olympic gold medallist won three Sailing Grand Slam events and secured his seventh Australian National Championship title.

“It’s been great getting back into the ILCA,” Wearn says. “Having eighteen months away from it after Paris gave me the perspective I needed to come back into the Olympic world.”

Wearn says his latest award carries particular significance following four major regatta victories during the season.

“I think the success of this year probably makes it a little bit more special. 2024 was great with that performance at the Games, but it was four major regatta wins this year which is something I hadn’t done before.”

Wearn’s coach, Rafael Trujillo OLY, was named Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year, recognising his role in guiding the Olympic champion’s return to international competition.

Kairos Racing claimed Team of the Year after its historic Congressional Cup victory, with the team’s skipper becoming the youngest winner of the prestigious match-racing event.

Western Australian Genevieve Wickham received her second Para Sailor of the Year award, recognising her international results and contribution to para sailing.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club continued Western Australia’s success, becoming the first club to win consecutive Club of the Year – Category A awards.

Commodore Mark Tremain credited the achievement to the club’s members, staff and volunteers.

“It’s a testament to all our members and staff and the time they put in, along with the endless hours of volunteer work, that goes towards making the club what it is,” Tremain says.

“Through focusing on the love of the sport and fostering sailing at the grassroots level we have built a great culture at the club.”

South Australia’s Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club received Club of the Year – Category B honours after increasing its membership by 30 per cent.

The South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta also secured consecutive SheSails Awards for its continued contribution to women’s participation and competitive sailing.

Tasmanian Emma Hooper was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with Sandy Bay Sailing Club and the Cadet Class at national and international levels.

I get involved with grassroots sailing because I’ve had a fantastic experience growing up as a young sailor and I want to pass on that love of sailing to the next generation,” Hooper says.

“Sandy Bay is a club overwhelmingly made up of volunteers, so I feel like this trophy might have my name on it, but it really belongs to all the other volunteers.”

The awards also recognised emerging talent, with Rory Meehan named Noakes Group Male Youth Sailor of the Year and Mia Austin and Zara Marks sharing the Female Youth Sailor of the Year award.

The annual awards recognise excellence across Australian sailing, from international competition and coaching to grassroots participation, club development and volunteer contributions.

See the full list of 2026 Award winners here.

sailing.org.au