Olympic Glory and Grassroots Excellence: 2024 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Awards Celebrate Kiwi Achievements

The pair’s success marks New Zealand’s fourth consecutive Olympic medal in the men’s skiff, following the legacy of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. The Sir Bernard Ferguson Trophy now belongs to the “McKiwis,” as they’re fondly known, honouring their dedication, skill, and teamwork.

Olympic Stars Shine Bright

The awards night was a showcase of Olympic talent, with Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson, the Nacra 17 bronze medallists, earning the Barfoot & Thompson Male and Female Sailor of the Year titles. Their dramatic finish in Marseille captivated the nation and further solidified their status as one of New Zealand’s premier mixed multihull teams.

McHardie, McKenzie, Wilkinson, and Dawson were also recipients of Performance Awards, alongside other Olympians including Jo Aleh and Molly Meech (49erFX), Josh Armit and Veerle ten Have (windfoiling), and Tom Saunders (ILCA 7).

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“These awards are a wonderful reward for the commitment, dedication, and attention to detail shown by these sailors,” said Yachting New Zealand CEO David Abercrombie. “It’s encouraging to see the depth of talent emerging in this Olympic cycle as we look ahead to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.”

Recognising Coaches and Rising Stars

Behind every great sailor is a dedicated coach, and Matt Steven, coach of McHardie and McKenzie, was recognised as B&G Performance Coach of the Year. Wade Tresadern was also celebrated as Yachting New Zealand Emerging Coach of the Year, underscoring the importance of mentorship in the sport’s ongoing success.

On the youth stage, Greta Pilkington, who made her Olympic debut in Marseille, was named NZL Sailing Foundation Young Female Sailor of the Year. The Young Male Sailor of the Year award went to Joe Leith and Josh Ferrissey, who claimed bronze at the 420 world championships in Brazil.

Honouring the Foundations of the Sport

While the night celebrated high-performance athletes, it also paid tribute to the volunteers and club members who form the backbone of New Zealand sailing. The Service Awards, supported by Yamaha Motor New Zealand, highlighted the efforts of individuals from clubs across the country, from Macandrew Bay Boating Club to Gulf Harbour Yacht Club.

Abercrombie praised the unsung heroes of the sport, saying:

“The Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards are more than just about high-performance sailing – they’re about acknowledging the selfless work, dedication, and resilience of our club members and volunteers. They remain the heart of what makes sailing such a valued sport in New Zealand.”

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A Night of Special Tributes

The evening featured a moving tribute to Emirates Team New Zealand’s historic three-peat at the 37th America’s Cup, a victory that stands outside the eligibility period for this year’s awards but remains a point of national pride. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei was also recognised with an Outstanding Contribution Award for their support of the team’s campaign.

Celebrating Excellence Across All Levels

Other notable award winners included Jamie Sutherland, who received the Millennium Hotels and Resorts Official of the Year Award, and Matteo Barker and Chloe Turner, who were honoured with Aon Emerging Talent awards. The North Sails Sportsmanship Award went to Flying Fifteen New Zealand, while James Swinney earned the MAST Academy NZ Young Leadership Award.

The evening also recognised sustainability efforts, with Sheryl Lanigan receiving the Evocean Sustainability Award, and cruising achievements, with Don Salthouse from the Opua Cruising Club earning the Cruising Award supported by Kiwi Yachting and Baltic.

Looking Ahead

With Olympic success fresh in the minds of the audience, the 2024 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also looked ahead to the future. The strong performances across youth, Olympic, and grassroots levels signal a bright horizon for New Zealand sailing.

Full List Of Award Winners

2024 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards

Orbit World Travel Sailor of the Year

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Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie

Barfoot & Thompson Female Sailor of the Year

Barfoot & Thompson Male Sailor of the Year

NZL Sailing Foundation Young Female Sailor of the Year

NZL Sailing Foundation Young Male Sailor of the Year

Aon Emerging Talent Award

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Official of the Year

B&G Performance Coach of the Year

Yachting New Zealand Emerging Coach of the Year

Lawson’s Dry Hills Outstanding Contribution Award

Evocean Sustainability Award

North Sails Sportsmanship Award

MAST Academy NZ Young Leadership Award

Service Awards supported by Yamaha Motor New Zealand

Cruising Award supported by Kiwi Yachting and Baltic

Performance Awards supported by Radix Nutrition

Youth Performance Awards supported by Andoo