Service Award winners category is sponsored by Yamaha Motor NZ.
The Yamaha Motor New Zealand Service Awards, part of the Barfoot and Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards, honour volunteers who make major non sailing contributions to the sport. They recognise people who give their time to coaching, race management, administration, safety, and club support, celebrating the grassroots workers who keep New Zealand sailing running.
The winners of the Yamaha Motor New Zealand Service Awards are:
Graham Catley (Royal Akarana Yacht Club)
Graham Catley, Life Member and Trustee of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, has shaped NZ skiff sailing for decades. Chair of The Akarana Trust, he helped drive the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre and the merger of ASC and RAYC. A major backer of 18 and 12 foot skiffs, he has funded fleets and youth teams for over 20 years. His service has earned top awards, and he still races, recently winning multihull line honours on Cat+ion.
Aevril Hibbard (Taipa Sailing Club)
Aevril Hibbard is a key volunteer and leader at Taipa Sailing Club. A former Commodore, she revitalised the club and grew its junior ranks through a strong Learn to Sail programme. A Master Learn to Sail Coach with 20 years’ experience, she supports school and regional coaching and represents Open Skiff Sailing NZ. A former youth representative sailor, she now helps run major regattas and received a Yamaha Service Award in 2025.
Grant Innes (Port Chalmers Yacht Club)
Grant Innes is a long-serving volunteer at Port Chalmers Yacht Club and a key figure in Otago and Southland sailing. A qualified YNZ national race officer, he runs races across the region and helps maintain PCYC as a committee member and custodian. His service has earned major honours, including a 2025 Yamaha Award, multiple OYA titles, and Yachtsperson of the Year. He also supports wider community sport, managing hundreds of rugby games.
Gwenda Johnson (Waimakariri Sailing Club)
Gwenda Johnson has been a pillar of Waimakariri Sailing Club for 29 years, including 21 as secretary. She leads social and fundraising events, notably the annual Quiz Night, and is an accomplished sailor with wins in Sunbursts and the Dorothy Cup. After the 2010 quake she hosted committee meetings at home. Her dedication earned a Yamaha Service Award in 2025.
Kevin Lidgard (Richmond Yacht Club)
Kevin Lidgard is a respected Richmond Yacht Club figure with over 50 years in yacht design, racing, and safety. A member of the famed Lidgard family, he designed boats like Black Sheep and raced for New Zealand in major events including the 1971 Southern Cross Cup. A long serving YNZ yacht inspector, he now leads marina operations for Eke Panuku. His service earned a 2025 Yamaha Award.
Paul Pearson (Manly Sailing Club)
Paul Pearson is a long serving Manly Sailing Club volunteer and accomplished Zephyr and DF95 sailor. He co led the 2024 Moth Worlds with Harold Bennett, earning top feedback and the Commodore’s Trophy. A DF95 National Champion and respected Zephyr sailor, he also serves as the club’s Zephyr rep and a key committee member. His service was recognised with a 2025 Yamaha Award.]
Blair Park (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron)
Paul Pearson is a long serving Manly Sailing Club volunteer and accomplished Zephyr and DF95 sailor. He co led the 2024 Moth Worlds with Harold Bennett, earning top feedback and the Commodore’s Trophy. A DF95 National Champion and respected Zephyr sailor, he also serves as the club’s Zephyr rep and a key committee member. His service was recognised with a 2025 Yamaha Award.
Larry Paul (Classic Yacht Charitable Trust)
Larry Paul is the long serving Chairman and Trustee of the Classic Yacht Charitable Trust, leading the care of vessels like Waitangi, Ida, and Frances. He has skippered Waitangi since 2007, managed major restorations, and helped recover the 1863 schooner Daring. A lifelong sailor and mentor, he promotes classic racing and heritage outreach. His work earned a 2025 Yamaha Award.
Wayne Radford (Pigeon Bay Boating Club)
Wayne Radford, Life Member and Patron of Pigeon Bay Boating Club, is its long time “Mr Fix-it,” leading major repairs and upkeep while sailing competitively. A volunteer since the 1950s, he’s rebuilt facilities, cared for club boats, and won the 2022–23 Old Salts Regatta with his brother. His service earned a 2025 Yamaha Award.
Brett Willcock (Charteris Bay Yacht Club)
Brett Willcock is a long serving Charteris Bay Yacht Club volunteer, YNZ national race officer, and competitive sailor. For over 20 years he has run major regattas, served on the CBYC committee including as commodore, and raced Flying Fifteens and Paper Tigers. His leadership supports South Island race management, and he received a 2025 Yamaha Service Award.
