The Radix Nutrition Performance Awards are a key category within the annual Barfoot and Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards, recognising New Zealand sailors who have delivered world class results on the international stage. Sponsored by Radix Nutrition, a Kiwi company producing high performance meals and athlete fuel, the awards celebrate elite achievements across Olympic classes, offshore racing, professional circuits and America’s Cup campaigns. Unlike the youth awards, this category honours experienced sailors and teams who have shown exceptional skill, consistency and success at the highest levels of global competition.
Radix Nutrition Performance Awards
2.0 Racing Team
Megan Thomson and her 2.0 Racing Team finished runners-up at the 2025 Women’s Match Racing Worlds in Chicago, pushing Pauline Courtois to a deciding race. Thompson, with Tiana Witte, Josie Andres, Charlotte Porter, and Heidi Rogers, showed world-class composure and repeated their 2024 silver medal result.
Thomson edges past D’Amodio to reach Women’s Match Racing Worlds semi-finals
Emirates Team New Zealand
Emirates Team New Zealand won the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, becoming the first team to win the cup three times in a row. Beat INEOS Britannia in a tense final by 37 seconds, showcasing precision and tactical excellence.
Emirates Team New Zealand Seals Victory in a Thrilling America’s Cup Final
George Gautrey
George Gautrey returned strongly to international ILCA competition by taking silver at the European Championship in Maastricht. Also won bronze at the Formula One World Championship in Cagliari, plus multiple podiums across Parma, Hyères, Long Beach, San Francisco and Switzerland. Defended his national title and claimed the national triple crown and Hawaiian state title.
Sean Herbert
In 2025, New Zealand wingfoil racer Sean Herbert made a notable international breakthrough in the sport. He secured a bronze medal in his debut at the Wingfoil Racing World Cup in Silvaplana, Switzerland, after winning his first two races in June. Following this, he achieved a dominant victory at the 2025 U.S. Wingfoil Championships in San Francisco, winning 13 out of 15 races. His successful year culminated in another bronze medal at the inaugural Formula Wing World Championships held in Cagliari, Sardinia, in September 2025.
Knots Racing
Nick Egnot-Johnson, Jack Fruin, Zach Merton, Chris Main are Knott’s Racing. They are ranked world number two in match racing after silver at the 2024 Match Racing Tour Final in Shenzhen, plus silver at the 2025 Macau Match Cup and bronze at the Bermuda Gold Cup.
Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie
Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie received a Radix Nutrition Performance Award after winning silver in the 49er at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The “McKiwis” backed up their medal with strong international form, including a Kiel Week bronze and a medal race win at the 49er Europeans. They also returned to finish seventh at the 2025 Worlds after a year off. Their award recognised world class consistency and teamwork.
Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie. Photo Credit: Instagram @isaac_mchardie
Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush
Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush earned a Radix Nutrition Performance Award after winning the 2025 49er Open European Championships in Thessaloniki, taking the title with a day to spare. They also claimed the trans Tasman 49er series at Hamilton Island and were named International Team of the Year. Part of the NZ 49er squad targeting LA 2028, they are now seen as major rising talents in the global fleet.
Anna Merchant and Aaron Hume-Merry
Anna Merchant and Aaron Hume-Merry earned a Radix Nutrition Performance Award after finishing fifth at the 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships in Cowes. They secured their place in the 10 boat final with a dramatic repechage win, marking strong progress from 2024. The RNZYS pair previously topped the mixed double handed division in the SSANZ Round the North Island Race and were recognised for their determination on the world stage.
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Admiral’s Cup team
The RNZYS Admiral’s Cup team received a Radix Nutrition Performance Award for their strong showing at the 2025 Admiral’s Cup. Sailing Callisto and Caro, the squad mixed top Kiwi talent with world class pros including Mike Sanderson, Dean Barker and Adrian Stead. Callisto won the double points Channel Race and the team sat third after early inshore racing, eventually finishing fourth overall. Their campaign showcased exceptional teamwork and offshore strength on the sport’s biggest stage.
Veerle ten Have
Veerle ten Have received a Radix Nutrition Performance Award after a standout year in the iQFOiL class. She made the top ten at her debut Olympics in Marseille, then opened the LA 2028 cycle with a bronze at the 2025 Princess Sofia Regatta and a tenth at the 2025 Worlds in Aarhus. The Tauranga windfoiler has rapidly risen through the class and is seen as a major prospect for future Olympic success.
