The Millennium Hotels and Resorts NZ Official of the Year is one of the key recognition categories within the Barfoot and Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards, an annual celebration hosted by Yachting New Zealand to acknowledge outstanding contributors across all areas of the sport. While many awards celebrate sailors, coaches and rising talent, this category focuses on the essential but often unseen work of race officials, umpires, judges and technical staff who ensure racing is fair, safe and professionally run.
At the 2025 awards, the honour went to Ryan Parkin for his exceptional contribution to the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup programmes. Parkin is a fully qualified Yachting New Zealand race official and is listed among the country’s recognised club, national and international officials. His selection as part of the officiating team for the 2024 Youth and Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona placed him on one of the most high-pressure stages in the sport, overseeing racing in the AC40 foiling monohulls and working within a global broadcast and event environment.
Parkin’s work highlighted the level of professionalism required to deliver world-class regattas. His peers and Yachting New Zealand credited him for fairness, consistency and calm judgement under pressure, qualities that are essential when officiating at events featuring future Olympians and sailors progressing into the America’s Cup pathway. His contribution also reinforced how strong governance and reliable officiating are foundational to New Zealand’s reputation in international sailing.
Recognising Parkin with the Millennium Hotels and Resorts NZ Official of the Year award brought deserved attention to the broader community of officials who support racing at every level, from local clubs through to global championships. His award is a reminder that New Zealand’s strength in the sport is not limited to sailing talent alone, but includes a deep bench of skilled race managers and technical experts who help maintain the integrity and excellence of competitive sailing.
