12:46 AM Wed 13 May 2009 GMT
Meet The Champions - the annual Yachting WA Awards Night was held on Friday 8 May at South of Perth Yacht Club.
Over 200 invited guests were present to witness the awarding of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals and special awards to this year's recipients as follows:
 | Julia Cheong - Administrator of the Year - Yachting WA . |
Administrator of the Year : Julia Cheong
Initially a keen Hobie sailor, over time Julia has been involved in all administrative aspects of the club - co-ordinating volunteers, assisting with the club office and every weekend, overseeing the control tower.
She holds the position of Rear Commodore, is chief results recorder and compiles the Club Sailing Programme every year.
A valued committee member of Management and Regatta, her reputation speaks for itself and her knowledge and experience of the club, its members and the sport is exceptional. Julia readily volunteers her services when and where needed and has become as vital and important to Nedlands Yacht Club, as a good breeze is to sailing.
Nominees:
Julia Cheong Nominated by Nedlands Yacht Club
Mark & Diane Hansen Nominated by Royal Perth Yacht Club
Ron Packer Nominated by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
 | John Taylor - Official of the Year - Yachting WA . |
Official of the Year : John Taylor
The commitment displayed by John to race management is exemplary.
John has been involved with his club during the past decade commencing as a volunteer mark layer for juniors, completing a term as Rear Commodore Juniors and advancing his competency through State, National and Match Racing events, to successfully manage the 2009 World Team Racing Championships. He is an experienced, highly regarded and well respected Race Officer.
Nominees:
Colin McDougall Nominated by Fremantle Sailing Club
John Taylor Nominated by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
Power Yachtperson of the Year : Maxine Abbot
Nominated by Yachting WA Cruising & Power Yacht Committee
Maxine has held the offices of Rear Commodore Power and Vice Commodore of Claremont Yacht Club. Choosing not to move up to Commodore, Maxine directed her talents to assist with administration restructuring and systems operations on General Committee. Interest and participation in Time Trialing strengthened during Maxine's term as Rear Commodore Power.
Her involvement with Yachting WA's Cruising & Power Yacht Committee began in 2004. Her willingness and assistance with the Start Team, Regatta Control, Results and Minutes along with support to participating clubs has been greatly appreciated.
In a male dominated arena, Maxine's considerable contribution over the years has been phenomenal and it is a credit to her that she has been able to do it with such good grace.
 | Christopher Goldacre - Coach of the Year - Yachting WA . |
Coach of the Year : Christopher Goldacre
Chris' involvement with junior sailing has provided coaching and guidance to many youngsters. He inspires and instils in them a sense of responsibility teaching them a respectful regard for others.
He is an Examiner of Dinghy Coaches, one of only two in the State. He has delivered Yachting WA coaching programmes from the South West Coast to the Kimberley.
Chris has had more than 20 years of involvement with Yachting WA's Westsail and Junior Sail development programmes and has motivated a couple of generations of West Australian sailors with his enthusiasm.
Nominees:
Christopher Goldacre Nominated by Royal Perth Yacht Club
Christopher Kelly Nominated by Hillarys Yacht Club
Gregory Omay Nominated by Sailability WA Inc
 | Sailor of the Year with a Disability - Colin Harrison, Russell Boaden and Graeme Martin - Yachting WA . |
Sailor of the Year with a Disability : Colin Harrison, Russell Boaden & Graeme Martin
The Australian Sonar Team of Colin Harrison (skipper) and crew members Russell Boaden and Graeme Martin won the 2008 Paralympic Bronze Medal, marginally missing out on Silver on a count-back as they tied on 36 points with the French team.
The team's positive attitude, dedication and commitment to their rigorous training regime prior to the Paralympics saw them placed 5th in the Miami OLR Regatta, 4th in the Irish Champion Regatta and 4th in the Pre-Paralympic Regatta.
Nominees:
Kylie Forth Nominated by Royal Perth Yacht Club
Colin Harrison, Russell Boaden & Graeme Martin Nominated by Sailability WA Inc
 | Sailor of the Year - Female. Tessa Parkinson and Elise Rechichi - Yachting WA . |
Sailor of the Year - Female : Tessa Parkinson & Elise Rechichi
In 2008, Elise and Tessa had one goal - to win Gold at the Beijing Olympics.
Using their European tour to enhance and refine techniques, fine tune their boat, sails and rigs, combined with their single-minded determination and skill, they achieved their goal of an Olympic Gold Medal.
Both Elise and Tessa continue to demonstrate excellent sportsmanship with a genuine interest and willingness to assist and share their knowledge.
Nominees:
Tessa Parkinson & Elise Rechichi Nominated by Royal Perth Yacht Club
Stacey Omay & Chelsea Hall Nominated by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
 | Sailor of the Year - Male. Grant Alderson & Dean McAullay - Yachting WA . |
Sailor of the Year - Male : Grant Alderson & Dean McAullay
Grant and Dean capped off a great year with a triple victory as the Flying Fifteen State, National and World Champions.
Their consistently top championship placing emphasises their considerable talent and skill in the sailing arena.
Thier national and international success has not in any way diminished their solid support and involvement at grass roots level in their class and club where their willingness to share their experiences and knowledge is refreshing and appreciated.
Nominees:
Torvar Mirsky Nominated by Royal Perth Yacht Club
Grant Alderson & Dean McAullay Nominated by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
2009 BRONZE Medal
 | Junior Sailor of the Year - Paris Stowell - Yachting WA . |
Junior Sailor of the Year : Paris Stowell
Ron Tough Yachting Foundation Bronze Medal
Paris is a dedicated, focused and talented sailor. Her commitment to set high standards is evidence of her passion for sailing.
She was ranked 2nd in the WA Optimist rankings for 2008 and her overseas travels have taken her to New Zealand, Singapore
and Turkey where she gained valuable experience.
Paris is a past secretary and current member of her club's junior committee.
An excellent role model to younger sailors, she is prepared to assist others sharing her knowledge and sailing experiences.
Nominees
Douglas Campbell - Nominated by Royal Perth Yacht Club
Paris Stowell - Nominated by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
2009 SILVER Medal
 | Youth Sailor of the Year - David Gilmour and James Omay - Yachting WA . |
Youth Sailor of the Year : David Gilmour and James Omay
Ron Tough Yachting Foundation Silver Medal
In the latter half of 2008 David and James combined their sailing experience cementing their 420 'partnership' to form a duo producing excellent results.
Both talented sailors, David and James have proven that with focus, dedication, commitment and a positive attitude rewards will be forthcoming.
Their success during the year has promoted them as good role models to their club's younger sailors.
Nominees: David Gilmour and James Omay
Nominated by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club & WA Int. 420 Class Association
2009 GOLD Medal
In addition to nominations for the Gold Medal, WA Yachting Awards winners in the categories of:
Administrator, Official, Coach, Male and Female Sailor and Sailor with a Disability, automatically go forward for consideration for the Gold Medal 'Outstanding Contribution to Yachting'.
2009 GOLD MEDALS
This year the Ron Tough Yachting Foundation Trustees have decided to nominate two Gold Medals:
1. Outstanding Life Time Contribution
2. Outstanding Competitive Performance
 | Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Yachting - Stuart Cooksey - Yachting WA . |
Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Yachting : Stuart Cooksey
Ron Tough Yachting Foundation Gold Medal
Stuart is a man of many talents who has left an indelible mark on the Australian sailing arena.
Stuart has worked tirelessly for the club and class associations.
He has extended this dedication to the wider boating arena serving Yachting WA
in the capacity of Vice President, Board Member,
Chairman - Swan River Racing Committee and is currently on the Racing Rules Committee.
Stuart is a fair and just sportsman who has gained significant respect as a judge both nationally and internationally.
He has umpired yachting events around the world yet always makes himself available for counsel to all levels of the sport at home.
He conducts himself with the utmost integrity and professionalism at all times.
Stuart Cooksey nominated by: South of Perth Yacht Club
2009 GOLD MEDAL WINNER Outstanding Competitive Participation : Tessa Parkinson & Elise Rechichi
Ron Tough Yachting Foundation Gold Medal
by Michael Downing
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Marion Reef, QLD
