On Thursday, 26th September 2024, the Western Australian Sailing Awards was held at Mounts Bay Sailing Club, where the sailing community celebrated the individuals, events and clubs that made an incredible and lasting contribution over the past 12 months.
The South of Perth Yacht Club congratulates its members who were chosen to receive WA Sailing Community Honours Awards:
MURRAY DUTHIE – YOUTH SAILOR OF THE YEAR
Murray has worked incredibly hard this year, and has shown a great commitment that has seen him deliver excellent results at the state, national and international level. Murray has now won 3 Optimist and 2 Open Skiff WA state titles in a row and has been selected to represent Australia at the International Optimist World Championships for a second consecutive year.
NIA JERWOOD AND CONOR NICHOLAS – TEAM OF THE YEAR
Last year, Nia and Conor became a duo to compete in the mixed 470 category. In December 2023, the duo were able to secure a quota spot for the Paris Olympics at Sail Sydney.
This year, they finished 15th at the 470 World Championships in Mallorca in Spain. At the Olympic Games, their best race placed them 3rd, and they also finished sixth in the mixed dinghy medal race to secure a ninth-place overall position.
CHERRY CALLCOTT – VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Cherry is currently the coordinator of the Ocean Racing WA Race Team, organising rosters for each of WA’s offshore races. She provides invaluable assistance and back up to the RO. She is an exceptionally versatile team member, taking her turn on roles including radio watch, flags, timing and spotting. Cherry’s management of this responsibility has been instrumental in the sustained success of the offshore race services team in WA.