The gala Yachting Australia awards ceremony last Friday at the Deckhouse in Sydney saw a cavalcade of nattily dressed yachtsmen, yachtswomen, family members and supporters of the sport. BMW ORACLE Racing team skipper James Spithill won the Male Sailor of the Year award, which was presented to his father Arthur (above) because James was enjoying great success at the RC 44 World Championship in Lanzarote, Canary Islands.
Another team member, sailing coach Glenn Ashby (below), was presented the President’s Award for continual success and tireless work both on and off the water representing Australia around the world. Ashby had also been nominated for the Male Sailor of the Year, but was unaware he would receive the President’s Award. “It was great to see Jimmy take out the big one (Male Sailor of the Year) over a star-studded field. There were some hot contenders this year,” said Ashby. “I was very shocked to receive the President’s award.” (Photos courtesy Andrea Francolini)
