Photo: Sail Canada
AWARDS
Ontario Sailing is proud to announce the renewal of its annual awards, with the awards being presented in January. Ontario Sailing looks forward to recognizing valuable stakeholders, volunteers, supporters, athletes, coaches, and the like within our community.
All awards are currently open for nominations. Nominations close November 1st 2026. We thank you in advance for taking the time submit a nomination.
You can submit a nomination via the form here. If you would like to submit a nomination for more than one award or would like to nominate more than one person for an award, you will need to submit a separate form for each.
For more information on award selection criteria and past winners, click on the titles below.
The Sailor of the Year award is presented annually to an athlete who has achieved results on a National/International level, and has demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in their discipline.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Actual race results with particular regard to:
- Score sheet position
- Significance of events
- Depth of competition
- Overall consistency in performance;
- Recognition and/or ranking achieved outside Ontario and Canada;
- Versatility or scope of achievements;
- Degree of inspiration to others both on the water and on shore;
- Overall contribution to the quality and recognition of Ontario sailors;
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Sarah Douglas; 2018 Sarah Douglas; 2018 Tom Ramshaw; 2017 Rossi Milev; 2016 Brenda Bowskill; 2015 Terry McLaughlin, Sandy Andrews, David Jarvis & David Ogden; 2014 Keven, Piper, Jordin Clark, & Tom Nelson; 2013 Lee Parkhill; 2012 Greg Douglas; 2011 Chris Dold; 2010 Magnus Clarke, Rob Paterson, and Rossi Milev; 2009 Lee Parkhill; 2008 Oskar Johansson/ Kevin Stittle; 2007 Rossi Milev, Mark Goodyear, Mike Wolfs, Erwyn Naidoo; 2006 Hans Fogh, Roger Cheer, Gordon Devries; 2005 Chris Cook; 2004 Mike Wolfs, Ross MacDonald; 2003 Derek Hatfield; 2002 Bernard Luttmer; 2001 Chris Cook; 2000 Oskar Johansson; 1999 Richard Clarke; 1998 Trevor McEwen; 1997 Bernard Luttmer & Marty Essig.
The Developing Sailor of the Year is presented to an athlete who has achieved results on at least a Provincial and National level (could be International, but not necessary) that demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in their discipline.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Actual race results with particular regard to:
-
- Score sheet position
- Significance of events
- Depth of competition
- Noticeable improvement in performance during the current year, indicating the potential for future international results;
- Recognition and/or ranking achieved outside Ontario and Canada;
- The recipient will normally be in the 23 & under age category;
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Joe Marynowski & Andrew Sutcliffe; 2018 Clara Gravely; 2017 William Bonin & Samuel Bonin; 2016 Sarah Douglas; 2015 Matti Muru; 2014 Arie Moffat & Patrick Wilson; 2013 Adam MacDonald; 2012 Justin Barnes & David Mori; 2011 Sharath Kunnanath; 2010 Greg Douglas; 2009 Greg Clunies; 2008 Claire Merry; 2007 Lee Parkhill; 2006 Robert Davis; 2005 Evan Lewis; 2004 Ethan Holtzer; 2003 Isaac Bussin; 2002 Mike Hayes; 2001 Trevor McEwen & Ian McEwen; 1999 David Wright & Jessica Simpson.
The Youth Sailor of the Year is presented to an athlete who has achieved results on at least a Provincial and National level (could be International, but not necessary) that demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in their discipline. Must be 18 years or younger as of December 31st in the year ending.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Actual race results with particular regard to:
- Score sheet position
- Significance of events
- Depth of competition
- Noticeable improvement in performance during the current year, indicating the potential for future international results;
- Recognition and/or ranking achieved outside Ontario and Canada;
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
NOMINATIONS:
A nomination form must be completed
Past Winners Include: 2025 Brodie Sorensen; 2019 Andreas Steinitz; 2018 Galen Richardson & Jake Adair; 2017 Ian Doell; 2016 Gray Snyder & Jack Porter; 2015 Gray Snyder & Jack Porter; 2014 Galen Richardson; 2013 Matti Muru; 2012 Jean-Matthieu Bolland & Benjamin Strickland; 2011 Hugh Macrae; 2010 Sarah Douglas; 2009 David Mori; 2008 Robert Davis; 2007 Robert Davis; 2006 Greg Clunies, Brock Hopemorely & Jason Hearst; 2005 David Hayes; 2004 Chris Dold; 2003 Evert McLaughlin; 2002 Conner Higgins; 2001 Alex Singer; 2000 Matt Johnston.
Formally known as The Women’s Sailors’ Association Award, the North Sails Female Junior Sailor of the Year is presented to a female athlete who has achieved results on at least a Provincial and National level (could be International, but not necessary) that demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in their discipline. Must be 18 years or younger as of December 31st in the year ending.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Actual race results with particular regard to:
- Score sheet position
- Significance of events
- Depth of competition
- Noticeable improvement in performance during the current year, indicating the potential for future international results;
- Recognition and/or ranking achieved outside Ontario and Canada;
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Hunter Dejean; 2018 Hunter Dejean; 2017 Clara Gravely; 2016 Clara Gravely; 2015 Clara Gravely; 2014 Not Presented; 2013 Olivia Mew; 2012 Ali ten Hove; 2011 Violet Stafford; 2010 Meredith Megarry; 2009 Sarah Douglas; 2008 Brenda Bowskill; 2007 Helen Dam; 2006 Emily Hill; 2005 Joanne Prokop; 2004 Alessandra Herrera Reimer; 2003 Erin Kestenbaum; 2002 Yolande Gooderham & Katherine MacLennan; 2001 Caroline Kaars Sijpesteijn.
Female Sailor of the Year is presented to the female sailor who has achieved results on a Provincial, National, and/or International level, which demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in her discipline.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Actual race results with particular regard to:
- Score sheet position
- Significance of events
- Depth of competition
- Overall consistency in performance;
- Recognition and/or ranking achieved outside Ontario and Canada;
- Versatility or scope of achievements;
- Degree of inspiration to others both on the water and on shore;
- Overall contribution to the quality and recognition of Ontario sailors;
- No age guidelines;
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Jodi Munden; 2018 Sarah Douglas; 2017 Sarah Douglas; 2016 Danielle Boyd; 2015 Brenda Bowskill; 2014 Brenda Bowskill; 2013 Brenda Bowskill; 2012 Violet Stafford; 2011 Meredith Megarry & Emily McIlquham; 2010 Claire Merry; 2009 Joanne Prokop; 2008 Katie Abbott, Martha Henderson & Jen Provan; 2007 Alanna Foscarini & Alison Ludzki; 2006 Victoria Crowder; 2005 Amy Cada; 2004 Jen Provan & Nikola Girke; 2003 Victoria Crowder & Claudia Strobele; 2002 Claudia Strobele; 2001 Jen Provan & Nikola Girk;e 2000 Jen Provan.
NOMINATION PROCESS:
To be considered, a nomination form and a letter supporting the nomination must be submitted to Ontario Sailing and come from one of the following:
- Employer, Club or Head Instructor (The club/school must be members of OSA/Sail Canada and teach CANSail levels and award CANSail certificates and seals);
- A student or athlete;
- Certified coach from another club, (or Provincial or National Coach).
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Demonstrates and exudes sportsmanlike behavior in him/herself and expects the same of her/his athletes/students,
- Is a primary factor in improving the skills and results of his/her students,
- Is a team player and works well with fellow coaches/instructors and supervisors,
- Volunteer contribution to her/his community and/or school may be considered (in a bonus category).
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Ryan Perry & Kristina Harris; 2018 Max Robinson; 2017 Lauren Laventure; 2016 Nigel Crosscombe; 2015 Geordie Miller; 2014 Max Crothers; 2013 Rob Frost; 2012 Rob Frost; 2011 Cam Lymburner; 2010 Ethan Holtzer; 2009 Graham Fraser; 2008 Samara Crothers; 2007 Corey Lynam; 2006 Roslyn Dakin; 2005 Ashley Lethbridge; 2004 Karen May; 2003 Will Abbott; 2002 Darin McRae; 2001 Tim Bishop; 2000 Rob Fox.
NOMINATION PROCESS:
To be considered, a nomination form must be completed and come from either an athlete or a coach who participated in the event.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Race management (must be certified Race Officer as PRO, Level 2),
- Pre-regatta information package, i.e. Notice of Race
- Reception, registration, billeting, hosting, food & refreshment
- Value for registration fee
- Overall component of fun and fellowship that may include entertainment or special events.
- A role model to others in the sailing community.
Past Winners Include: 2025 VX One Canadian Championships @ Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2019 Blind Fleet Racing World Championship @ Kingston Yacht Club; 2018 Canadian Youth Championships @ The Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2017 J24 World Championships @ Port Credit Yacht Club ;2016 Sailfest @ Sarnia Yacht Club; 2015 Lightning Worlds; 2014 2.4mR Worlds; 2013 GHRYA; 2012 Kingston Yacht Club – Shark Worlds; 2011 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club and Burlington Sailing & Boating Club – Mobility Cup; 2010 CORK – National Qualifying Regatta; 2009 Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario – Mobility Cup 2008; Nepean Sailing Club – Ontario Summer Games; 2007 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club- Youth National Championships; 2006 Oakville Yacht Squadron – Ontario High School Championships; 2005 Sarnia Ontario Sailing 23 & Under Provincial Championships; 2004 Brockville OSA 16 & Under Single Handed Championships; 2003 Etobicoke Yacht Club – J35 North American Championships; 2002 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club – 2002 Europe World Championships; 2001 Grand Bend Yacht Club – Canada Games 2001; 2000 Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club – Millennium Regatta.
In an effort to recognize the great history of sailing in this province, Ontario Sailing is proud to present the Legends of Ontario Sailing Award … “Honoring the Past to Inspire the Future”.
PURPOSE:
To acknowledge and recognize the outstanding contribution of an individual or a group of individuals who through his/her and/or their efforts, have inspired participation in the recreational and/or competitive sport of sailing in Canada.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- A Canadian or Canadians whose primary residence is in Ontario.
- Someone who has contributed a minimum of 10 years to the activity for which he and/or she has been nominated.
- Someone who has demonstrated leadership and/or innovation in the activity for which he and/or she has been nominated.
- Someone who has donated significant time and energy to improve the quality of and/or participation in the recreational and/or competitive sport of sailing.
EXCLUSIONS:
- Present members of the Canadian Sailing Team
- Present members of the Ontario Sailing Team
- Anyone currently holding a board position with Ontario Sailing
Past Winners Include: 2019 Larry MacDonald; 2018 Not Presented; 2017 The Abbott Family; 2016 Jean & Bernie Luttmer; 2015 Alex McAuley; 2014 John Osborn; 2013 “The 12 Founders of CORK”: Roger Green, Bill Cox, Paul Henderson, Lynn Watters, Sandy McPherson, Bart Dalton, Cam Jones, George Goodfellow, Russ Scrim, Harry Jemmett, Jack Orgill and Doug Keary; 2012 The “Ontario-Based, Canadian Flag-Bearing, Olympic Medal Winners”: Terry Neilson, Terry McLaughlin, Hans Fogh, John Kerr, Steve Calder, Frank McLaughlin, John Millen, and Mike Wolfs; 2011 The “Builders of C&C Yachts”: Rob Ball, Erich Bruckmann, George Cassian, George Cuthbertson, George Hinterhoeller and Ian Morch; 2010 The brave crews of Evergreen (RHYC) and Magistri (RCYC) that survived and endured the great storms that hit the 1979 Fastnet race.
The awarding of this Trophy is to be made in recognition of a member of the Ontario Sailing Association who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of sailing in Ontario. The selection is made by a vote of the Past Presidents of Ontario Sailing (who we have been able to maintain contact with). This award is not open to nominations.
WINNERS INCLUDE: 2021 Wendy Loat; 2019 Tim Irwin; 2018 Not Presented; 2017 Pat Lymburner; 2016 Edward Graham Dougall; 2015 Nicholas Thompson & Ashley Hum; 2014 Donna Scott; 2013 Irene McNeill; 2012 Lynne Beal & Doug Creelman; 2011 Marilea McAllister & Ethel Thayer; 2010 Carolyn Gagnon; 2009 Bernie Luttmer Sr.; 2008 George Blanchard; 2007 Ron Kobrick; 2006 Al Will; 2005 Alex McAuley; 2004 Mike Vollmer; 2003 Laurel Connell; 2002 Alan May; 2001 Peter Van Buskirk; 2000 David Sprague; 1999 Keith Hobbs; 1998 Leo Reise; 1997 Easter Seals Regatta, RCYC.
The award has no criteria other than what the title implies. The selection is made by the Executive Director with the approval of the Executive Committee. This award is not open to nominations. If you would like suggest a nominee, please send an email to execdir@ontariosailing.ca
Past Winners Include: 2025 Will Keilty; 2018 Andree Gauthier; 2018 Jay McKinnell; 2017 Tom Bolland; 2016 David Starck; 2015 Barbara Lyon-Stewart & Ben Rabinovitch, YMCA Camp Kitchikewana; 2014 Alan Johnson; Windsor Yacht Club 2013 Gary Howard; Canada Summer Games Team 2012 Mike Milner; 2011 Derek Hatfield and VELUX Canada; 2010 Paul Davis; 2009 Laura Jarvis; 2008 Rick Watters & Audrey Kobayashi; 2007 John Miolla; 2006 John Weakley; 2005 Linda Waddell & Jenny McEwen-Hill; 2004 Lynne Beal; 2003 Allan Sparrow; 2002 Bruce Bussin; 2001 Brian Knoll; 2000 Jon Matthews; 1999 Tommy Wharton; 1998 Loren Richter, Eastgate Ford.
To acknowledge and recognize the outstanding contribution of volunteers to Ontario’s sailing community. The contribution can be related to activities over a period of years or to a specific event or program during a particular year.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Ontario.
EXCLUSIONS:
- Present members of the Canadian Sailing Team.
- Present members of the Ontario Sailing Team.
- Anyone currently holding a board position with Ontario Sailing.
NOMINATION PROCESS:
To be considered, a nomination form must be submitted to Ontario Sailing.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Katie Coleman Nicoll; 2018 Not Presented; 2017 Mark Searle; 2016 Wendy Loat; 2016 Kevin Corcoran; 2015 John Weakley.
To acknowledge and recognize the multi-dimensional aspects of running a club. Criteria such as financial management, policies, governance and community outreach, as well as the sailing components of running a club, are considered in selecting a club that is demonstrating successes in different ways.
Shortlisted clubs will be asked to submit updates on their activities in the previous year, and a committee will review the submissions.
This award is not open to nominations.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
-
- The nominated club must be a member in good standing with Ontario Sailing.
Past Winners Include: 2019 Cedar Island Yacht Club.
This award is presented to the Club with the best Overall Results from the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. To see the regattas included in the results, please see the current year’s Grand Prix Development Series regattas.
This award is not open to nominations. It is based on results.
Past Winners Include: 2017 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2016 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club; 2015 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club; 2014 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club; 2013 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2012 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2011 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2010 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2009 Kingston Yacht Club; 2008 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2007 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2006 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2005 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2004 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2003 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2002 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2001 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2000 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 1999 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 1998 Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
This Award is presented to the Club with the best results in single handed classes in the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. To see the regattas included in the results please see the current year’s Grand Prix Development Series regattas.
This award is not open to nomination. It is based on results.
Past Winners Include: 2018 Britannia Yacht Club; 2017 Royal Canadian Yacht Club & Port Credit Yacht Club; 2016 Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club & Royal Hamilton Yacht Club; 2015 Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club; 2014 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2013 Port Credit Yacht Club; 2012 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2011 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2010 Port Credit Yacht Club; 2009 Port Credit Yacht Club; 2008 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2007 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2006 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2005 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club; 2004 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2003 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2002 Island Yacht Club; 2001 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club; 2000 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 1999 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 1998 Island Yacht Club.
This award is presented to the Club with the best result in the double handed classes Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. To see the regattas included in the results, please see the current year’s Grand Prix Development Series regattas.
This award is not open to nomination. It is based on results.
Past Winners Include: 2018 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club; 2017 Oakville Yacht Squadron & Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2016 Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club & Bronte Harbour Yacht Club & National Yacht Club; 2015 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club; 2014 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club; 2013 Kingston Yacht Club; 2012 Kingston Yacht Club; 2011 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2010 Burlington Sailing and Boating Club; 2009 Kingston Yacht Club; 2008 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2007 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2006 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2005 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2004 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2003 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2002 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2001 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 2000 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 1999 Royal Canadian Yacht Club; 1998 Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
This award is presented to the winners of the Ontario Sailing Provincial Championships.
This award is not open to nomination. It is based on results.