Club Awards


McCrae Yacht Club has many trophies that are awarded on an annual basis. This is a complete list of the awards and their recipients.



The Rowlands Trophy

The first perpetual trophy for monohulls donated to the Club by past Commodore L. Rowlands. The Trophy is awarded to a skipper selected by a Committee consisting of the Flag Officers and Club Captain. Selection is to be based on a combination of the following:

  1. Outstanding Club Sailing Performance
  2. Outstanding Club involvement
  3. Outstanding State or National Title performance
  4. Outstanding not necessarily to mean winning but to include great improvement or consistency

Recipients:

  • 1961-62 R. Suter
  • 1962-63 F. Bancroft
  • 1963-64 G. Candy
  • 1964-65 P. Randall
  • 1965-66 P. Randall
  • 1966-67 P. & G. Hughes
  • 1967-68 M. Sherlock
  • 1968-69 B. Hurst
  • 1969-70 G. Bancroft
  • 1970-71 R. Miller
  • 1971-72 B. Bancroft
  • 1972-73 P. Randall
  • 1973-74 I. Ravenscroft
  • 1974-75 M. Purvell
  • 1975-76 S. Kurrie
  • 1976-77 P. Evans
  • 1977-78 C. Myers
  • 1978-79 A. Black
  • 1979-80 I. Macfarlane
  • 1980-81 P. Merritt
  • 1981-82 D. Guy
  • 1982-83 P. Randall
  • 1983-84 R. Rogers
  • 1984-85 D. Guy
  • 1985-86 M. O’Brien
  • 1986-87 R. Stapleton
  • 1987-88 R. Macfarlane
  • 1988-89 B. Allen
  • 1989-90 R. Stapleton
  • 1990-91 G. Bancroft
  • 1991-92 P. Randall
  • 1992-93 G. Koffyberg
  • 1993-94 D. Kohlman
  • 1994-95 J. d’Helin
  • 1995-96 P. Randall
  • 1996-97 P. Cass
  • 1997-98 C. Csabi
  • 1998-99 J. d’Helin
  • 1999-00 C. Grace
  • 2000-01 B. & J. Mairs
  • 2001-02 B. Lorimer
  • 2002-03 G. & A. Smith
  • 2003-04 I. Cunningham
  • 2004-05 G. Bancroft
  • 2005-06 J. Patterson
  • 2006-07 R. Bancroft
  • 2007-08 G. Koffyberg
  • 2008-09 G. Bancroft
  • 2009-10 S. Merritt
  • 2010-11 G. Bancroft
  • 2011-12 S. Munro
  • 2012-13 Graham Riley
  • 2013-14 M. O’Brien
  • 2014-15 Guy Bancroft
  • 2015-16 Mark Bulka
  • 2016-17 Jamie Caithness
  • 2017-18 Scott Munro
  • 2018-19 Scott Cunningham
  • 2019-21 Murray O’Brien
  • 2021-22 Ollie Zielezna
  • 2022-23 Mark Bulka
  • 2023-24 Murray O’Brien

The Suter Trophy

The first perpetual trophy for catamarans donated to the Club by the father of Ross Suter, the first Club Captain. The Trophy is awarded to a skipper selected by a Committee consisting of the Flag Officers and Club Captain. Selection is to be based on a combination of the following:

  1. Outstanding Club Sailing Performance
  2. Outstanding Club involvement
  3. Outstanding State or National Title performance
  4. Outstanding not necessarily to mean winning but to include great improvement or consistency.

Recipients:

  • 1961-62 D. Lee
  • 1962-63 R. Crompton
  • 1963-64 S. Crompton
  • 1964-65 J. Smallman
  • 1965-66 N. Wilson
  • 1966-67 M. Bray
  • 1967-68 G. Candy
  • 1968-69 L. Miller
  • 1969-70 G. Fraser
  • 1970-71 L. Miller
  • 1971-72 L. Miller
  • 1972-73 B. Welarpella
  • 1973-74 P. Coghill
  • 1974-75 T. Puton
  • 1975-76 G. Fraser
  • 1976-77 B. Scarpella
  • 1977-78 S. McKeon
  • 1978-79 R. Condon
  • 1979-80 M. Grant
  • 1980-81 E. Equid
  • 1981-82 R. Grant
  • 1982-83 M. Owen
  • 1983-84 R. Condon
  • 1984-85 B. Lyon
  • 1985-86 R. Grant
  • 1986-87 J. Barlow
  • 1987-88 J. McConchie
  • 1988-89 G. Fraser
  • 1989-90 B. Lyon
  • 1990-91 J. Richards
  • 1991-92 J. Newman
  • 1992-93 B. Lyon
  • 1993-94 C. Owen
  • 1994-95 A. Grigg
  • 1995-96 D. Churcher
  • 1996-97 R. Wiggins
  • 1997-98 J. Newman
  • 1998-99 C. Owen
  • 1999-00 I. Cunningham
  • 2000-01 J. Richards
  • 2001-02 R. Wiggins
  • 2002-03 S. McKeon
  • 2003-04 M. Kopp
  • 2004-05 H. Kopp
  • 2005-06 G. Candy
  • 2006-07 S. McKeon
  • 2007-08 S. Dance
  • 2008-09 M. Kopp
  • 2009-10 S. Clavin
  • 2010-11 D. Loutit
  • 2011-12 S. Floyd
  • 2012-13 D. Parker
  • 2013-14 J. Knorr
  • 2014-15 H. Kopp
  • 2015-16 C. Dods
  • 2016-17 J. Knorr
  • 2017-18 D. Parker
  • 2018-19 S. Brayshaw
  • 2019-21 L. Stout
  • 2021-22 W. Miles
  • 2022-23 L. Cameron
  • 2023-24 Donovan Bailey

The Big Splash Award

This is a “FUN” award and is to be presented to a skipper or crew for a dramatic capsize, crash or other non-fatal disaster. Club members should be encouraged to submit written nominations.

The award is to be made annually by the Commodore in consultation with the Club Captain. The award comprises a large wooden paddle and a pseudo legal deed containing the circumstances of the incident (which may be light- hearted and exaggerated).

Recipients:

  • 1979-80 P. Condon
  • 1980-81 P. Smith
  • 1981-82 R. Rogers & P. Robinson
  • 1982-83 G. Koffyberg & P. Jackson
  • 1983-84 D. Robinson & M. Bergin
  • 1984-85 J. Owen
  • 1985-86 C. Candy & M. Tandy
  • 1986-87 P. Sproson & P. Stapleton
  • 1987-88 J. Equid & R. Drew
  • 1988-89 K. VanHugten
  • 1989-90 L. Cunningham & G. Frazier
  • 1990-91 W. Lyon & A. Grigg
  • 1991-92 B. Stapleton & J. Mairs
  • 1993-94 G. Frazier & D. Daddo
  • 1994-95 P. Merritt
  • 1995-96 B. Lyon
  • 1996-97 A. Grigg & D. Churcher
  • 1997-98 G. Doreian
  • 1998-99 G. Doreian
  • 1999-00 B. Brayshaw
  • 2000-01 D. Robinson & J. VanWeel
  • 2001-02 D. Churcher & P. VanHugten
  • 2002-03 N. Allen & D. Guy
  • 2003-04 G. Bancroft
  • 2004-05 K. Boyle & S. Cunningham
  • 2005-06 W. Evans & B. Stapleton
  • 2006-07 S. McKeon
  • 2007-08 J. Randall & S. Cunningham
  • 2008-09 J. Knorr
  • 2009-10 D. Parker
  • 2010-11 S. Merritt
  • 2011-12 G.Bancroft
  • 2012-13 G.Mason
  • 2013-14 S.Berryman
  • 2014-15 J.Dunsmore
  • 2015-16 S.Clavin
  • 2016-17 G.Harbour
  • 2017-18 Not awarded
  • 2018-19 Not awarded
  • 2019-21 S. Floyd
  • 2021-22 D. Parker
  • 2022-23 R. Stout
  • 2023-24 Guy Bancroft


Elite Sailing Award

This is a new award started in the 2013/14 season.

McCrae Yacht Club is first, and foremost, a sailing club.

In recognition of exceptional sailing at an elite level, this trophy is awarded to a McCrae Yacht Club Member selected by a Committee consisting of the Flag Officers and Club Captain. Selection is to be based on a combination of the following:

  1. Current Club Member
  2. Competing at an elite level, meaning World, Olympic or other elite level
  3. Achieving a placing of 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

Recipients:

  • 2013-14 Mark Bulka / Glenn Ashby
  • 2014-15 Guy Bancroft / Lachlan Imeneo

Georgiana McCrae Trophy 

The trophy was presented to McCrae Y. C by Sharon Bowen, the manager of McCrae Homestead in February 2007 in order to recognise and celebrate the achievement of a female sailor member of the club.  The trophy itself, being a piece of turned Mulberry Bush, which would have been planted by the McCrae’s at their McCrae home, symbolises the significance of the life of Georgiana McCrae, a remarkably talented painter, diarist and McCrae Y. C pioneer.  The relationship of the McCrae Homestead to the club is historic as the site of McCrae Y. C is where the ship “The Jemima” would anchor in order for the McCrae family to disembark, upon their first arrival here and their subsequent visits from Melbourne.

The Deed of Gift award is to be presented to the top performing female skipper based on performance in the club aggregate series results.

Recipients:

  • 2006-07 Bronwyn Evans
  • 2007-08 Lisa Barrand
  • 2008-09 Lisa Barrand
  • 2009-10 Haley Berryman
  • 2010-11 Lisa Barrand
  • 2011-12 Matilda Hiscock
  • 2012-13 Lisa Barrand
  • 2013-14 Dhana Taylor
  • 2014-15 Casey Imeneo
  • 2015-16 Dhana Taylor
  • 2016-17 Vivienne Floyd
  • 2017-18 Jessica Vize
  • 2018-19 Jessica Vize
  • 2019-21 Sarah Stout
  • 2021-22 Tessa Kohne
  • 2022-23 Evelyn Floyd
  • 2023-24 Dee Mason

John Stanway Memorial Trophy

This Trophy was presented to the Club in 2007 by the Stanway family as a memorial to John. It is awarded to a member who has shown dedication and availability in Power Boating and Training. The trophy is awarded by a Committee consisting of the Flag Officers in consultation with the Club Captain and the Principal of the Training centre.

Recipients:

  • 2006-07 Peter Sadler
  • 2007-08 Gordon Crossland
  • 2008-09 Peter Bird
  • 2009-10 Graham Mason
  • 2010-11 Cameron Dunwoody
  • 2011-12 Alison Dunwoody
  • 2012-13 Russell Edwards
  • 2013-14 The Crew of Lady Mac; Ralph Morris, Russell Edwards, Michael Atkinson, Bob Cook
  • 2014-15 Cameron Dunwoody
  • 2015-16 Graham Dowley
  • 2016-17 Cameron Dunwoody
  • 2017-18 Cameron Dunwoody
  • 2018-19 Colin Dods
  • 2019-21 Bob Chalmers
  • 2021-22 Colin Dods
  • 2022-23 Glen Koffyberg
  • 2023-24 Cameron Dunwoody

McCrae Crews Recognition And Equalisation Trophy


A perpetual Trophy awarded to Crews of McCrae Yacht Club. This Trophy is awarded to a crew selected by the Club Captain and an international crews union reprehensive. Selection is to be based on a combination of the following:
1. Outstanding Club Sailing Performance.
2. Outstanding Club involvement.
3. Outstanding State or National Title performance.
4. Outstanding not necessarily to mean winning but to include great improvement or consistency

Recipients:

  • 2011-12 David Grace
  • 2012-13 Mark O‘Brien
  • 2013-14 Peter Marsh
  • 2014-15 Amanda Jenkins
  • 2015-16 Hugo Briggs
  • 2016-17 Lee-Anne Allen
  • 2017-18 Evelyn Floyd
  • 2018-19 Louis Chapman
  • 2019-21 Edward Johannessen
  • 2021-22 Olivia Miles
  • 2022-23 Oliver Bulka
  • 2023-24 Oliver Bulka

Michael Pearson Trophy

The trophy was presented to the Club by the Pearson family in 1995 as a memorial to their late son Michael Pearson. Michael was actively involved in youth training at McCrae Yacht Club.

This trophy is awarded to the BEST JUNIOR SAILOR each year. The trophy is awarded to a sailor to be selected by a Committee consisting of the Flag Officers, Club Captain and Sailing School Principal.

Recipients:

  • 1994-95 SK: M Pearson C: W Pearson “Flipper”
  • 1995-96 Steven Toy “The Toyminator”
  • 1996-97 Brian Anderson
  • 1997-98 Michael McDonald “Mac Attack”
  • 1998-99 Mark Wiggins
  • 1999-00 Andrew Churcher
  • 2000-01 Simon Merritt
  • 2001-02 Simon Merritt
  • 2002-03 Fraser Walker
  • 2003-04 Rhys Bancroft
  • 2004-05 Simon Merritt
  • 2005-06 Oliver McKeon
  • 2006-07 Thomas Vincent
  • 2008-09 Thomas Vincent
  • 2009-10 Thomas Vincent
  • 2010-11 Thomas Vincent
  • 2011-12 Brody Riley
  • 2012-13 Brody Riley
  • 2013-14 Brody Riley
  • 2014-15 Brody Riley
  • 2015-16 Brody Riley
  • 2016-17 Corey Riley
  • 2017-18 Ollie Zielezna
  • 2018-19 Will Hailes
  • 2019-21 Josh Baker
  • 2021-22 Lachlan Vize
  • 2022-23 Josh Baker
  • 2023-24 Lachlan Vize

Nigel Huggett Trophy

The trophy was presented to the Club by the Huggett family in 2006 as a memorial to Nigel. He was a quiet achiever who assisted with sail training whenever and wherever the need arose. Nigel’s dedication to, and patience with, the less talented was an example for all coaches to follow.

This trophy is awarded to a Club member who supports and encourages junior training and competition. The recipient has devoted significant time to working with and encouraging sailing in an unassuming manner.

The award is to be presented annually and selected by a Committee consisting of the Flag Officers and the Training Centre Principal

Recipients:

  • 2005-06 Mary Weston & Horst Kopp
  • 2006-07 Heather Forbes
  • 2007-08 Horst Kopp
  • 2008-09 Cameron Dunwoody
  • 2009-10 John d’Helin
  • 2010-11 Paul Jenkins
  • 2011-12 Jessica Vincent
  • 2012-13 Trevor Knight
  • 2013-14 Scott Watson
  • 2014-15 Steven Floyd
  • 2015-16 Jeff Owen
  • 2016-17 Steven Floyd
  • 2017-18 Trevor Knight
  • 2018-19 Jeff Owen
  • 2019-21 Liam O’Brien
  • 2021-22 Evelyn Floyd
  • 2022-23 Milly Evenden
  • 2023-24 Mark Bulka

Roger Randall Memorial Trophy

This Trophy was presented to the Club by the Randall family on the 14th February, 1975 as a memorial to their late son Roger John Randall whose ashes were scattered in the waters off McCrae.

Rules for the Award:

Applies only to Junior Sailing Classes (Cadets).

To be awarded annually on an assessment of the whole seasons sailing.

For persistence, perseverance and application to sailing.

It is a “triers” trophy and is not necessarily to be awarded to 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winners.

The winner each year will be determined by the Cadet Officer in conjunction with the Club Captain and one other member of the Sailing Committee. With this Trophy an engraved medallion on a stand should be presented for the recipient to keep

Recipients:

  • 1974-75 Richard Brown
  • 1975-76 Michael Quealy
  • 1976-77 Howard Cook
  • 1977-78 Tim Condon
  • 1998-79 Grant Dow
  • 1979-80 Deanne Mason
  • 1980-81 Glen Johnston
  • 1981-82 Merinda Simpson
  • 1982-83 Meagan Ballment
  • 1983-84 Marcus West
  • 1984-85 Scott Watson
  • 1985-86 Nicky Roberts
  • 1986-87 David Richards
  • 1987-88 Kai Schulenburg
  • 1988-89 Ben D’Helin
  • 1989-90 Christine Hughes
  • 1990-91Steven Johannessen
  • 1991-92 Dhana Richards
  • 1992-93 Steven Toy
  • 1993-94 Michael MacDonald
  • 1994-95 John Cass
  • 1995-96 Mark Wiggins
  • 1996-97 Carly Grace
  • 1997-98 Shari Randall
  • 1998-99 David Grace
  • 1999-00 Simon Merritt
  • 2000-01 Matt Shaw
  • 2001-02 Fraser Walker
  • 2002-03 Joseph Randall
  • 2003-04 James Huggett
  • 2004-05 Mackenzie Bird
  • 2005-06 Lachlan Imeneo
  • 2006-07 Lachlan Imeneo
  • 2007-08 Linnea Burdon-Smith
  • 2008-09 Matilda Hiscock
  • 2009-10 Brody Riley
  • 2010-11 Jacques Palisse
  • 2011-12 Hamilton Nesci
  • 2012-13 Oscar Manson
  • 2013-14 Anna O’Brien
  • 2014-15 Monica Mullen
  • 2015-16 Evelyn Floyd
  • 2016-17 Max Owen
  • 2017-18 Josh Baker
  • 2018-19 Lachlan Vize
  • 2019-21 Loki Fahl
  • 2021-22 Daniel Kohne
  • 2022-23 Joel Prime
  • 2023-24 Charles Miles

Rosemary Mason Memorial Award

The Rosemary Mason Award is named for the late Rosemary Mason who was for some 20 years active in the tower at McCrae, and was a key member of the VYC Youth, Coaching, and Advanced Sailing Committees. The Award is made annually to an Instructor or Assistant Instructor who shows promise, and who will benefit from encouragement and support. The awardee shall be a member of the Club, and have been involved in Instructing or Coaching for the Club. The recipient of the award is to be selected by the Training Centre Principal, and the presentation made by the Principal or their nominee at a Club Presentation function. The award consists of a perpetual trophy, together with a cash award which should be used to purchase books or training materials or to attend courses to further develop skills in Instructing or Coaching sailing.

Recipients:

  • 2009-10 Joel Van Weel
  • 2010-11 David Cunnigham
  • 2011-12 Haylee Berryman
  • 2012-13 Jeremy Manson
  • 2013-14 Haylee Berryman
  • 2014-15 Evie Knorr
  • 2015-16 Corey Riley
  • 2016-17 Monica Mullens
  • 2017-18 Liam O’Brien
  • 2018-19 Evelyn Floyd
  • 2019-21 Finn Loader
  • 2021-22 Milly Evenden
  • 2022-23 Oliver Bulka
  • 2023-24 Edward Johannessen

S.E.A. Award

This Trophy was originally created as the “Seafly Encouragement Award” and contains parts of Seafly 89. It was awarded to the best first year skipper or most improved skipper. It is presented to McCrae to be used for a similar purpose for a similar type of boat, i.e. a 2 man boat 14 feet long with spinnaker. The award shall be made by the Club Captain after consultation with the handicapper and review of the seasons results. It should be made to the skipper of an appropriate boat who has performed meritoriously and deserves encouragement.

Presented by John and Graham Mason.

Recipients:

  • 1972  C.N McDonald
  • 1973  P.J Dodgshun
  • 1974  T. Wilmore
  • 1975  Barry Pover
  • 1976  Bruce Doreian
  • 1977  Ken Donaldson
  • 1978  S. Pascoe & J, Cheetham
  • 1978  Not Recorded
  • 1980  R & A. Macfarlane
  • 1981  R. Rogers & P. Robinson
  • 1982  Jenny Lorimer
  • 1983  P. O’Reilly
  • 1984  R & L. Beton
  • 1985  M & T Ballment
  • 1986  Paul Dewer & Ryan Johnston
  • 1987  Peter Clark & Pam Clark
  • 1988  Ralph Morris & Yvonne Morris
  • 1989  Philip Hughes & Judy Hughes
  • 1990  Not Recorded
  • 1991  Michael Bray & Lauren Bray
  • 1992  Gary & Patti Kuss
  • 1993  Gordon & Michael Crossland
  • 1994  Barbara Lester & Dianne Ovadia
  • 1995  Bill & Jenny Mairs
  • 1996  Noel & Gill Tolley
  • 1997  Phil & Jacki Lamont
  • 1997-98 Kelvin Boyle & Rochelle Boyle
  • 1998-99 Geoff & Adrienne Smith
  • 1999-00 Stephen Graley & Graeme Dorian
  • 2000-01 Dan Kaegi & Ryan Johnston
  • 2001-02 Kelven & Rochelle Boyle
  • 2002-03 Scott Cunningham & Andrew Churcher
  • 2003-04 Steward York & Daniel Behmer
  • 2004-05 James Patterson & James Hugget
  • 2005-06 Lisa Barrand & Heather Forbes-Rigby
  • 2006-07 Stephen & Ross Berryman
  • 2007-08 Mitchell & Mackenzie Bird
  • 2008-09 Chris & Leanne Allen
  • 2009-10 Tulley Hiscock & Ross Berryman
  • 2010-11 Casey Imeneo & Evie Knorr
  • 2011-12 Mark Lainson & Paul O’Connor
  • 2012-13 Jaques Palisse
  • 2013-14 Ron Kane & Alex Albert
  • 2014-15 John Willems & Jodi Vermaas
  • 2015-16 Jessica Vize
  • 2016-17 Evelyn Floyd
  • 2017-18 Jessica Vize
  • 2018-19 Bradley Groves
  • 2019-21 Tessa Kohne
  • 2021-22 Tom Kohne
  • 2022-23 Not awarded
  • 2023-24 Not awarded

White Knight Award

This award is made annually by the Club Captain in consultation with the Flag Officers to a member or members of the Rescue boat crews in recognition of service to the club sailing program.

Recipients:

  • 2004-05 Rebecca (Beccy) Sadler
  • 2005-06 Peter Sadler
  • 2006-07 Mary Weston
  • 2007-08 Russell Edwards
  • 2008-09 Margaret Crossland
  • 2009-10 David McDonald
  • 2010-11
  • 2011-12
  • 2012-13 Jamie Caithness
  • 2013-14 Margaret Crossland
  • 2014-15 Bob Chalmers
  • 2015-16 Gordon Crossland
  • 2016-17 Bruce Gardner & Graeme Fraser
  • 2017-18 Bob Cook, Russell Edwards and Peter Marsh
  • 2018-19 Peter & Jenny Merritt
  • 2019-21 Graham Dowley
  • 2021-22 Peter Van Hugten
  • 2022-23 Liz Hui
  • 2023-24 Gordon Crossland

McCrae Yacht Club Commodore’s 11 vs Youth 11 Cricket Match

Winners:

  • 1992 Youth Group
  • 1993 Commodore
  • 1994 Youth Group
  • 1995 Commodore
  • 1996 Youth Group
  • 1997 Commodore
  • 1998 Youth Group
  • 1999 Commodore
  • 2000 Youth Group
  • 2001 Commodore
  • 2002 Tied Game
  • 2003 Youth Group
  • 2004 Commodore
  • 2005 Commodore
  • 2006 Youth Group
  • 2007 Rained Out!
  • 2008 Commodore
  • 2009 Youth Group
  • 2010 Youth Group
  • 2011 Commodore
  • 2012
  • 2013 Commodore
  • 2014 Youth Group
  • 2015 Youth Group
  • 2016 Youth Group
  • 2017 Youth Group
  • 2018 Commodore
  • 2019 Commodore
  • 2020-21 – Covid Cancelled
  • 2022 – Commodore
  • 2023 – Commodore
  • 2024 – Youth Group