November 19, 2025

Last Friday, 14th November, saw the annual Australian Sailing Awards gala dinner held in Sydney at the Australian National Maritime Museum.   Our own CEO Karen Baldwin attended representing RQYS and accompanied by finalist Rafael Trujillo in the Coach of the Year category.  And what a successful night it was once again for the esteemed Brisbane Squadron!

Celebrating the next generation of sailing talent, Rory Meehan won Australian Sailing’s Youth Sailor of the Year Award, accepted in absentia by Karen Baldwin. He has had an outstanding 2025 season, crowned Under-19 iQFOiL World Champion at the Youth and Junior World Championships in France. He also delivered strong performances in elite senior events, including the Trofeo Princesa Sofia, World Championships in Aarhus, and Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères. Known for his dedication, skill, and sportsmanship, Rory continues to establish himself as one of Australia’s brightest rising stars in sailing.
 
Congratulations also to Coach Rafael Trujillo on winning Australian Sailing’s Coach of the Year Award!  Rafael has made an outstanding impact on Australian sailing through his expert coaching, leadership, and dedication to developing elite athletes. In 2025, he enjoyed another stellar year, claiming a national title and guiding the Australian ILCA7 Squad to a podium finish at the World Championships. Beyond his immediate squad, he actively supports sailors across the wider program and invests in nurturing the next generation of ILCA6 athletes.
 
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron continues to excel in it’s Academy and Squad, through to Olympic pathways consistently representing the country at various events and Olympic Games.

All photos courtesy of Australian Sailing

Related Articles

May 21, 2026
RQYS sailors make up over half of the Australian ILCA 4 team!

Above: Left to right. Mila, Evie, Seb, Monte, Harry, Addie and Ruby Denmark Bound! Seven of our ILCA 4 youth academy sailors heading abroad. A huge congratulations to seven of […]

VIEW DETAILS
May 14, 2026
RQYS Member to Represent at the New York Yacht Club Women’s International

Pictured above: Stacey Jackson The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is proud to share an exciting international campaign that will see a team of talented female sailors represent at the prestigious […]

VIEW DETAILS
May 14, 2026
Jarrod Jones: Princess Sofia Regatta & French Olympic Week 2026 Recap

Photo courtesy of Jarrod Jones I left Brisbane with the support of the RQYS community, a foil bag, and a very big trip ahead of me. After a lot of […]

VIEW DETAILS