Big party on for Yachting Victoria's Awards Night

'Male and Female of the Year Trophy - Victorian Yachting Awards' Yachting Victoria Inc Click Here to view large photo

The winners of the 17th annual Victorian Yachting Awards will be announced on Friday 20th June 2008 at a glittering Champions and Awards Night Party to be held at Power House at Albert Park Lake.

The new location overlooking the Lake has been selected because more than 250 people are expected to attend and Geelong, regional and CBD based guests want a location close to the city.

CEO of Yachting Victoria Ross Kilborn says, 'The Awards recognise our top sailors and administrators who have achieved outstanding success during 2007-2008, as well as those who have contributed to the sport over many years.'

Previous winners include Olympic gold medalists Tom King and Mark Turnbull (2000, 01), Four times off the beach winners Glenn Ashby and Sarah Blank, Dual Sydney-Hobart winner Lou Abrahams 2006 and handicapped solo around the world sailor Vinny Lauwers (2001).

Yachting Victoria's Awards Night co-ordinator Sam Watson says, 'Champion dinghy sailor, leading sailing administrator and marine manufacturing legend Alistair Murray who has just been inducted into Victoria Manufacturing's Hall of Fame is to MC the evening.'We have planned a fun party for everyone to celebrate the end of the sailing season and to acknowledge the state's champions. Waiters will be on hand to pass around delicious finger food through out the evening and beverages will be on hand.'

This year's awards include:
Male Sailor of the Year
Female Sailor of Year
Junior Sailor award
Youth Sailor award
Disabled Sailor award
Instructor, Coach or Race Official
Club Marine Range Series awards
Association Cup awards
Victorian State Dinghy Champions
Trailable Champions
Catamaran Champions
Junior and Youth Champions
Boating Victoria champions

Early notable acceptance include a strong contingent of RYCV members and committee led by Commodore Ray Borrett who will be celebrating their successful Association Cup defense and Safety Beach Sailing Club members who have been nominated for Yacht Club of the Year

This year's selection committee comprises: Chairman - Alistair Murray - SYC, Murray Mitchelhill RGYC - Sailability, Paul Pascoe RBYC, John Lamble BRYC - Chairman Off the Beach, Chris Waters SYC - Chairman of Keelboat Committee and Graham Cunningham SSCBC - Vice President YV.

Champions and Awards Night at a Glance
When: Friday 20th June 2008 @ 6.30pm
Where: Powerhouse, Lakeside Drive Albert Park
Cost: Adults booked by June 10th $50, Under 18 and non drinkers $35
RSVP: www.yachtingvictoria.com.au

The 2008 Champions and Awards Night is proudly sponsored by Helly Hansen and Club Marine boat insurance and supported by Victorian State Government.