Tauranga sailors honoured

Tauranga's Molly Meech (left) with sailing partner Alex Maloney, is among Tauranga's yachting Olympians who have been honoured with Volvo Yachting Excellence awards. PHOTO/FILE

Yachting

Tauranga's Olympic sailors have all had their Rio exploits recognised in the Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards.

Peter Burling, siblings Sam and Molly Meech and Jason Saunders were all winners of performance awards.

With sailing partner Blair Tuke, Burling won gold in the 49er class in Rio, while Molly Meech won silver with Alex Maloney in the 49erFX and Sam Meech bronze in the Laser. Saunders teamed up with Gemma Jones to take fourth in the Nacra 17.

Recipients of Yachting New Zealand Service Awards, recognising contributions and service at club, regional and/or national level, Cruising Awards and Youth Performance Awards have been announced, with the awards ceremony to take place on November 25.

In addition to the evening's celebrations, the 2016 HRG Sailor the Year will be named to receive the prestigious Sir Bernard Fergusson trophy.

The top honour, dating back to 1963 and presented annually, is New Zealand's highest recognition within the sport of sailing and will see the winner join a long list of highly accomplished kiwi sailors.

Also under wraps until November 25 are winners in the Volvo Young Sailor of the Year and Aon Emerging Talent Award, Nespresso Coach of the Year, Zhik Official of the Year and the Yachting New Zealand President's Award.

The evening will also place a big emphasis on service award recipients, paying tribute to the individuals and groups to have worked tirelessly across the regions to support all facets of sailing as well as the talented youngsters to have achieved success over the year.