MHYC Sailing Manager David Staley has been presented with the 2026 Australian Sailing President’s Award.

At the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Gala Dinner at the Sofitel Darling Harbour last Friday, Australian Sailing President Shevaun Bruland acknowledged David’s contribution to the Australian and International sailing community.

When presenting the award, President Bruland said, “David Staley has spent countless volunteer hours helping Australian para sailing through national program development, athlete pathways, international governance and advocating for sailing’s return to the Paralympic Games.

“He has served as Australian Sailing’s Para Sailing Coordinator, been a delegate to the National Sailability Committee, served on the International Association for Disabled Sailing, was the 2016 Paralympic Sailing Competition Technical Delegate, helped develop the Australian Para Sailing Championships, supported the Australian Sailing Para Sailing squad, maintained international participation following sailing’s removal from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic program and advocated for greater participation by sailors with para classifications, helping to strengthen the sport’s competitive base.

“He has held senior roles with World Sailing’s Para World Sailing Committee, including Vice Chair. His work has extended beyond Australia to the international effort to strengthen para sailing and secure its return to the Paralympic Games.

“Beyond his work in the para sailing space, David also served as a Judge and Chair of the Australian Sailing Awards National Judging Panel, where he oversaw an overhaul of the way the Awards process is delivered.

“Congratulations David Staley’s on winning the 2026 Australian Sailing President’s Award,” she concluded.