Australia SailGP Team takes home Team of the Year while coach Ben Durham was recognised
as Coach of the Year
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 07 November 2023 – The Australia SailGP team was recognised at this year’s Australian Sailing Awards, winning Team of the Year 2023. The team was acknowledged for their three-peat SailGP championship win – a testament to the team’s domination of the sport since its induction.
Renowned Australia SailGP Team coach, Ben Durnam, was crowned coach of the year due to his impressive results and dedication to the Women’s Pathway Program.
The annual Australian Sailing Awards recognises achievements within the sport and acknowledges members of the Australian sailing community. This year, more than 30 finalists were recognised across the nation with fifteen different categories on the night.
To round out the night, Australian driver and CEO Tom Slingsby was inducted into the Australian Sailing Hall Of Fame. One of the sport’s highest accolades, the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame acknowledges exceptional performance and contribution at the highest level by an individual or team, both past and present. The award includes all sailing categories and positions all those that contribute to the sport – from coaches through to designers.
Australia driver and CEO, Tom Slingsby said:
“It’s an honour to be recognised by Australian Sailing not only for my personal achievements, but for the team’s success at SailGP where we’ve enjoyed a good run over the last three seasons. None of this would be possible without the amazing coaches I have had over the years who have given up their time and leadership to help shape me to be the sailor I am today. I’d like to thank the organisers for this recognition, my fellow Australia SailGP teammates for continuing to push the boundaries in the sport and congratulate our coach Ben for his well-deserved accolade.”
These award wins are just the beginning for the Australian SailGP team, with the team recognised as a finalist for Team of the Year and Tom Slingsby up for Male Sailor of the Year at the World Sailing awards, to be announced on November 14.
The Australian SailGP team is currently competing in Season 4 of the SailGP championship, sitting top of the table as it looks to defend its title. Tickets are now on sale for the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix, Sydney, which can be purchased at SailGP.com/Sydney.
