Stacey Jackson take top honour at 2026 Australian Sailing Awards

Stacey Jackson and Matt Wearn OAM OLY have been named Female and Male Sailor of the Year, respectively, at the 2026 Australian Sailing Awards.

It was a landmark year for women’s sailing globally, with two finalists making history this past year. Jackson took out the Female Sailor of the Year award ahead of Jiang Lin, who became the first woman to skipper an overall winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and 2025 Australian Female Sailor of the Year Zoe Thomson OLY.

Jackson made sailing history as part of the first all-female crew to complete a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe in pursuit of the Jules Verne Trophy. The crew completed the race in 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, making Jackson the fastest Australian to sail non-stop around the world.

Reflecting on an extraordinary year and her first Female Sailor of the Year award, the Queenslander said:

“It’s a huge achievement for me to finally win the award. I’ve been a finalist before, but to get the recognition for my offshore sailing, in particular competing in the Jules Verne Trophy, I’m hugely proud of it. I’m also so happy to have the discipline of offshore sailing promoted on a national level.”

Stacey’s achievements and professionalism continue to inspire sailors and advance opportunities for women in the sport.

Congratulations Stacey from all of your fellow RPAYC Members.

Photo: CREDIT David Hossack