We are delighted to announce that our club was highly successful in the Awards ceremony on Friday night for the Australia Sailing – Victoria division at Sandringham Yacht Club.
Rod Thomas was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Luke Tupper with the Official of the Year Award, VIODA and Leah Keh with the Sport Promotion award, and Ros Marshall with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Rod and Luke are current ASC members and the Opti Association, Leah and Ros have been part of the winter training program at ASC over recent months and are regular (and most welcome!) visitors to our club.
Congrats to all of these winners — we are proud to have you associated with our club.
Full extracts of the Awards are outlined below (thanks to Aust Sailing for the content):
Rod Thomas:
Rod Thomas has dedicated nearly 50 years to the growth and development of dinghy sailing in Victoria, making a lasting impact at Albert Sailing Club and within the Mirror Class Association.
As a long-standing committee member, former Commodore, Race Officer, instructor, and event organiser, he has nurtured generations of sailors, including Olympians, while promoting junior and women’s participation.
Rod’s tireless volunteer work, leadership in major regattas, and commitment to sailing education and community engagement exemplify a lifetime of service.
His passion, expertise, and enduring contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Luke Tupper:
Luke has dedicated over a decade to the development of race officials in Victoria, serving in executive roles on the Victorian Race Officials Committee and now as its Chair. He has been instrumental in mentoring upcoming officials, particularly in umpiring and judging, and continues to provide on-water support and guidance at events. Beyond this, Luke has played a pivotal role in establishing and organising schools team racing in Victoria, where his leadership, administration, and hands-on involvement have shaped its success.
Leah Keh and the Opti Association:
VIODA and Leah have transformed the way sailing is promoted through creativity, leadership, and dedication. Promotional engagement significantly grew, inspired new families into the sport, and positioned junior sailing as inclusive and accessible. Beyond promotion, vibrant community programs have been built at Albert Park Lake, revitalised international exchanges, launched the Sail It Forward donation campaign, and championed initiatives such as Girls Camp and the Umpire Cup. Their ability to connect people, secure sponsorship, and tell powerful stories has elevated sailing in Victoria and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and its future.
Ros Marshall
Rosaline is an outstanding volunteer whose selfless dedication has made a remarkable impact on youth sailing in Victoria through her tireless work with the Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association. From organising training camps and regional regattas to creating a welcoming environment at events, she plays a vital role in connecting families, coaches, and sailors across the state. Known for her generosity, inclusiveness, and quiet leadership, Rosaline embodies the true spirit of volunteerism and has helped open opportunities for countless young sailors.
Cindy Tilbrook Albert Sailing Club
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ASC Snippets – Special Edition
We are delighted to announce that our club was highly successful in the Awards ceremony on Friday night for the Australia Sailing – Victoria division at Sandringham Yacht Club.
Rod Thomas was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Luke Tupper with the Official of the Year Award, VIODA and Leah Keh with the Sport Promotion award, and Ros Marshall with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Rod and Luke are current ASC members and the Opti Association, Leah and Ros have been part of the winter training program at ASC over recent months and are regular (and most welcome!) visitors to our club.
Congrats to all of these winners — we are proud to have you associated with our club.
Full extracts of the Awards are outlined below (thanks to Aust Sailing for the content):
Rod Thomas:
Luke Tupper:
Luke has dedicated over a decade to the development of race officials in Victoria, serving in executive roles on the Victorian Race Officials Committee and now as its Chair. He has been instrumental in mentoring upcoming officials, particularly in umpiring and judging, and continues to provide on-water support and guidance at events. Beyond this, Luke has played a pivotal role in establishing and organising schools team racing in Victoria, where his leadership, administration, and hands-on involvement have shaped its success.
Leah Keh and the Opti Association:
VIODA and Leah have transformed the way sailing is promoted through creativity, leadership, and dedication. Promotional engagement significantly grew, inspired new families into the sport, and positioned junior sailing as inclusive and accessible. Beyond promotion, vibrant community programs have been built at Albert Park Lake, revitalised international exchanges, launched the Sail It Forward donation campaign, and championed initiatives such as Girls Camp and the Umpire Cup. Their ability to connect people, secure sponsorship, and tell powerful stories has elevated sailing in Victoria and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and its future.
Ros Marshall
Cindy Tilbrook
Albert Sailing Club