Awards for 2025
Congratulations to the Winners
SYD CORSER SCHOLARSHIP
Michael Compton
JOHN BARON-HAY GOLD MEDAL
Kim Laurence (Posthumously)
JOHN BARON-HAY GOLD MEDAL
Debbie Blaauw
GOLD MEDAL
Pete Nicholas & Luke Payne
SILVER MEDAL
Jack Brazier
BRONZE MEDAL
Kaison Puls
The Ron Tough Gold Medal – for Outstanding Performance
Pete Nicholas & Luke Payne, International 505 Class
Pete and Luke, long-time great mates and a formidable team in the 505 fleet, have demonstrated an unwavering passion, determination, and commitment to success both on and off the water.
Pete joined RFBYC when he was 9 years old and has been a strong part of the club’s dinghy racing and junior programs, and elite-level Match Racing squads. Luke started sailing at RFBYC but is now a member of EFSC and sails there when he is in Australia.
Peter and Luke’s partnership in the 505 class began in earnest at the 2011 World Championships in Hamilton Island, where they quickly learned valuable lessons, laying the foundation for years of success. Their impressive performance in 2012, finishing 7th out of 188 boats, marked a significant step forward, followed by an extraordinary second- place finish at the 2014 Worlds in challenging conditions. Although the pair faced some inconsistencies in the years that followed, their love for the 505 class never wavered.
In 2019, they returned to Fremantle and placed 4th, showing remarkable resilience. After a brief hiatus due to COVID, their return to the boat for the 2022 Worlds in Cork saw them secure a commendable third place despite unfavourable light conditions. The pinnacle of their competitive journey arrived in 2024, when Peter and Luke took their first 505 World Championship title in Varberg, Sweden, after consistent and superb sailing across multiple challenging days.
Peter and Luke’s competitive achievements over the past 12 months—winning the 2024 505 World Championships (95 boats) and placing a very close second at the 2025 World Championships (70 boats) —demonstrate their continued excellence and dedication to the 505 Class. Their remarkable consistency and passion for the sport make them deserving nominees for the Ron Tough Gold Medal.
The John Baron Hay Gold Medal – for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to the Sport of Sailing in WA
Is Awarded (Posthumously) – Kim Lawrence
Kim’s passion for sailing was matched only by his generosity of spirit. A quiet achiever, he devoted countless hours behind the scenes mentoring young sailors, volunteering at regattas, maintaining club vessels, and helping to grow grassroots sailing programs. His influence extended across generations—shaping not only skilled sailors but also confident, respectful, and resilient young individuals.
Whether coaching from a RIB, repairing sails in the clubhouse, or offering calm advice to a nervous junior before their first race, Kim embodied the values that this award represents: service, humility, and an unwavering love for the water. He never sought accolades—his reward was the success and growth of those around him.
Kim Lawrence’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the clubs he supported, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship he fostered.
We believe there is no more fitting tribute than to recognise his remarkable contribution to sailing with the Ron Tough Yachting Foundation Gold Medal Award.
The John Baron Hay Gold Medal –for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to the Sport of Sailing in WA
Debbie Blaauw
When one says ‘Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to the Sport of Sailing in WA’ Debbie is the walking embodiment of this! She started working at RFBYC in 1986, straight after leaving school, and 39 years later, still hasn’t left!
Her in-house nickname of “Legend’ by young sailors and young staff is because she can be relied upon to know everything and solve every problem – calmly, quietly and competently!
Debbie’s previous roles at the Club have included: Receptionist, Membership Administrator, Sailing Administrator, Junior Club Coordinator, Offshore Coordinator, Dinghy Administrator & now Yachting Operations Manager as well as Event Director for numerous National and International events that have been held on the River at RFBYC or on the ocean by RFBYC.
As Yachting Operations Manager, Debbie is responsible for the overall on-water program delivery at RFBYC, including the continuing growth and development of the club as a Discover Sailing Centre. This aspect of the club is widely recognised nationally and has seen RFBYC win the Australian Yacht Club of the Year in 2016-17. RFBYC is now one of the biggest sail training centres in Australia and the biggest in Western Australia. Debbie was also instrumental in establishing the RFBYC commitment and support for women in sailing programs by encouraging young women to progress from Junior Club dinghy sailing to Teams Racing and International Match Racing.
Other sailing Clubs can attest to Debbie’s great support to the sailing community at large. A request for support to Debbie is rarely rejected. If another Club seeks support, Debbie will find a way to provide it. Sometimes it is the provision of Club assets such as a start boat, rescue boats, club ribs or marks; it may be the recruiting of volunteers to assist running events at other Clubs or it may simply be to promote another Clubs’ events.
Debbie believes all sailing Clubs in Western Australia must support each other and she leads by example. Her tireless dedication to excellence, coupled with her commitment to delivering the best sailing and boating programmes, ensures all members enjoy their club to the fullest. She is an inspiration to her colleagues at RFBYC
Debbie, RTYF is pleased and proud to recognise your extraordinary commitment, dedication and outstanding lifetime contribution to the Sport of Sailing in WA – and would like to recognise this with the John Baron Hay Gold Medal.