New Zealand has produced its fair share of Olympic and World Championship medallists across different classes over the years. Explore the Kiwis who have done what it takes to make it onto the podium.
OUR WINNING SAILORS
JO ALEH
(1986–)
Class: 470 W (helm)
Sailing partner: Polly Powrie (crew)
Jo is a two-time Olympic medallist having won a dramatic gold at London 2012 and hard-fought silver at Rio 2016 alongside teammate Polly Powrie (aka ‘team Jolly’). Unlike her sailing partner, Jo grew up with non-sailing parents, taking up the sport after watching Team New Zealand win the 1995 America's Cup. In 2017, Team Jolly retired after eight years of a remarkable sailing partnership.
World Championship results
2016, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2nd
2014, Santander, Spain | 2nd
2013, La Rochelle, France | 1st
2011, Perth, Australia | 3rd
2010, The Hague, Netherlands | 2nd
Olympic Games results
2016, Rio | Silver
2012, England | Gold
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
JOE ALLEN
Class: 470 Open
Sailing partner: Chris Dickson
Joey has competed in multiple America’s Cups and two Whitbread Round the World Races, winning onboard Flyer II in 1981–82. In 1984 he finished second in the 470 World Championships alongside Chris Dickson.
World Championship results
1984, Auckland, New Zealand | 2nd
Chris Dickson and Joey Allen (KZ137) in an exciting tacking duel with David Barnes and Hamish Willcox (NZ134) in the final of the 470 Worlds, 1984.
Photographer unknown, Sea Spray Collection, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa
TOM ASHLEY
(1984–)
Class: RS:X
The son of a sailmaker, Tom enjoyed a relatively rapid rise to the top of windsurfing. A 10th finish in the 2004 Olympics was followed by 2nd at the 2006 World Championships in Italy, peaking in a very successful 2008 – gold at the 2008 Olympics, and winning the World Championship in Auckland.
World Championship results
2008, Auckland, New Zealand | 1st
2006, Torbole, Italy | 2nd
Olympic Games results
2008, Beijing | Gold
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
DAVID BARNES
(1958–2020)
Class: 470 Open (helm)
Sailing partner: Hamish Willcox (crew)
David Barnes was central to a memorable four-year domination of the World Championships from 1981–84, partnering Hamish Willcox. Known for his revolutionary thinking around technique and technical changes to the 470 class, Barnes was involved in six America's Cup campaigns between 1985 and 2003. He skippered KZ1 which lost to the United States in 1988 and helmed the final stages of the 1992 campaign. Barnes was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and in 2013 he became involved with Kiwi Gold Sailing, a group of paralympians attempting to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games. He died aged 62 in 2020.
World Championship results
1984, Auckland, New Zealand | 1st
1983, Weymouth, UK | 1st
1982, Cascais, Portugal | 3rd
1981, Saint Pierre Quiberon, France | 1st
Photographs courtesy of Hamish Willcox
NIKOLAS BURFOOT
Class: Laser
Nik won the 1994 world championships in Wakayama, Japan in the laser class.
World Championship results
1997, Algarrobo, Chile | 2nd
1995, Teneriffe, Spain | 2nd
1994, Wakayama, Japan | 1st
Photographer unknown, Sea Spray Collection, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa (20948_5 & 19576_15)
PETER BURLING
(1991–)
Class: 49er (helm)
Sailing partner: Blair Tuke (crew)
Peter, together with Blair Tuke in the 49er class, are one of the most successful sailing duos in recent history and America’s Cup winners from 2017. Between the 2012 and 2016 Games, the pair took out wins in all 28 major 49er regattas they contested. Their 2016 Olympic gold medal was won by the biggest winning margin in any Olympics regatta in the modern era.
World Championship results
2020, Melbourne, Australia | 1st
2019, Auckland, New Zealand | 1st
2016, Clearwater, USA | 1st
2015, Buenos Aires | 1st
2014, Santander, Spain | 1st
2013, Marseille, France | 1st
Olympic Games results
2016, Rio | Gold
2012, England | Silver
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
SIMON COOKE
(1976–)
Class: 470 M (helm)
Sailing partner: Peter Nicholas (crew)
Simon competed in the men's 470 event at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and then won the 2002 world championships, both with Peter Nicholas. He stopped dinghy sailing at his peak, but continued coaching and helming in big boats. However, in 2019 he returned to win the RS Feva world championships in Italy with crewmate, 11-year-old Oskar Masfen.
World Championship results
2002, Cagliari, Italy | 1st
On the podium with sailing partner Peter Nicholas and coach John Clinton, 2002.
Photographs courtesy of Simon Cooke
RUSSELL COUTTS
(1962–)
Class: Finn Open
The achievements of Sir Russell Coutts (KNZM CBE) are unparalleled. They include a gold medal in the Finn Class in the 1984 Olympic Games, winning the America's Cup five times, three World Match Racing Championships, and numerous international match race wins.
Olympic Games results
1984, Los Angeles | Gold
Russell Coutts in action in the Finn Class of the Los Angeles Olympics, 1984
Photograph by Barry Pickthall, courtesy of Pickthall Picture Library / Profile photograph courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team
DON COWIE
(1962–)
Class: Star M
Sailing partner: Rod Davis
Don teamed with ex-American Rod Davis in several international competitions, including the Star class at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics where they won a silver medal behind the American crew. In international keelboat racing Don has been in winning teams for Japan, New Zealand and Germany, and was part of Willi Illbruck's successful Pinta crew, winning the 1993 and 1994 One Ton Cup.
Olympic Games results
1992, Barcelona | Silver
Photograph courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team / Profile photograph by John Sefton, New Zealand Herald (detail)
JACK CROPP
(1927–2016)
Class: Sharpie Open
Sailing partner: Peter Mander
A debut appearance at the Olympics in Melbourne in 1956 became a memorable occasion as Jack and Peter Mander took gold from the Australians by the slimmest of margins. Like his sailing partner, he became a professional boat-builder and designer, but power boats in addition to sailing boats. Cropp and Mander were inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
Olympic Games results
1956, Melbourne | Gold
LISTEN
Jack Cropp talks about his experiences at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics where he was winner of the Sharpie Class.
Runs for 3 minutes
Profile photograph, Alexander Turnbull Library, Peter Gareth Mander Family Collection (199126-1/2) (detail)
ROD DAVIS
(1955–)
Class: Star
Sailing partner: Don Cowie
Rod is one of the few Olympians to win medals for different countries. He won the gold medal in the Soling class while representing the United States in 1984. But after moving to New Zealand, he was chosen to represent his new home at the next three Olympic Games, and alongside Don Cowie he won a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the Star class.
Olympic Games results
1992, Barcelona | Silver
Photograph courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team / Profile photograph by John Sefton, New Zealand Herald (detail)
CHRIS DICKSON
(1961–)
Class: 470 Open (helm)
Sailing partner: Joey Allen
By the age of 15 Chris Dickson (MBE) had won every regatta possible. He went on to skipper for New Zealand at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, on several yachts in the America's Cup and Tokio in the 1993–94 Whitbread Race. In the World Championships he partnered Joey Allen to second in the 470 Open class in 1984.
World Championship results
1984, Auckland, New Zealand | 2nd
Chris Dickson and Joey Allen (KZ137) in an exciting tacking duel with David Barnes and Hamish Willcox (NZ134) in the final of the 470 Worlds, 1984.
Photographer unknown, Sea Spray Collection, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa / Profile: Photograph by and courtesy of Colin Jarman
LESLIE EGNOT
(1963–)
Class: 470 W (helm)
Sailing partner: Jan Shearer (crew)
In her early teens, Leslie was the first female to win the P-class Tanner Cup. The American-born sailor was a reserve for the New Zealand 470 team, including Jan Shearer, at the 1988 Olympics. Egnot and Shearer partnered for a 2nd-placed finish at the 1989 World Championships and returned to the Olympics to claim silver in Barcelona in 1992.
World Championship results
1989, Tsu City, Japan | 2nd
Olympic Games results
1992, Barcelona | Silver
LISTEN
Leslie Egnot relates her experiences of representing New Zealand at numerous international sailing events, culminating in winning the silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
Runs for 5:20 minutes
Photograph by Karolina Spaseska-Markovska, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa
PETER EVANS
(1961–)
Class: 470 Open (helm)
Sailing partner: Sean Reeves (crew)
Peter is a veteran of Olympic sailing, as a competitor (1984 and 1988) and coach (1996, for Chinese Tapei). He finished 3rd in the 470 class at the 1984 World Championships in Auckland and won the 1992 Match Racing World Championship. Between 2000 and 2010 he was involved in six America’s Cup campaigns for Team New Zealand.
World Championship results
1984, Auckland, New Zealand | 3rd
Peter Evans and Sean Reeves racing at the 470 Worlds, Milford, 1984.
Photographs from Sea Spray Collection, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa (20864_46) and (19591_31)
GEORGE GAUTREY
(1998–)
Class: Laser
George placed third at the 2019 Laser World Championships in Japan and had top-10 finishes at other regattas throughout the year. He showed plenty of potential as a youth, winning silver in the Laser Radial at the 2015 Youth Sailing World Championships in Langkawi, Malaysia.
World Championship results
2019, Sakaiminato, Japan | 3rd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
BARBARA KENDALL CNZM MBE
(1967–)
Class: RS:X W / Mistral Board W
Barbara Kendall (CNZM MBE) is one of New Zealand’s most enduring and successful sportswomen. Her boardsailing win at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics catapulted her into national prominence – the first gold won by a New Zealand woman in 40 years. She then became the first New Zealand woman to compete at five Olympics. She earned a multitude of honours and since 2005, has advocated for the rights of athletes and women.
World Championship results
Mistral Board Women
2004, Izmir, Turkey | 2nd
2003, Cadiz, Spain | 2nd
2002, Pattaya, Thailand | 1st
1999, Noumea, France | 1st
1998, Brest, France | 1st
1997, Fremantle, Australia | 3rd
1985, La Rochelle, France | 3rd
RS:X Women
2008, Auckland, New Zealand | 2nd
2007, Cascais, Portugal | 2nd
Olympic Games results
2000, Sydney | Bronze
1996, Atlanta | Silver
1992, Barcelona | Gold
LISTEN
Barbara Kendall, one of New Zealand’s most experienced Olympians, discusses her preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and her motivation for competing.
Runs for 1:55 minutes
Photograph courtesy of Yachting New Zealand / Profile: Photographer unknown, courtesy of Barbara Kendall
BRUCE KENDALL
(1964–)
Class: Mistral Board
Bruce Kendall (MBE) and his younger sister Barbara are considered New Zealand's first family of the Olympic Games. In 1988 he was voted New Zealand Sailor of the Year, the year he won Olympic gold in the Seoul Olympics, adding to a bronze from Los Angeles 1984. He was desperately unlucky not to match his sister by winning a third consecutive Olympic medal in Barcelona in 1992.
World Championship results
1994, Gimi, Canada | 2nd
1993, Kashiwazaki, Japan | 1st
Olympic Games results
Lechner Windsurfer
1988, Seoul | Gold
Windglider Windsurfer
1984, Los Angeles | Bronze
Bruce Kendall on his Lechner board, 1992.
Photographer unknown, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa
AARON MCINTOSH
(1972–)
Class: Mistral Board
Aaron vied with good friend Bruce Kendall for Olympic selection for several years, before eventually overtaking him as New Zealand's top male boardsailor in the mid-1990s. In 1997 and 1998 he won his second and third World Championships as well as New Zealand Sailor of the Year. Having just missed out on a medal at the 1996 Olympics, he went one better in 2000 to claim bronze from a field of 36.
World Championship results
2000, Mar del Plata, Argentina | 2nd
1998, Brest, France | 1st
1997, Fremantle, Australia | 1st
1995, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 3rd
1994, Gimi, Canada | 1st
1993, Kashiwazaki, Japan | 2nd
1992, Mondello, Italy | 2nd
Olympic Games results
2000, Sydney | Bronze
Photographer unknown, Sea Spray Collection, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa (20938_1 and 20938_1)
ALEXANDRA MALONEY
(1992–)
Class: 49er FX (helm) Sailing partner: Molly Meech (crew)
Alex comes from a sailing family and grew up on a cruising boat and quickly became a talented competitive sailor. She combined with Molly Meech to win gold at the inaugural world championships in 2013 and they built upon that with a silver medal at Rio 2016.
World Championship results
2017, Porto, Portugal | 3rd
2013, Marseille, France | 1st
Olympic Games results
2016, Rio | Silver
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
ANDREW MALONEY
(1990–)
Class: Laser / Finn
Since narrowly missing out on selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics in the Laser, Andy has become an America’s Cup winner (2017) and is looking towards defending the title in 2021. He has also quickly established himself as one of the world's leading Finn sailors. His abilities are proven across different boats, with particular success in dinghy sailing.
World Championship results
2012, Boltenhagen, Germany | 3rd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
PETER MANDER
(1928–1998)
Class: Sharpie Open
Sailing partner: Jack Cropp
With an unexpected and closely contested gold at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in the Sharpie class, Peter Mander and Jack Cropp became pioneers of a magnificent New Zealand yachting tradition. Peter later established a reputation as a designer and builder, and he was still sailing competitively when president of the New Zealand Yachting Federation.
Olympic Games results
1956, Melbourne | Gold
Jack Cropp shaking hands with Peter Mander.
Photographer unknown, Alexander Turnbull Library, Peter Gareth Mander Family Collection (199126-1/2)
MOLLY MEECH
(1993–)
Class: 49er FX (crew)
Sailing partner: Alex Maloney (helm)
Molly has much in common with her partner in the 49erFX class, Alex Maloney – they each spent much of their childhood on the family cruising yacht and both have brothers who compete. Alongside Alex, Molly won world championship gold (2013) and was a silver medallist at Rio 2016.
World Championship results
2017, Porto, Portugal | 3rd
2013, Marseille, France | 1st
Olympic Games results
2016, Rio | Silver
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
ANDREW MURDOCH
(1982–)
Class: Laser
Andrew was twice World Champion in team racing and also captained those World Championship-winning teams. He placed 5th in the Laser class at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and 3rd on the podium at the 2011 and 2012 World Championships.
World Championship results
2011, Perth, Australia | 3rd
2010, Hayling Island, UK | 3rd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
PETER NICHOLAS
(1963–)
Class: 470 M (crew)
Sailing partner: Simon Cooke (helm)
Peter partnered Simon Cooke in the 470 class in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and then to a World Championship win in 2002.
World Championship results
2002, Cagliari, Italy | 1st
Peter Nicholas and Simon Cooke celebrate victory at the 2002 470 Worlds
Photographs courtesy of Simon Cooke
HELMER PEDERSEN
(1930–1987)
Class: Flying Dutchman Open
Sailing partner: Earle Wells
Pedersen was born in Denmark and immigrated to New Zealand in the mid-1950s. He was denied the chance to represent his home country due to the presence of the great Paul Elvstrom, but he achieved gold for New Zealand with experienced yachtie Earle Wells at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in the Flying Dutchman class. Pedersen later became a sailmaker and turned to ocean racing, appearing at major races all over the world.
Olympic Games results
1964, Tokyo | Gold
Photographs courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team
POLLY POWRIE
(1987–)
Class: 470 W (crew)
Sailing partner: Jo Aleh (helm)
Polly paired with Jo Aleh (‘team Jolly’) in 2009 to launch their eight-year successful women's 470 campaign. Following their gold medal-winning race over Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics, their New Zealand teammates carried the women and their boat from the water on their shoulders in celebration. Four years later they completed a remarkable comeback to claim a silver medal in Rio.
World Championship results
2016, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2nd
2014, Santander, Spain | 2nd
2013, La Rochelle, France | 1st
2011, Perth, Australia | 3rd
2010, The Hague, Netherlands | 2nd
Olympic Games results
2016, Rio | Silver
2012, England | Gold
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
SEAN REEVES
(1961–)
Class: 470 Open (crew)
Sailing partner: Peter Evans (helm)
Sean partnered Peter Evans in the 470 class at the 1984 World Championships. The pair also won a spot at the Los Angeles Olympics that year but finished outside of the medals.
World Championship results
1984, Auckland, New Zealand | 3rd
Peter Evans and Sean Reeves racing at the 470 Worlds, Milford, 1984.
Photographer unknown, Sea Spray Collection, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa (20864_46)
REX SELLERS
(1950–)
Class: Tornado Open
Sailing partner: Chris Timms
Rex is one of New Zealand’s most successful yachtsmen, representing his country at four Olympics. It would have been five but for the American-led boycott in 1980. Nevertheless, with Chris Timms he won gold at the next games in 1984 by a wide margin and they followed it up with silver in 1988, fourth in 1992 with Brian Jones and, at 46 years old, managed a 15th placing at the 1996 games.
Olympic Games results
1988, Seoul | Silver
1984, Los Angeles | Gold
Rex Sellers and Chris Timms sailing their Tornado Class yacht, Los Angeles Olympics, 1984.
Photograph by Barry Pickthall, courtesy of Pickthall Picture Library / Profile photograph courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team
DAN SLATER
(1976–)
Class: Finn
Dan has competed in some of the world’s biggest sailing events, ranging from numerous National and World Championships in various classes, the 2000, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, and as a Strategist/Tactician as part of Team New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup.
World Championship results
2008, Melbourne, Australia | 2nd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
PAUL SNOW-HANSEN
(1990–)
Class: 470 M (helm)
Sailing partner: Daniel Willcox
Paul and Dan Willcox are long-time friends and experienced campaigners in the men’s 470. Paul missed out on podium finishes at the 2012 London Olympics with Jason Saunders and then the 2016 Rio Olympics with Dan Willcox, but earlier that year the duo won silver at the 470 world championships in Argentina.
World Championship results
470 M
2016, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2nd
International Optimist
2004, Salinas, Portugal | 2nd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
CHRIS TIMMS
(1947–2004)
Class: Tornado Open
Sailing partner: Rex Sellers
A serious mountain climbing accident in the 1960s prompted Chris to start sailing. He teamed with various partners in the Tornado class over the following decades in attempts at selection for the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Olympics. He found the gold-winning formula with Rex Sellers in Los Angeles, and they narrowly failed to defend their title four years later. Post-sailing, Timms was a successful resin chemist and a keen tennis player. He was tragically killed in a plane crash in 2004.
Olympic Games results
1988, Seoul | Silver
1984, Los Angeles | Gold
Rex Sellers and Chris Timms celebrating their Tornado Class win at the Los Angeles Olympics, 1984.
Photograph courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team
JON-PAUL TOBIN
(1977–)
Class: RS:X Men
“JP” placed 7th in windsurfing at the 2012 Olympics in London and 3rd in the World Championships. Despite demonstrating the consistency to be twice ranked No 1 in the world, his Olympic dream has remained unfulfilled. JP has also coached at the 2008 Olympics and competed in mountain biking.
World Championship results
2012, Cadiz, Spain | 3rd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
BLAIR TUKE
(1989–)
Class: 49er (crew)
Sailing partner: Peter Burling (helm)
Blair and Peter Burling are household names in the sailing world and were flag-bearers for the New Zealand team at the 2016 Olympics. After gold in Rio they helped Emirates Team New Zealand win the 2017 America’s Cup. The duo, sailing partners since their late teens, have set up an environmental charity, Live Ocean, to help position New Zealand as world leaders in ocean health.
World Championship results
2020, Melbourne, Australia | 1st
2019, Auckland, New Zealand | 1st
2016, Clearwater, USA | 1st
2015, Buenos Aires | 1st
2014, Santander, Spain | 1st
2013, Marseille, France | 1st
Olympic Games results
2016, Rio | Gold
2012, England | Silver
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
EARLE WELLS
(1933–)
Class: Flying Dutchman Open
Sailing partner: Helmer Pedersen
A former rower, by the early 1960s Wells and Helmer Pedersen became recognised as one of the leading Flying Dutchman teams in the country. Though they were opposite personalities, they worked well together, winning gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. When they parted ways, he got into racing Dragons at world championships and then ocean racing. The winning pair were inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
Olympic Games results
1964, Tokyo | Gold
Photographs courtesy of The New Zealand Olympic Team
DANIEL WILLCOX
(1990–)
Class: 470 M (crew)
Sailing partner: Paul Snow-Hansen
Dan is from an accomplished sporting family – his father Hamish is a three-time men’s 470 world champion, and sister Anna represented New Zealand at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Dan combined with long-time friend Paul Snow-Hansen in 2013 in the men’s 470 to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics and subsequent Olympic Games.
World Championship results
2016, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2nd
Photographs courtesy of Yachting New Zealand
HAMISH WILLCOX
Class: 470 Open (crew)
Sailing partner: David Barnes (helm)
Hamish won three 470 world titles with David Barnes in the early 1980s, was involved with four America’s Cups campaigns and sailed in the Round the World Race. Since moving into coaching, he’s been to seven Olympics, seen his two children compete at the Games, and helped his athletes win multiple world championships titles, including Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.
World Championship results
1984, Auckland, New Zealand | 1st
1983, Weymouth, UK | 1st
1982, Cascais, Portugal | 3rd
1981, Saint Pierre Quiberon, France | 1st
