Morris and Meehan shortlisted as finalists for Young World Sailor of the Year
by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 20 Oct 18:27 NZDT
Grae Morris © Sailing Energy / Princesa Sofia Mallorca
Australia's next generation of sailing talent is making waves on the world stage, with Grae Morris and Rory Meehan both named as finalists for the Kuehne+Nagel Young World Sailor of the Year Award - Male.
Launched in 2024, the award celebrates outstanding achievement, sportsmanship and promise for future success. Having two Australians shortlisted in the same category highlights the incredible depth within the nation's rapidly growing iQFOiL squad and the immense effort by national iQFOiL coach Arthur Brett.
Following his silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Morris continued to dominate on the international circuit, claiming his first senior international victory at the iQFOiL International Games in Cádiz, followed by another title at the Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía. He went on to secure the U23 iQFOiL World Championship and finished second at the French Olympic Week in Hyères in 2025, capping off an extraordinary season.
Just turned 22 this month, Morris is an incredible ambassador for sailing and a role model for young athletes, especially growing the up-and-coming iQFOiL fleet in Australia. His achievements this season reflect a rare blend of talent, tenacity, and national pride as he continues to be an energetic force on the circuit.
Standing alongside him on the shortlist is 19-year-old Meehan, who captured the Under-19 iQFOiL World Championship at the 2025 Youth and Junior Worlds in Brest, France, against a fleet of 149 of the world's best young windfoilers.
Earlier in the year, Meehan impressed against senior competition, finishing 29th at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma, and producing consistent results at the World Championships in Aarhus and the Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères. Domestically, he secured second place at both Sail Sydney and Sail Melbourne, finishing just behind Morris.
While it may be a tough choice between the two Aussies when it comes to voting, their dual nominations speak volumes about the strength and camaraderie within Australia's iQFOiL program. Training and racing side by side, Morris and Meehan have pushed each other to new heights, a dynamic that reflects the depth, drive and future promise of the Australian Sailing Team.
Voting for all World Sailing Awards is now open, with sailing fans around the world invited to cast their votes before 23:00 UTC on Sunday, 26 October. The public vote contributes 50% of the final result, alongside World Sailing's expert panel.
The winners will be announced at the World Sailing Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 5 November in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland.
Vote now: Kuehne+Nagel Young World Sailor of the Year - Male