Thomas Funke awarded SAS Sailor of the Year 2025
by Sophie Thompson 28 Aug 22:33 PDT
Durban sailor Thomas Funke is crowned SA Sailing's recipient of the Owen Aisher Trophy as the 2025 South African Sailor of the Year.
The Owen Asier Trophy is awarded to the South African yachtsman or yachtswoman, who is considered to have made the greatest contribution to yachting in South Africa in the year for which the award is made. In recent years, the trophy has been awarded to history makers, Vuyisile Jaca and Kirsten Neuschäfer, who coincidentally went to the same high school as Funke.
One of the most passionate sailors in Durban, Funke is the backbone of inspiring young sailors, proudly filling the role of Rear Commodore of Youth at Point Yacht Club. He is also a familiar face on the start line competing in a variety of classes, here on home waters, nationally and abroad.
Funke, (44) says he was born sailing, revealing, 'My Dad took me out as a baby. I very quickly got onto Dabbies in 1990 and haven't looked back! I love racing 505s, the speed, the adrenaline, it's such fun!'
Last year, Thomas and his youngest son, Kai took on a competitive fleet offshore of Durban at the Marriott Mirror World Champs where they finished third overall and finished first in the African Champs in the build up to the Mirror Worlds. 'Some of my best sailing has been offshore of Durban, it really is a hidden gem in the sailing world. I also was part of a team challenging in the J22 Worlds hosted here in Durban in 2022 which was a fantastic regatta.'
The zealous yachtie recently returned from having competed on the global stage with his younger brother, Peter in the 505 World Championships hosted by Hayling Island in the UK, finishing 32nd overall out of a feisty fleet of 90. Competing in his tenth World Championship, the spirited sailor shared, 'Worlds was great. Massively competitive and one of the toughest events I have sailed. Really fulfilling to be part of it.'
'Conditions were disappointing. We only had one day of breeze, for the rest we fought in 8-12 knots. Really light with lots of current on the course. The last race in Hayling was my favourite one in that regatta. Finally, our plan came together, and we could hold our position. It was a great feeling to finish in the top 20.'
Chatting about being presented with the highly respected trophy, Funke beamed, 'I am so incredibly honoured to have received this award. A big thank you to my family for allowing me the time to pursue my passion. And to my brother for sharing my drive to continue competing against the world's best.'
Concluding, the local lad boasted, 'I am glad to be back home. We have some of the best sailing conditions in the world. Also happy to share that we have submitted a bid to host the 505 worlds in Durban, the year to be confirmed but either '29 or '31. Exciting times ahead!
Next up for Funke, he will be organising the return of the little red sails, the Mirror KZN Regionals on 17 - 18 October to be held in the harbour. Point Yacht Club is gearing up for a momentous summer season as they prepare to celebrate their 135th birthday, hosting the 56th Vasco da Gama Ocean Race followed by the 50th MSC Week and the ILCA Nationals.
For more info follow the club's social media or visit www.pyc.co.za.