Three distinguished sailors have been recognised for their incredible achievements in Olympic class sailing, receiving their personalised Barranjoey Pins in a special ceremony at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron last month.

Alongside their extensive list of personal sailing achievements, Melanie Stone (Pin #232), Fiona Herbert (Pin #233) and Caroline Aders (Pin #234) competed together in the Yngling class, representing Australia on multiple occasions.

Results the talented trio achieved together include first at the 2002 Pre-Olympics Test Event in Athens, Greece, third at the 2003 Hyeres Olympic Classes Race week in Yngling, France, and 7^th at the 2004 Yngling Open World Championships in Sydney Australia.

Photo (L to R) Karyn Gojnich, Melanie Stone, Zoe Herbert (accepting on behalf of Fiona Herbert) and Caroline Aders.

Before transitioning to the Yngling class, Melanie Stone (nee Denison) sailed for Australia in the Women's Laser Radial, winning the gold medal at the 1994 World Championships in Japan. Stone also placed second, third and fifth in the Europe dinghy Olympic class world championships between 1997-2000, and sailed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the Europe Dinghy class, finishing in 15th place.

“I was so proud and honoured to receive the Barranjoey pin and be recognised amongst Australia’s most decorated sailors,” started Stone.

“The presentation was made even more special by it including my crew from the 2001-2004 Yngling campaign, Fiona Herbert and Caroline Boyd (nee Aders), giving us the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and laugh over so many diverse moments and experiences all over the world.

“A huge thank you to Australian Sailing and Karen Gojnich for arranging a separate presentation for us during my brief trip back to Australia.

“Everything I have achieved since in my broader life can always be tied back to the learnings and personal growth from my sailing years, and it always brings back such great memories, including the successes, fun times, and challenges. Sailing and the people that supported me throughout my journey has truly made me the person I am today, and for that I will always be grateful and proud,” Stone finished.

Australian Sailing congratulates Melanie, Fiona and Caroline on their incredible achievements and welcome them proudly as the most recent Barranjoey Pin recipients.

For more information on the Barrenjoey Pin, visit the Australian Sailing Team website here.