The Durban sailor has been recognised for his contribution to the sport after another busy year on the water at home and abroad.
Durban, South Africa (07 September 2026) – Durban sailor Thomas Funke has officially added a pretty big title to his sailing CV; he’s been named the 2025 South African Sailor of the Year.
Funke was awarded the prestigious Owen Aisher Trophy by SA Sailing, which recognises the South African sailor who has made the biggest contribution to the sport over the course of the year. And if you know Funke, the award probably comes as little surprise.
The 44-year-old has sailing running through his veins and has become a big part of growing the sport among young sailors in Durban. As Rear Commodore of Youth at Point Yacht Club, he spends plenty of time encouraging the next generation, while still finding time to compete himself on the water.
He has raced locally, nationally and internationally, with the 505 being one of his favourites. His love for the high-speed class is pretty straightforward.
“I love racing 505s, the speed, the adrenaline, it’s such fun!”
Funke says his father had him on the water from the time he was a baby, and he was soon sailing Dabbies from 1990. Safe to say, he hasn’t exactly taken a break since. He reckons Durban’s waters don’t always get the credit they deserve.
“Some of my best sailing has been offshore of Durban, it really is a hidden gem in the sailing world.”
He has also competed in the J22 World Championships when the event was hosted in Durban in 2022, giving him plenty of experience of what the city can offer when international sailing comes to town.
More recently, Funke swapped Durban for the UK, where he joined forces with his younger brother, Peter, at the 505 World Championships at Hayling Island. It was his tenth World Championship and this was no gentle cruise around the harbour.
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Now, he has returned home with some serious recognition and some pretty ambitious plans.
Funke says receiving the Owen Aisher Trophy is an enormous honour and thanked his family for giving him the time and space to pursue his passion, as well as his brother for continuing to share his competitive drive.
Point Yacht Club has submitted a bid to host the 505 World Championships in Durban, potentially in 2029 or 2031.
For Funke, who is more than happy to be back on home waters, it’s another reason to be excited about what’s ahead.
Funke’s next job is helping organise the Mirror KZN Regionals, which will bring the little red sails back to the harbour on 17 and 18 October.
There are young sailors to inspire, races to organise, championships to compete in and a World Championship to bring home to Durban.
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