At the annual Volunteers Thank You dinner on Thursday 2nd October, long standing volunteer Bryan Taylor was awarded the Monty Singleton Award for recognition and appreciation of his commitment and contributions to the standard of excellence in race management at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

No one really knows how long Bryan has been volunteering (not even himself), but he’s now hung up his VHF radio calling time on his long and eventful race officer era. Megan Kensington wrote and dedicated a poem to Bryan titled, The Race Whisperer, which was read out to a standing ovation.

Bryan, on behalf of everyone at the Squadron – thank you for your dedication and commitment over the years. We look forward to seeing you around the Squadron, and of course, in Cobweb Corner!

Bryan Taylor and his wife Gisela. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

The Race Whisperer

By Megan Kensington


Master of Saturdays, winter’s chill,
Wednesdays too, with steadfast will.
Rum Races run with seasoned grace,
Harbour courses, he’d always ace.

A guru of wind, tide, and chart,
With instinct sharp and sailor’s heart.
He’d choose the path, the perfect line,
Where sails would dance and sun would shine.

From Commodores Cup to Gold Cup days,
Match Racing thrills and regatta haze.
Corporate fleets and races rare,
Bryan was always there.

Mark layer, boat driver, calm and wise,
With eagle eyes beneath Auckland skies.
A mentor, guide, a steady hand,
Helping volunteers to understand.

Countless hours, no need for praise,
He gave his time in selfless ways.
RNZYS, his second home,
Where Bryan’s legacy is known.

Mark Foy starts, he knew them well,
A stalwart with a tale to tell.
He showed up, stood strong, gave all,
A quiet hero on the call.

Sprint racing, Louis Vuitton Cup,
America’s Cup, he stepped right up.
With skill and poise, he played his part,
A racing mind, a sailor’s heart.

Honoured for service, richly deserved,
A Yachting NZ Award he earned.
For all he gave, for all he taught,
A legacy that can’t be bought.

Supportive, kind, and always true,
A race officer’s dream crew.
With knowledge vast and spirit bright,
Bryan brought the wind to flight.