Vale Trevor Huggard AM

Melbourne has lost one of its most passionate sailors and civic leaders, Trevor Huggard AM, affectionately known as Melbourne’s Sailing Lord Mayor.  After a long and illustrious ocean racing career, Trevor has sailed his last race, leaving behind a legacy of courage, adventure, and dedication.

Since the early 1980's, Trevor was a fixture in ORCV races, particularly aboard YOKO, where his skills as a navigator were respected by all who sailed alongside him.  Trevor's ocean racing career was much more than a series of competitions, it was a lifetime of bold journeys and unforgettable moments.  His voyages spanned vast distances and challenges: a kayak crossing of Bass Strait, a Hobart to Sydney delivery in the face of tragedy when the CHARLESTON and another yacht disappeared, 35 Melbourne Hobart WestCoaster races, a Sydney Hobart, a 4,500 nautical mile Cape to Rio race (Cape Town South Africa to Rio Brazil), and other long distance ocean races like Melbourne to Vanuatu and Brisbane to Solomon Islands, an extensive series of ORCV coastal races and the Historic Bicentennial Tall Ships race.  

His love for the sea and the challenge of the unknown was unwavering, and he embraced every opportunity to sail into new horizons, always with the same determination and passion.

2010 Melbourne to Hobart WestCoaster YOKO Crew		2010 - 30 consecutive Melbourne to Hobart WestCoasters

Yet, Trevor's contributions extended far beyond the nav desk.  As a Melbourne City Council councillor, his heart was always with the sailing community, particularly in his steadfast support for the Melbourne to Hobart WestCoaster ocean yacht race. His bond with Hobart’s Lord Mayor, Doone Kennedy (1986-96), and other key figures in the Tasmanian Government, helped strengthen the ties between the two cities, making the races more than just competitions – they became celebrations of shared purpose.  His efforts led to the creation of the Melbourne City Council Trophy in 1984, and in 1991, Melbourne’s ‘Sailing Lord Mayor' took on the chairmanship of the ORCV Sovereign Series Committee (ORCV Cock of the Bay, Melbourne Hobart and the DSS King of the Derwent), guiding the Christmas races for the community he so deeply loved.  Victorian Government identities and agencies were also hosted by Trevor at various yachting events of new initiatives such as the Three Ports Premiers trophy in 1985 and Captain of the Melbourne City Council team in the WestCoaster race of 1989.

Trevor’s vision was not limited to Australia.  He was a driving force behind Melbourne’s sister city and sister port relationships with Osaka, Japan, and was instrumental in organising the inaugural Melbourne to Osaka Double-Handed Ocean Yacht Race in 1987.  That first race, a tribute to the 120th Anniversary of Osaka Port, drew sailors from all corners of the world, and Trevor, ever the selfless advocate, poured his heart into ensuring its success.  Over the years, he remained a central figure in organising the Melbourne to Osaka races, tirelessly working behind the scenes, fostering relationships, and keeping the spirit of the race alive through some of the most challenging times.  Further Melbourne to Osaka yacht races were held in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007, all of which Trevor was heavily involved with and working tirelessly with Melbourne City Council, his contacts in Japan and the yachting community.   His efforts were voluntary and near full time with Japanese visitors and representations in Japan along with Melbourne City Council activities. 

With subsequent races in doubt, it was Trevor’s passion and perserverance and initial liaison with the Melbourne City Council and the ORCV to conduct the race in conjunction with Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) and Osaka Hokko Yacht Club (OHYC) that led to the current Joint Venture Organising Authority which conducted the race in 2013, 2018 and the next installment is planned for 2025 - a testament to his enduring influence.

Trevor was also a man who understood that leadership was about giving back.  Whether it was sailing alongside naval trainees in the Bicentennial Hobart to Sydney Tall Ships Race, or serving as chairman of the Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown, his commitment to the maritime community and his desire to share the joy of the sea was always evident.  His presence wasn’t just felt on the water; it was felt in every project, every initiative, and every connection he made.

In 2015, Trevor was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his extraordinary service to yachting and the community - a well-deserved honor for a man who gave so much to both.

2010 Winter Series Melbourne to Geelong Race, Trevor on helm of YOKO. Photo: Steb Fisher

Huggsie's spirit will continue to sail on through the lives of those he touched, the races he championed, and the stories he helped create. We wish him fair winds, smooth seas, and endless horizons as he embarks on the greatest journey of all.

To his beloved wife Jan, his family, and his many friends, we offer our deepest condolences. Trevor’s light will be missed, but never forgotten.