Sailing the High Seas

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Steve McConaghy is no stranger to the Southeast Asian yachting scene where he has skipped or crewed in ever major sailing event in this region. Born in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales. He was raised in Pittwater and studied computer programming. Scott Murray recently caught up with him to find out more about his fascinating life on the water.

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How did you originally get into sailing?
My dad bought a Swanson 36 when I was four, and my brother, Ian, first taught me in his Flying Eleven when I was five.

What was your first job in the sailing or leisure marine industry?
Managing the One Design Farr40 Leroy Brown.

Favourite Sailing Film?
Dead Calm.

Favourite Sailing Book?
Born to Win by Denis Connor.

Favourite Fictional Sailing Hero?
David Chapman

Biggest Sailing Inspiration?
Anyone who has won multiple World/Olympic medals.

Favourite Marina?
Oyster Cove, Kettering TAS.

Favourite Regatta(s)?
Boracay, Philippines and the Samui Regatta.

Favourite Anchorage?
Middle Percy Island.

Favourite Chandlery?
West Marine.

Favourite Boat Show?
Fort Lauderdale.

Favourite Sailing Bar?
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

Favourite type of sailboat?
TP52.

What is your best memory of the 96 Olympics?
Cheering the TV camera at the closing ceremony.

Bucket list sailing destination you would still like to visit?
Croatia.

You’ve done Sydney-Hobart so many times – what are a few of the hi-lites?
Breaking Kialoa’s record on Leroy Brown and smashing the 40-foot record;
beating the world’s most successful TP52 Caro on the 20yo TP52 Smuggler.

Please tell us about Aftershock syndicate; how does it work, who can join in and what is the best way to contact you?
Anyone can come sailing with us on the 60-foot Aftershock at the regattas in Southeast Asia. It is a great way to experience some of the world’s best regattas in style and learn from some quality sailors at the same time. You can find us on Facebook: Aftershock Asia; website- AftershockAsia.com.

If you weren’t working in the sailing industry, you would be…?
Difficult question but probably playing golf!

Total nautical miles raced as of May 2025?
114,205

Steve’s resume is beyond impressive, but here are a few hi-lites:

YACHTING PRIZES AND AWARDS

• 2020-2025 - TP52 Smuggler tactician Super Series
• 2017-2019 - three consecutive wins of Thailand’s Coronation Cup (Platu 25)
• 4 x winner of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix circuit
• 5 x winner of the China Cup
• 5 x winner of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
• 25 x Sydney to Hobart races
• 4 x 3rd places (overall IRC) in the Sydney to Hobart Regatta
• 12 x top 10 (overall IRC) finishes in the Sydney to Hobart Regatta
• 2006 Yachtsman of the year Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
• 2003– 04 - Best Performed Boat of the Year Award RPAYC
• 4 x World Champion - 3 x 11m OD, 1 x Mumm 30
• 12 x Australian Champion
• 1994, 1995 - Best World Championship results – 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, & 4th.
• 1995- Nomination for Australian Yachtsman of the Year Nomination for Australian Sports Star of the Year
• Member of the 1996 Australian Olympic Team – Atlanta Summer Games