But aboard her 10m launch Kate, alongside her ageing but sprightly crew of volunteers, 76-year-old Mary Inglis is undoubtedly one of Otago Harbour's more familiar faces.
For the past 18 years, Mrs Inglis with her late husband, Brian, volunteered themselves, their boat Kate and crew to act as committee boat for yachting competitions all over the harbour.
However, Mrs Inglis said yesterday her skippering days were far behind her.
She usually got one of her regular volunteer crew, two of whom are aged 85, to take the helm while she focused on getting soup and scones "up to the men" and taking the times and scores for various regattas.
Otago Yacht Club treasurer Ngaire Sinclair said Mrs Inglis was nominated for the award because she had gone unrecognised for her years of volunteer work on the harbour.
She was surprised and honoured to received the award at a dinner at the club at the weekend, Mrs Inglis said.
Her only regret was her husband was not able to enjoy it, too.
Kate was a labour of love for Mr Inglis, a boat builder, who built the launch over three years in a shed behind the couple's waterfront home at Deborah Bay.
Kate was put on the market after Mr Inglis' death last year, but family members had wanted to keep the boat, so it stayed in Deborah Bay.
"It is a big responsibility without him, but people are so helpful and help me out when I need anything. I couldn't do it without them. They are just wonderful."
Mrs Inglis said she could not keep doing the races without her crew, who were "just great".
Kate held many fond memories, including family trips to Stewart Island and Akaroa, she said.
Nowadays, Mrs Inglis preferred sticking to the harbour, for which Kate was "ideal".
