Avalon's John McConaghy appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to yachting

As he celebrated with friends and family at his Avalon home, he told the Review he was "very surprised".

"I didn't think that would ever happen," McConaghy, pictured, laughed.

"I suppose I have kicked a few goals."

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He nominated changing from timber to carbon fibre and composites as one of the biggest impacts he had made on Australian boating, a major advancement that he made after visiting Aerospace Industries.

McConaghy's father started the Seaforth Sailing Club and he said he grew up tinkering in the shed at Powder Hulk Bay, building his first boat aged just 15.

In the next half-century, he would build many more - he estimates 70 yachts, "not counting the dinghies and other boats over the years" - including for the America's Cup and Sydney to Hobart races. At one stage, his company McConaghy employed 115 staff.

Now 74, he sold the Beaches-based business in 2006. "I loved my work and I missed dealing with the owners when I sold," he said. "We had a lot of repeat customers and I missed the day to day contact."

He still races twice a week, with the same crew for the last 30 years. "I like the competition and the camaraderie," he said.

And he hasn't stopped tinkering in his purpose-built workshop, regularly building sea-craft for his mates.

"You never stop learning," he said.