Obituary - Johannes Diefenbach

World Sailing is sad to report the passing of Johannes Diefenbach (GER), an International Judge, at the age of 66 on 21 April 2021.
 
An active IJ since 2009, Johannes was heavily involved with his local sailing club Blankeneser Segel-Club (BSC) and had been planning the new season as regatta chairman.
 
He was a passionate sailor, learning to sail in the Pirate class on Biggesee in the Sauerland, and purchasing his first Finn dinghy in the early 90s. Johannes was also a four-time German champion in the Varianta, together with Frank Schönfeldt.
 
As early as 1987, Johannes began to work as a referee and race director, and played a key role in setting up the current system of race officials and referees at the Deutscher Segler-Verband (DSV). From 2001 to 2013 he was a member of the sailing council and representative in the committee for sea regattas, and continued to be involved in the sailing competition committee.
 
Johannes’ extensive knowledge of the racing rules, which he willingly passed on to others, his competence out on the water and his level-headed demeanour made him a respected and valued official and a much-loved member of the sailing community.
 
World Sailing sends its condolences to Johannes’ family and friends.