February 22, 2022
1 minute reading time
BERLIN - MAY 05: Ken Ryan, former vice president of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), speaks during the awards ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on May 05, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. Ryan was presented with the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy 2006 for his outstanding voluntary contribution to the sport of sailing. (Photo by Getty Images for ISAF)
In Memoriam: Ken Ryan
The global sailing community is mourning the loss of Ken Ryan, who passed away recently.
The global sailing community is mourning the loss of Ken Ryan, who passed away recently.
Ken had been involved in sailing for over 50 years and he has been honoured numerous times for his contribution to the sport, including by the Irish Sailing Association, World Sailing and the International Olympic Committee.
His first involvement in international sailing came in 1968 while the International Finn class prepared for the 1970 Europeans in Dun Laoghaire. Following the success of this event where 21 countries were represented, Ken was frequently invited to assist with event management around the world and attended every Olympic Games from 1972 to 2008, either as a member of the Irish team, chef de mission or Judge and Olympic Jury Member.
During his time as Secretary General of Finn Class, a position he held for five years, he developed a race management manual which became the basis for the Irish Race Management Manual which is still referred to today.
He was a member of the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) Racing Rules Committee from 1974-1994 and appointed to the World Sailing Racing Rules Committee in 1978, becoming Vice-Chair from 1990-1994.
He was World Sailing Vice President from 1998-2004 and the recipient of the 2006 Beppe Croce Trophy for his contribution to sailing. In 2008, he was inducted to the ISA Hall of Fame – a report from that evening with more details of his career is available to read here.
Ken Ryan’s contribution to the sport at all levels can not be understated. He was incredibly dedicated, thorough, much-loved and highly-respected by all who worked with him and everyone who knew him. World Sailing is deeply saddened by his passing and sends its condolences to his family.