World Sailing and the Danish National Olympic Committee pay tribute to the late Line Markert

World Sailing President Quanhai Li opened the Q1 Council Meeting, held under the provisions of the new World Sailing constitution, by praising Markert. 

He said: “Line represented the best of sailing. She was determined and resourceful and also committed to working with others in the best interests of the sport. Her passing was a huge shock and beyond sadness.” 

World Sailing CEO David Graham added, “Early in my tenure in World Sailing I met Line in Copenhagen and again in Aarhus. She made an impression on me as an extremely competent, hardworking, fit and positive young lady who was very happy to give back to the sport she loved. She was an extraordinary person, known and admired across the global sailing community. Line was humble, selfless, and as a Board Member she was extremely helpful, responsive and collaborative.” 

Fellow World Sailing Board Member and Vice President Cory Sertl also praised Line, saying, “As our sailing family mourns the tragic death of our Board Member, Line, we remember her for her dedication to the fundamental values of our sport of sailing: fairness, integrity and respect. In the few months of having Line on the Board we quickly came to respect her. We will miss her calm demeanour, sharp legal mind and bright smile.” 

Joining the meeting to share his memories of Line was Danish National Olympic Committee President Hans Natorp. He spoke emotionally and with great pride at how Line represented Denmark on the international stage, her generosity and commitment to Danish sport. 

In his address, Hans said, “For many of us, the day we received this devastating news is one we will never forget. Line’s contributions to both Danish and international sports governance were significant. I saw first-hand how generously Line shared her skills and wholeheartedly took on a wide range of responsibilities. Line stepped up when she was needed. In 2017, she became President of the Danish Sailing Association – the first female ever to hold that position. In that role Line navigated with a clear course and thoughtful goals on the horizon.  

“She was a very well-liked president, and I am sure everyone in Danish sailing will remember Line as a dedicated, hardworking and approachable leader. Someone with great integrity and an international outlook. 

“In late 2024 Line was elected Vice President of World Sailing, becoming one of Denmark’s highest ranking international sports officials. At the National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark we were thrilled with the result. With Line, international sport gained a steadfast advocate for democracy, diversity and good governance. I hope that the important legacy that Line built within the world of international sailing will live on and I hope that others will continue the work of making sailing even more accessible and inclusive, especially for smaller nations, in Line’s spirit. 

“Efficient, trustworthy, principled, loyal, solution-orientated and above all kind. Those were the hallmarks of Line. Danish and international sailing has lost an icon in sports leadership. Danish sport has lost one of its strong and meaningful voices, and I have one my good friends in sailing. Still nothing compares to the loss suffered by the friends and family of Line, her partner Andreas, and their son. Our warmest thoughts are with you. May their memory be honoured,” he concluded. 

The Council meeting also noted appointments by the Board to World Sailing Commissions for the forthcoming quadrennial, presented the 2024 Finance Report and provided updates on World Sailing events – including the decision to award the 2027 World Sailing Championships to the Brazilian city of Fortaleza. 

The Council meeting will be available to watch in full on the World Sailing YouTube channel.