Eight Bells: Jeff Martin

Jeff Martin, who had served as the Executive Secretary of the International Laser Class Association for 40 years, died unexpectedly on January 11 while on a ski holiday at the resort of Méribel in the French Alps.

A resident of Falmouth (UK), the 65 year old suffered a heart attack on the ski lift and then fell from the moving lift from a height of 32 feet. Resuscitation attempts lasted for more than half-an-hour but Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Martin’s dedication to the sport of sailing was unparalleled, having been the cornerstone of Laser events, working at every Laser Open World Championship except the first one in 1974 where he was a competitor.

In September 2018, Martin was inducted into the Laser Class Hall of Fame which recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the Laser’s international standing.

Serving the broader sport, Martin acted as chairman of the World Sailing Classes Committee and sat on World Sailing’s Council for many years and was a respected and valued committee member.

His loss will be keenly felt throughout the sailing world.

Source: ILCA