Eight Bells: George Andreadis

The sailing community is mourning the loss of George Andreadis, 81, who passed away June 24, 2023 in Athens, Greece.

A sailor from a young age, George’s career took him to two Olympic Games – first in the Flying Dutchman at Mexico 1968 and later in the Soling at Montreal 1976. He was also Team Leader of the Greek Sailing Team at Moscow 1980, Chairman of the Measurement Committee for the following three Olympics, and Chairman of the Sailing Committee at Atlanta 1996. In 2010, he was awarded the Silver Olympic Order of the International Olympic Committee.

Throughout his career he was an active member of class associations and boards, including World Sailing when, in 1972, he served as a member of the Keelboat Committee. Later he became Vice President and eventually Chair.

He was Vice President of World Sailing from 1986-1994, 1998-2009 and 2012-2016, a member of Council from 1994-1998 and again from 2008-2012, and a member of the Offshore Committee from 2000-2008. He had also been an Honorary President of the Cyprus Yachting Association since 1995.

George was integral in initiating Para Sailing in Greece and was part of the Organizing Committee for the 2003 International Foundation of Disabled Sailing World Championship. He has also supported the Special Olympics as an Official Sponsor.

For this tireless long-term dedication over decades of service, World Sailing in 2016 awarded Andreadis its highest honor: the Beppe Croce Award for an outstanding voluntary contribution to the sport.

Even with all this service, Andreadis remained successful and active in big boat racing on his various 16 boats named ATALANTI and 4 boats named MELITI, the last of which won the ORC World Championship in 2009 in Brindisi, Italy and a silver medal at the 2016 ORC European Championship closer to home in Thessaloniki. All his racing crews were treated as family members, and with his gentle attitude he made many friends around the world.