Eight Bells: Pat Healy

Pat Healy, International Sailing Official, Coach, Mentor and Sailor, passed away on May 17, 2025 in Toronto, Ont.

A 1972 graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Meteorology, he had been an International Judge since 1990 and an International Umpire. He had also acted as a US Sailing and Sail Canada Judge since 1981. He served at seven Olympic and Paralympic Games – four as a coach and three as a judge.

He was a committed volunteer, for World Sailing as Chairman of the International Judges Sub-Committee and as an International Judge Instructor, for Canada and the USA teaching racing rules and judging, and for CORK/Sail Kingston. He leaves a long and storied legacy as a Finn sailor, a meteorologist, a coach, and a judge.

“His vocation for sailing, as well as his involvement and commitment to the sport at many levels will leave a lasting legacy not only in Canada, but around the world,” said Kate MacLennan, Chair of Sail Canada’s Board of Directors.

Pat helped to develop sailors as Head Coach then Director of Intercollegiate Sailing at the U.S. Naval Academy and as Canadian National Sailing Coach. He was the Regatta Director for the Challenger of Record Committee America’s Cup XXIV.

He is an inductee in the Canadian Sailing Hall of Fame and in the US Intercollegiate Sailing Hall of Fame, the latter presenting him with the Campbell Family Award for Lifetime Service. He was a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

His knowledge of rules and his expertise in training were sought by many. His insights shaped the understanding of racing rules in every person who worked with him. His clear understanding of the rules and his kind, humorous and spirited manner enlightened and entertained us all as he urged us to get better.