Recently retired as an ISAF Vice-President in 2004, a position he held since 1998, RYAN’s main focus during his 36 years as a volunteer for ISAF has been the implementation and ongoing development of the ISAF Race Officials Programme.
The presentation of the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy was attending by leading figures from the sailing world at a dinner hosted by Sanpellegrino in Berlin, Germany where ISAF is currently holding its Mid-Year Meeting.

Acknowledging Ken RYAN’s contribution to the sport, the ISAF President Göran PETERSSON said, 'We are here tonight to pay tribute to Ken Ryan - a truly remarkable man, who has played a significant role in our sport and whose legacy embraces all levels of sailing.

'Ken has been instrumental in initiating and leading the development of the Race Officials Programme – ensuring fair play prevails and developing an education programme for officials.

'Ken will always be known as one of the most dedicated men, working hard and successfully to further the interests of the sport and he has achieved great results with modesty.' 

Ken began his involvement in the Racing Rules of Sailing over 30 years ago, firstly as a member of the Irish Sailing Association Racing Rules Committee from 1974-1994, before being appointed to the then IYRU Racing Rules Committee in 1978, holding the Vice-Chair from 1990-1994.

Ken was the mastermind behind the launch of the Race Officials Programme in the late 1970's, at a time when there were no International Juries, just Protest Committees. His initial responsibility for Judges, expanded to Umpires, Measurers and Race Officers.

Several years later, the then IYRU decided to appoint a specific committee responsible for judges, the International Judges Sub-Committee, and naturally Ken was appointed Chairman from 1980, the year of the Moscow Olympics, through until 1996.

In 1995, ISAF created a new Race Officials Committee to oversee all the officials' training and education programmes and Ken was appointed as the inaugural Chairman, responsible to oversee the work of the four sub-committees covering Judges, Umpires, Race Officers and Measurers, a position he held until 1998, when he became an ISAF Vice-President.

As an International Judge, Ken has travelled all over the world ensuring the integrity of the sport - officiating at several America's Cups, the Olympic Games, Olympic Class World Championships, offshore events and a myriad of other major Championships.

Ken was the one of first people who understood it wasn't enough to just impose the Racing Rules of Sailing on competitors, but also to enforce them gently. His availability on and off the water to discuss why he thought people had been in the wrong, earned him the greatest respect amongst sailors.

Ken has attended nine Olympic Games in one capacity or another, with his first involvement in 1972 as a member of the Irish team - and he has been at every Olympics since, initially as chef de mission for the Irish team and more recently as an ISAF judge.

On receiving the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, RYAN commented, 'I thank all the volunteers and staff who worked so hard with me over the years to get ISAF to where we are today with the Race Officials Programme.

The Federazione Italiana Vela presented the trophy to the ISAF in memory of Beppe Croce, ISAF President from 1969-1986. Presented to an individual who has made a voluntary outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing, the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy roll of honour is an impressive one. Including multiple Olympic medalists, rules gurus and designers, all have dedicated an outstanding amount of time to the sport of sailing:

1988 His Majesty King Olav V of Norway
1989 F. Gregg Bemis (USA) / Gerald Sambrooke-Sturgess OBE (GBR)
1990 Paul Elvström (DEN)
1991 His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain
1992 Olin Stephens II (USA)
1993 Paul J. Phelan (CAN)
1994 Jonathan Janson (GBR)
1995 Otto Schlenzka (GER)
1996 Henry H. Anderson, JR (USA)
1997 Carlo Rolandi (ITA)
1998 Peter Tallberg (FIN)
1999 Mary Pera (GBR)
2000 Livius Sherwood (CAN)
2001 Peter Siemsen (BRA)
2002 Jan Linge (NOR)
2003 John Tinker (CAN)
2005 Paul Henderson (CAN)

 

Sanpellegrino, as the ISAF Official Supplier of mineral water and presenting sponsor of the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, brought its elegant and unmistakable touch of Italian style alongside international sailing.

This is indeed a very special evening in my life to have my achievements recognized by my peers in awarding me the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, it is both an honour and a privilege.'