Heini Wellmann passed away last Tuesday, 14 July, at the age of 86.
As President of Swiss ILCA and the ILCA Europe region, he was subsequently elected President of the ILCA.
Heini was passionate about sailing and regattas; in the Laser – as it was then known – he had found a boat and a community to which he could contribute his human qualities, his intelligence, his rigour and his managerial skills.
We have lost a much-loved figure and, for many of us, a friend who gave selflessly and who helped to shape the class and make it what it is today.
He succeeded in breathing new life into the ILCA class. He drew on his experience as an executive at Nestlé to implement the changes essential for the Laser class to continue to develop and retain its Olympic status.
After stepping down from his leadership roles, he continued to sail both in Switzerland and on the Masters circuit until a very advanced age, competing in the ‘Legend’ category.
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Maja, his wife, and his family, who shared his passion.
Fair winds, Heini
The ILCA Class