On Tuesday, 29 October at the 2019 World Sailing Annual Conference in Bermuda, the Beppe Croce Trophy was awarded posthumously to Jeff Martin, who dedicated his life to sailing through his involvement in the Laser class.
Jeff Martin was awarded the Beppe Croce Trophy after he sadly passed away in January this year. Angie Martin, Jeff’s wife, received the trophy from World Sailing President Kim Andersen and Vice-President, Gary Jobson.
Martin dedicated his life to sailing and more specifically, the Laser class. His engagement with sailors and members worldwide undoubtedly enabled more countries to compete internationally. This subsequently enabled more nations to participate in the Olympic Games and established a legacy for these nations from elite sailing to the grassroots.
In 1981, Jeff became an International Judge and an International Race Officer and Measurer in November 1998. His involvement in World Sailing started in 1991 and he served as Vice Chairman of the Classes Committee from 1991 to 1994 and again from 1999 to 2000. In 2001 he became Chairman of the Classes Committee and a Council representative and held the post through to 2016.
His work worldwide through the Laser saw friendships form with sailors, race officials and global sports administrators. He has left a true legacy to sailing and to all those who were lucky enough to cross his path.
World Sailing’s prestigious award, the Beppe Croce Trophy, is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to the sport of sailing. In memory of Beppe Croce, the World Sailing President from 1969–1986, the Federazione Italiana Vela presented the Trophy to World Sailing and it was awarded for the first time in 1988. The roll of honour is an impressive one, including multiple Olympic medallists, rules gurus and designers, and all have dedicated an outstanding amount of time to the sport of sailing. Recipients are presented with a replica trophy. From 2004 to 2008 S.Pellegrino joined World Sailing as the Official Supplier of mineral water and supporter of the Beppe Croce Trophy and the trophy was presented at a prestigious dinner during the Mid-Year Meeting. Since, the Beppe Croce Trophy has been presented at World Sailing’s Annual Conference.