Obituary: Henri Peronneau (FRA)

It is with great sadness ISAF reports that Henri Peronneau (FRA) an ISAF International Judge has died after a long battle with illness aged 59.

Henri Peronneau sailed a Nacra 5.7 catamaran.  In the early 90’s he began taking courses about the race management and judging.  He quickly became a national race official and as match racing became increasingly popular where he lived he also became an umpire. 

Henri’s work as an umpire showed him there was a need for better explaining umpire decisions and that he could develop software to help achieve this.  As a mathematician, Henri worked on a project to develop such a tool and in 2000 introduced Tactical Sailing Solutions (TSS) to the America’s Cup in New Zealand.  Since then it has been used all over the world and improved as umpires and uses offered feedback.

In 2006 Henri became an International Judge.

Henri passed away on 9 January 2011. ISAF extends our sincere sympathy and condolences to his wife, two children and two grandchildren.