In Memoriam: George Andreadis

A sailor from a young age, George’s career took him to two Olympic Games – first in the Flying Dutchman at Mexico 1968 and later in the Soling at Montreal 1976. He was also Team Leader of the Greek Sailing Team at Moscow 1980, Chairman of the Measurement Committee for the following three Olympics, and Chairman of the Sailing Committee at Atlanta 1996. In 2010 he was awarded the Silver Olympic Order of the International Olympic Committee. 

Throughout his career he was an active member of class associations and boards, including World Sailing when, in 1972, he served as a member of the Keelboat Committee. Later he became Vice President and eventually Chair. He was Vice President of World Sailing from 1986-1994, 1998-2009 and 2012-2016, a member of Council from 1994-1998 and again from 2008-2012, and a member of the Offshore Committee from 2000-2008. He had also been an Honorary President of the Cyprus Yachting Association since 1995. 

George was integral in initiating Para Sailing in Greece and was part of the Organising Committee for the 2003 International Foundation of Disabled Sailing World Championship. He has also supported the Special Olympics as an Official Sponsor. 

For over 50 years George exemplified the values of sailing and brought many major sailing events to Greece.  

In 2016 his outstanding contribution to the sport, both as an athlete and as an administrator, was honoured by World Sailing when he was presented with the Beppe Croce Trophy by then-President Carlo Croce.  

His passion for sailing shone through and he channelled this passion, along with the benefit of his vast experience, to help the sport to evolve and thrive.  

He will be sorely missed by everyone at World Sailing. 

Quanhai Li, President of World Sailing, said: “Our sport is in mourning. George represented the best of what makes sailing great – excellence on the water and a passionate commitment to serving our sport off the water. 

“He was an outstanding sailor, competing for his country with distinction at two Olympic Games, and I know his loss will be felt most keenly among the sailing community in Greece. 

“George also gave a lifelong dedication to sailing which has benefited countless sailors around the world over many years. This was publicly evident in the work that he did in a variety of roles for World Sailing, but he was also someone whose private advice and counsel was sought by many people from the federation. 

“I know I speak for everyone at World Sailing when, on behalf of the federation, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and to his friends.” 

Dina Kowalyshyn, World Sailing Council Member who served on the World Sailing Equipment Committee with George for many years, said: “George Andreadis loved the sport and supported sailors, events, equipment trials and World Sailing with all his heart. He will truly be missed.” 

Alastair Fox, World Sailing Director of Events, said: “George worked tirelessly on behalf of sailors and the sport of sailing for his whole life. As an Olympian, an advocate for Offshore sailing and with his determination to develop the technical side of the sport, George was involved in every aspect of sailing. 

“George went everywhere with a broad smile and was extremely helpful behind the scenes, always looking for the best decisions for sailors around the world. He will be greatly missed.”