In Memoriam: Andrew Cassell

Andy won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Paralympic Games in Atlanta, where sailing made its Paralympic debut.

He was one of the early advocates of sailing being included in the Paralympics and following his return from the Games, he founded the Andrew Cassell Foundation to introduce more individuals with physical disabilities, mental health conditions and long-term illness to the sport.

Now, almost 30 years later, the foundation has been the inspiration for thousands of sailors, many of whom have progressed to competing on equal terms with able bodied sailors within top racing fleets and take part in yacht racing and cruising at the highest level.

World Sailing CEO, David Graham, said, “Andy was a remarkable man, both on and off the water. His achievement as part of the first gold medal-winning sailing crews at the Paralympic Games will always be a part of history, and what this inspired him to go on to create has left a lasting legacy for Para Inclusive Sailing – one that World Sailing aims to continue.

“He was known as a force to be reckoned with and this determination to give back to the sport has changed the lives of thousands of sailors. We are deeply saddened by his loss and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Images courtesy of the Andrew Cassell Foundation