In Memoriam: Bjorn Unger

Bjorn Unger served the sport of sailing in many capacities, including as Chair of the Events Committee.

A lifelong sailor, he competed at the highest level in several past and present Olympic Classes, including Star, 49er and ILCA, as well as representing Sweden in the Admiral’s Cup and competing in the America’s Cup during the 1970s. In later life, most of his racing was in the Dragon class, where he would often line up against one of the members of the Events Committee he Chaired, HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.

As Chair of the Events Committee, Bjorn set in motion many of the ideas sailing now benefits from such as the concept of a World Cup, a medal race, and the importance of the Youth Sailing World Championship.

He was a dedicated leader and a visionary in the sport, both within World Sailing and in Sweden, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.