Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – John Ripard
John Ripard
Yachtsman, Former International Judge, co-founder of Rolex Middle Sea Race
Undoubtedly one of our foremost yachtsmen, John Ripard’s passion for the sea started at a very early age. His sailing prowess saw him represent Malta in the 1955 Mediterranean Games in Barcelona and in the 1960 Olympiad when together with his brother Paul, he participated in the Star Class. Eventually John moved up to larger offshore keel boats taking part and winning numerous offshore races. Co-founder and winner of the first Middle Sea Race on Josian in 1968 and on Tikka in 1970, John also won his class in the ‘Giraglia’ and ‘Campionato d’Inverno’ in Genova. In the early 80’s his international judging career took off. Shortly after his appointment John was appointed Chairman of the Race Committee for the Louis Vuitton Cup at the 1987 America’s Cup. This was followed by his appointment as alternate judge in Freemantle (WA) in 1987. John Ripard formed part of the International Juries in 1988, 1992 and 1995 America’s Cups. His judging endeavours saw him become a well-respected international sailing Ambassador for Malta. In 1987 John Ripard was appointed Chairman of the Yacht Marina Advisory Committee and under his watch the first Floating Pontoon Yacht Marina was created in Msida Creek. In the Republic Day National honours 1992 John Ripard was given the ‘Midalja Ghall-Qadi Tar-Repubblika’.
The Yachting Malta Awards are being supported by Mercedes-Benz, Simon Estates, Charles Grech and Transport Malta.
For reservations or further information please contact the team on awards@yachtingmalta.org or on +356 999 777 78 or +356 999 992 61
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