Eight Bells: John Ripard Sr.

John Ripard Sr, the Honorary President of the Royal Malta Yacht Club and one of the founding figures of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, died on July 1, 2026. He was 96.

Ripard was one of Malta’s most prominent figures in sailing and yachting, with a career that spanned racing, sports administration and the development of the local maritime community.

Born in Sliema in 1930, he represented Malta in sailing at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, competing in the Star class alongside his brother Paul. Beyond his achievements on the water, Ripard served the sport internationally as a sailing official and judge, including at America’s Cup events and Olympic sailing competitions. – Full report