Kingston, May 20, 2025 – It is with great sadness that Sail Canada shares with the Canadian sailing community the passing of International Sailing Official, Coach, Mentor and Sailor Pat Healy on May 17.
Pat Healy had been an International Judge since 1990 and an International Umpire. He had also acted as a US Sailing and Sail Canada Judge since 1981. He served at seven Olympic and Paralympic Games – four as a coach and three as a judge.
He was a committed volunteer, for World Sailing as Chairman of the International Judges Sub-Committee and as an International Judge Instructor, for Canada and the USA teaching racing rules and judging, and for CORK/Sail Kingston. He leaves a long and storied legacy as a Finn sailor, a meteorologist, a coach, and a judge.
Pat Healy’s vocation was sailing, and he helped develop sailors as Head Coach, and then as Director of Intercollegiate Sailing at the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as a Canadian National Sailing Coach, and in the rest of the world. He was the Regatta Director for the Challenger of Record Committee at America’s Cup XXIV.
He is an inductee in the Canadian Sailing Hall of Fame and in the US Intercollegiate Sailing Hall of Fame, the latter presenting him with the Campbell Family Award for Lifetime Service. He was a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
His knowledge of rules and his expertise in training were sought by many. His insights shaped the understanding of racing rules in every person who worked with him. His clear understanding of the rules and his kind, humorous and spirited manner enlightened and entertained us all as he urged us to get better.
“On behalf of the Sail Canada community, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Pat Healy”, said Kate MacLennan, Chair of Sail Canada’s Board of Directors. “His vocation for sailing, as well as his involvement and commitment to the sport at many levels will leave a lasting legacy not only in Canada, but around the world.”
Sail Canada will share his obituary when available.
About Sail Canada
Established in 1931, Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country. Sail Canada is a leading international sailing nation, proud of its world class athletes, lifelong participants and inclusive culture. The organization and its members are committed to excellence by developing and training its leaders, athletes, sailors, instructors, coaches and officials. With the valued support from our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations and our member clubs, schools, organizations and stakeholders, sailing is promoted in all its forms. By setting standards and delivering programs from home pond to podium for Canadians of all ages and abilities, from dinghies to keelboats, cruising to navigation, windsurfing to powerboating and accessible sailing, Sail Canada sets sail for all, sail to win and sail for life.
A sport in the Olympic program since the first Games in 1896, except in 1904, the pursuit of success in these Games is what fuels the focus of Sail Canada as Canadian athletes have so far achieved nine Olympic and five Paralympic medals.
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Information:
Patrick Godbout
Communications Manager
Sail Canada
Email: patrick@sailing.ca
Phone: 514-213-9897