Former Finn Olympian and great friend of the Finn class, Ralph Roberts has died in Auckland aged 87.

Sailing the Finn, he placed sixth at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, behind the great Paul Elvstrøm, who took his fourth gold medal. Roberts' best international result was sixth at the 1963 Finn Gold Cup in Medemblik from 162 competitors, the second largest fleet at a Finn Gold Cup so far. He was also a four time New Zealand Champion in the Finn.

He later moved into the Flying Dutchman, was reserve in 1964 when NZL won gold and then competed in 1968 as crew for Geoff Smale, when they finished in eighth from the fleet of 30.

Later on, Roberts used his experience to become a regular member of the International Jury at Finn events, and whenever he was present, there was always great confidence that it was in safe hands.

He was one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sailing figures as Olympic sailing team manager, Chef de Mission for the 1992 Games in 1992, former president of Yachting New Zealand, as well as being involved in World Sailing.

His life was dedicated to sailing, and his enthusiasm for the sport, his support and help for many sailors, and his wise counsel will be much missed

The sport of sailing and the Finn class have lost a great friend.

IFA sends its condolences to his wife, Penny, and his family and many friends.

RIP Ralph Roberts 26 September 1935 – 19 March 2023