#isaf – David Kellett (AUS) is to be awarded the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy which honours an individual for their outstanding voluntary contribution to the sport of sailing.

The ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, first presented in 1988 in memory of Beppe Croce, the ISAF President from 1969 to 1986, will be presented to Kellett at the 2014 ISAF Annual Conference in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Born on 14 December 1948, Kellett has been a passionate sailor throughout his life. He started out in small boats and Olympic classes before making the move to ocean racing and the America's Cup.

Kellett's first involvement in ISAF came in 1992 when he became the ISAF Member of Council for Group L. Kellett represented the region and his involvement and impact within ISAF was quickly felt. From 1994-1998 he was a Member of the Events Committee and from 1997-1998, a Member of the Oceanic Committee.

In 1998 Kellett was elected as an ISAF Vice President and held the position through to 2008. He then served as Treasurer from 2008-2012.

Throughout his time within ISAF Kellett filled many roles around the Olympic Sailing Competition. For Sydney 2000 he was a Member of the 2000 Olympic Working Party, a member of the 2000 Olympic Advisory Board and President's liaison at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games itself.

He was part of Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Management teams and served as ISAF Technical Delegate for the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competitions.

Kellett is an experienced offshore sailor and has participated in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 40 times. He skippered Sovereign to line and handicap honours in the 1987 edition and for the past 15 years has been an integral part of the safety network, controlling the race at sea. Kellett was also involved in three America's Cup challenges for Australia.

Kellett the first recipient from outside of Europe or the America's will be presented with the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy at the meeting of ISAF Council on 7 November 2014.