Ireland's influence at the highest level of sailing's world governing body was reduced last week as Marcus Spillane, a World Sailing Vice-President since 2020, decided not to run for office for a further four-year term. 

Spillane, who was instrumental in key development areas through his long-term role in the 9er class, was also closely involved in the organisation's financial governance. 

Now a parent of two young children and living and working in Texas, Spillane feels he can no longer devote the time needed to play a full role. 

"The primary reason for not standing for re-election comes down to the fact that I now have two young kids under the age of two. After 20 years of World Sailing conferences, either running the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 Classes or being on Council or the Board, it was time to focus on my young family," Spillane told Afloat.

"It was a bittersweet conference for me and I will miss it, particularly all of the friends I have got to know over the years. I have gotten way more out of the sport of sailing than I have put back in, but I am proud of what I have achieved and that the organisation is in a better position than when I started", he said.

Marcus Spillane at the helm of a 49er skiff with Dun Laoghaire's Rory Fitzpatrick as crew 

Spillane, originally from Cork, became the first Irish Vice-President since Dubliner Ken Ryan who held the role from 1998-2004.

Spillane, a chartered accountant, was also the Treasurer of the Olympic Steering Group of the Irish Sailing Association.

Spillane sailed Mirrors and Laser 2s as a junior sailor before graduating to the 49er. More recently he has competed offshore in various events.  Administratively he has served as International class president of the Laser 2, 49er and Nacra 17 classes.  He has been Ireland's nominee to the World Sailing Council since 2016.