At the 42nd AGM of the Irish Laser Association, Ron Hutchieson long term Honorary Secretary and servant to both Irish Laser sailing and Irish Sailing as a whole, stood down after nearly 40 years of unparalleled devotion and service writes Colin Leonard.

Ron started his journey to greatness within Irish and international laser sailing when he was a founder member of the Laser fleet in Ballyholme YC. Travelling to the 1978 Europeans he brought home not the victors trophy but the far more significant prize of having the 1979 event hosted at Ballyholme. This event, at a venue now synonymous with producing fast laser sailors gave young Irish sailors such as Bill O’Hara and Trevor Millar their first exposure to international and professional sailing, and set them on their way to Olympic sailing and coaching achievements.

In 1983 Ron was appointed International Juror and quickly involved himself in juries of European and World Championship level events in both the Laser and many other classes. In a career spanning over twenty years he chaired juries at top level laser events and also gained experience as a race officer. This culminated in his selection as finish boat race officer for the London 2012 Olympics for both laser fleets.

Despite a busy International schedule, Ron brought all these experiences to the committee of the Irish Laser Association and the evidence of his dedication to fairness and attention to detail is evident in the high standard of racing offered at Irish Laser events, time and time again, year on year. It is unheard of for a venue to be lacking in some regard, as Ron has made us all become accustomed to every detail having been considered.

Ron is the epitomy of sailing organization by sailors for sailors and has dedicated his time, his energy and his own sailing for the benefit of others. Ron has through out all this demonstrated immense integrity, fairness, and had a role in setting sailors from at least five Olympics, the founder of sailcoach, many of the managers and coaching team at Sailing Ireland, and countless professional sailors in every aspect of the sport onto their trajectories. If you have sailed a dinghy in a race in Ireland it is likely that you have felt the effect of his work in Laser sailing and sailing in general. He is a legend of the Irish laser class, and it was my honour to be able to thank him for his efforts on behalf of the class and to see him nominated and confirmed a life member of the class by the new committee.