This short video tribute honours John Ripard Snr, Honorary President of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, Olympian and one of the founders of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Together with his brother Paul, Jimmy White and Alan Green, John helped bring the Middle Sea Race to life in 1968. He skippered Josian to victory in that first edition and won again in 1970 aboard Tikka II. More than half a century later, the race he helped create draws sailors from across the world to Malta each October.

His passion for the sea and his generous spirit inspired generations of Maltese sailors, and his legacy continues through the John Ripard Course Record Trophy and the many members of the Ripard family who still race today.

With gratitude, from the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the sailing community.