John Ripard, a prominent figure in Maltese sailing and a founder of the Middle Sea Race, has died at the age of 97. His contributions to the sport spanned competitive sailing, international officiating, and maritime business.

Born on March 7, 1929, in Sliema, Malta, Ripard hailed from a family with deep maritime roots. His grandfather established John Ripard & Son in Valletta in 1901, a shipping agency integral to Malta’s commercial shipping development. Ripard continued this legacy through his involvement in merchant shipping, including containerized cargo operations, alongside his sporting pursuits.

Ripard represented Malta at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, competing in the Star class with his brother Paul. In the late 1960s, the brothers collaborated with members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) to create the Middle Sea Race. The race, intended as a clockwise circuit around Sicily covering approximately 606 nautical miles, begins and ends in Malta, passing islands such as Lampedusa, Pantelleria, and the Egadi and Aeolian islands. It was designed to be a Mediterranean counterpart to the UK’s renowned Fastnet Race.

Ripard secured victories in the first Middle Sea Race in 1968 aboard the Swan 36 Josian and again in 1970 sailing the Swan 43 Tikka II, cementing his standing not only as an organizer but also as a skilled competitor. His involvement with the RMYC extended beyond racing; he became an honorary president and was widely regarded there as an enduring influence and a guiding force in Maltese yachting.

Beyond Malta, Ripard served as an international sailing judge, officiating at high-profile events including America’s Cup competitions and Olympic sailing. His expertise and calm judgment were highly regarded attributes in these roles.

Educated at St Edward’s College during the turbulent period of World War II, Ripard remained active in sailing and swimming well into his elder years. His family recalls him as a spirited adventurer and mentor who instilled a passion for life and the sea in his children during extensive Mediterranean voyages.

He married Rosette Camilleri in 1956; she passed away shortly before him. He is survived by four children. The Royal Malta Yacht Club paid tribute to him as a visionary sailor and an inspirational figure whose enthusiasm and generosity helped foster a new generation of sailors. John Ripard passed away on July 1, 2026, leaving a lasting legacy in Malta’s maritime and sporting history.