Hall Of Fame:
Andre Blasse - Australia

Andre Blasse was inducted for his lifelong commitment to the OK class in Victoria and Australia.

Mark Jackson (AUS) introduced a very surprised Andre Blasse (AUS). Jackson said, “It is a great privilege to announce the next recipient. We've been friends for 45 years and started sailing together in the Sabot.”

“Andre started sailing OK Dinghies at 15 years old and sailed his first nationals in 1981 and first worlds in 1982. This will be his 19th worlds since then, so a fantastic effort. He has been OKDIA president, Australian treasurer, and also important, he was instrumental in the resurgence of the class in Australia. He had a vision of standard professionally built off the shelf OKs, which was fantastic for the class. Congratulations.”

Andre Blasse was inducted for lifelong commitment and outstanding service to the OK Class in Victoria, Australia and the world. Andre commenced sailing the OK Dinghy in 1980 and competed in his first Nationals in 1981. He has won the Australian title on four occasions and been runner up countless times, often to his brother Roger. He competes regularly at World Championships, often finishing in the top ten. Best results have been third in Warnemunde in 2008 and fourth in both Adelaide in 1998 and Sweden in 2009. He is the immediate past President of OKDIA, is a Life Member of the Australian Association and is a National and International Measurer for the class.

In contrast to his brother, Roger, a very emotional Andre Blasse was almost lost for words. With a broken voice he managed to get out. “I can't believe it. I enjoy the class, enjoy all the people, so thank you.”