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Pertti LIPAS (FIN) has been a key figure in the continued development of The Racing Rules of Sailing, the worldwide rules which govern the sport on the water and are revised and published every four years by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

Pertti brought his deep knowledge and understanding of the rules to ISAF as a member of the ISAF Racing Rules Committee from 1995 to 2008. As the Chairman of the Racing Rules Committee Working Party from 2004-2008 he played a key role in the formulation of the 2009-2012 edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), which comes into affect on 1 January 2009. Despite his deterioration in health, Pertti was most anxious to personally be responsible for finalising the 2009-2012 edition of the RRS.

Alongside his work as an ISAF Committee member, Pertti was an ISAF International Judge (IJ) since 1985. During a long and distinguished career as an ISAF Race Official he attended both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games as a member of the International Jury. He was also a member of the International Jury for the 2008 Beijing Games, as an off-site consultant.

In addition to his role as an International Judge at events, Pertti was also dedicated to increasing the number of ISAF International Race Officials worldwide. In this area he played a key role in the ISAF Race Officials programme as an approved IJ Seminar Instructor.

For over 20 years, Pertti's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the rules and for fair play has been a great asset to the International Sailing Federation and he will be sadly missed.

ISAF extends our sincere sympathy and condolences to Pertti's family and friends.