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Paul's enthusiastic spirit, kindness and generosity will be missed by his many friends and extended family. A true gentlemen, Past Commodore of The Royal Canadian Yacht Club, philanthropist and Corinthian Yachtsman, visionary, friend and mentor to all who knew him. Paul's unfailing support of sailing in Canada won him many admirers. His generosity through life brought him love and recognition from all sectors, The Order of Canada, the B'nai Brith Foundation Award of Merit, The International Sailing Federation's Gold Medal and the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy.

Paul was awarded the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy in 1993 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing. Paul's contribution to sailing at all levels exemplifies an individual who, at the time of the Beppe Croce Trophy Presentation in 1993, had been serving the sport of sailing at international level for more than 33 years, with his only reward being the enjoyment received.

Paul was one of the greatest promoters of youth sailing, from his earliest years with the then IYRU as the first Chairman of the Youth Committee, to his encouragement of disadvantaged Canadian youth, to his support of the World Youth Sailing Trust, which supports youth sailing participation and funds coaches at youth events, including the ISAF World Youth Sailing Championships.

Paul was an active competitor at all levels of racing from International 14 foot dinghies to the America's Cup, and owned the renowned yacht and multi-race winner "Red Jacket".

Paul is a past President of the Canadian Yachting Association, from 1961 to 1963 and again in 1990.

In 1993, when the then IYRU moved premises from the Royal Thames Yacht Club to Broadwall in London, Paul J Phelan felt it important that the IYRU created a boardroom that would welcome sailors from around the world. To achieve this, Paul became a significant contributor to the creation and décor of the room, which became known as The Phelan Room. On ISAF's relocation to Southampton, England, The Phelan Room was packed up and has been re-created in Southampton and is a tribute to Paul Phelan and his support to the sport of sailing.

ISAF expresses its sincere condolences to family and friends of Paul J Phelan.