Yachting NZ CEO pays tribute to departing Finn class stalwart
by Michael Brown/Yachting New Zealand 7 Oct 2019 14:00 PDT
8 October 2019
Andy Maloney (NZL) - Finn - Day 1, Olympic Test Event - Enoshima, Japan - August 2019 © Jesus Renedo / Sailing Energy / World Sailing
Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie paid tribute to retiring International Finn Association executive board member Corinne McKenzie, who is stepping down after 19 years in the role.
The Frenchwoman joined the IFA executive board in 2001 and steered the class through four Olympic re-selections.
She provided oversight and management to a wide number of projects over the years, including the establishment of the class development programme, FIDeS (Finn International Development Support), expansion of the classes media services and encouraging and supporting many developing nations to come to the Finn class.
Membership of the IFA increased by more than 20 percent during her time on the board and she leaves the class in a much healthier position, in terms of members, sailors and finance than when she started.
McKenzie has also contributed to the work of World Sailing as chair of the Olympic classes sub-committee since 2012, as well as vice-chair of the World Sailing classes committee. She will continue in the same roles until the end of her terms in November 2020.
"Corinne has been a wonderful friend of Yachting New Zealand and Finn sailing over the past 19 years," Abercrombie said. "Her assistance in bringing the Finn Gold Cup to New Zealand in 2015 contributed to what was an amazing event enjoyed by sailors and volunteers alike.
"Her work on the various World Sailing committees has definitely helped shape the future of sailing around the world. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and look forward to have a gin when we catch up next."
McKenzie will assist the rest of the class executive over the next few months to facilitate a smooth handover to her as yet unannounced successor.