Ted Turner: Visionary Broadcaster, Sailor and Longstanding RORC Member

The Royal Ocean Racing Club is saddened to learn of the death of Ted Turner, one of the most influential figures in modern sailing and a longstanding member of the Club and Rear Commodore.

Ted Turner © John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA.

Known worldwide as the founder of CNN and a pioneering force in global broadcasting, Turner was also one of the great personalities of international yacht racing. Fiercely competitive, charismatic and deeply passionate about the sport, he brought enormous attention to offshore and grand prix sailing.

Turner’s achievements on the water were exceptional. In 1971, his IOR converted American Eagle set a new Fastnet Race course record of 3 days, 5 hours 11 minutes. In 1977, Turner skippered the 12-metre Courageous to victory in the America’s Cup. Two years later, he owned and skippered the 61-foot Sparkman & Stephens Tenacious to corrected time victory in the tragic 1979 Fastnet Race, a race remembered with deep sorrow after the loss of 15 sailors.

As a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club since 1969 and Rear Commodore from 1976-1978, Turner was part of the Club during a transformative period in offshore racing, when international participation and media interest in the sport grew rapidly.

Ted Turner combined ambition, showmanship and genuine seamanship in a way few could match. He helped bring sailing to a wider audience while remaining, at heart, a committed and passionate sailor.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and the many sailors around the world who knew and admired him.