Well, I started sailing before I was born and 8-Metres in 1989. Back in 1994 I started the 8-Metre Register and over a period of 23 years served as secretary and later president of IEMA. Lucky to have been part of it all, lucky to have raced and cruised moderns, classics, vintage and gaff Eights. I was lucky to work with Fred Meyer from 1998 onwards and witness a magic renaissance of the class. After a 3 year holiday from IEMA, I am currently part off the Technical Committee and I will try to do my bit to help the class racing as one.

Current Class Measurer and candidate for TC and Class measurer. Guy-Roland has been the measurer for the 8-Metres since 1994, and is measurer for the 5.5, 6 and 12-Metre Class. His knowledge of the class is encyclopedic, he is a main stay in the class, no doubt about that.

David is a naval architect and an esteemed yacht historian, specialized in the period from 1900 to 1945. His knowledge on design and construction is unrivalled. He rebuilt his 8-Metre Emily in 1996 which resulted in the founding of Absolute Restorations and a further string of restored and recreated Metre boats. A classic yacht man in heart and soul and an incredible source of information and knowledge on classic 8-Metres.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the International 8-Metre Class over a period extending 30 years the 2002 General Assembly of the International Eight Metre Association unanimously elected Karl-Johan Hertell as honorary life member of this association Karl Johan (Joni) Hertell as served as president and executive secretary of IEMA for 11 consecutive years and continuously served on the board of IEMA for 21 years. With strong leadership and vision Joni has been at the roots of the revival of the class as we see it today. Some highlights of Joni’s life with the Eights 1972: Entering the 8-Metre Class with Silja 1975: Winner 8-Metre World Cup 1978: Founding member of the International Eight Metre Association 1978-1983: First president and executive secretary of IEMA 1982: 8-Metre Class applies for International status under presidency of Joni Hertell. 1984-1986: Vice President IEMA 1986: Acquires the 8-Metre Iroquois with the Sex Grubbar Syndicate 1987: Executive secretary IEMA 1987-1989: President IEMA 1990-1991: Vice President IEMA 1992-1993: President IEMA World Cup: Joni has participated in the 8-Metre World Cup in 1975-1978-1982-1983-1985-1986-1987-1988-1989-1992-1993-1995 and 2002.

Ced has been and, undoubtedly still is the driving force behind the Lake Ontario Fleet. He entered the class back in 1953 with the Fife 8-Metre Concerto and 56 years on he is still highly active racing his Norseman and remains committed with heart and soul to the class. He has introduced countless sailors to our class, young and old and has been discretely backing several syndicates allowing the next generation to join the class. The list of his contributions and achievements in service of the class and the North American fleet goes on and on. Ced has been instrumental and for his contributions to the Eights and the sport of sailing the class will be forever grateful.

Terence Brownrigg is a Scotsman in heart and soul, a former Commodore of the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club, member of the Mudhook Yacht Club, a member of the IEMA executive committee and a highly valued International Juror at countless events around the world. No Class appreciates Terrence as much as the International Eight Metre Class and based on his record attendance, we dare say the feeling is mutual. Terrence competed in the first edition of the 8-Metre World Cup on the Clyde in 1970 and over the following 44 years he has attended to all other 8-Metre Championships as member, or as chairman of the International Jury, the only two exceptions being the events held during his circumnavigation of the world. Through his presence, his in-depth knowledge of the class, his personal knowledge of the IEMA membership and most of all, his wisdom, he recognised and acted upon every little spark of potential friction and has so put out more fires than any other person within our class. Terence is without question the quintessential peace keeper in our class and we are forever in debt for his services and ongoing commitment to the class. In recognition to all he has done for our class Terence was elected an honorary life member.

In recognition of his outstanding commitment and contributions to the International 8-Metre Class over a period extending 40 years the 2005 General Assembly of the International Eight Metre Association unanimously elected Gaston Schmalz as honorary life member of this association. For almost 50 years Gaston has been sailing his beloved 8-Metre France from the port of Cannes. In 1983, with his Gaulois, he initiated a series of 5 modern 8-Metres designed by Jacques Fauroux. He campaigned his yachts on both sides of the Atlantic. Gaulois participated in 7 World Cups, including the 1985 World Cup in Rochester. With France he participated in 5 World Cups, including the 1991 World Cup in Port Credit. In 2002 he launched the first of a new generation modern 8-Metres. His Fleur de Lys was a sensation in Helsinki winning the event in a clean sweep. Fleur de Lys was campaigned in 3 World Cups, including this event at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. Twice World Champion, participation in 15 World Championships. Any day that Gaston is in Cannes you can see him leaving the port at 11:00 for a sail in the bay. He is the true Primus inter Parus among the French 8-Metre Class promoters. Gaston passed away in 2020.

Fred Meyer served as president of IEMA from 1998 until 2013. He came on board a class which was near broke with a handful members and under his leadership and tireless enthusiasm he turned IEMA around to an association with 200 member boats around the world. Long term sponsorship agreements were reached with the house of Cartier and later Chopard. Championship participation broke all records. With Fred at the tiller the Class saw the first 3 class registered published and through his drive and vision the class was prepared for the 21 century. Through it all he found the time to race his beloved 8-Metre Catina VI, participating in almost all championships in Europe, winning the Neptune Trophy multiple times, always with close friends and his wife Regina and son Axel on board. At the 2013 championships at HSS in Helsinki His Majesty King Harald presented Fred Meyer a plaque to honour Fred’s election as IEMA Honorary Life Member.

Well, I started sailing before I was born and 8-Metres in 1989. Back in 1994 I started the 8-Metre Register and over a period of 23 years served as secretary and later president of IEMA. Lucky to have been part of it all, lucky to have raced and cruised moderns, classics, vintage and gaff Eights. I was lucky to work with Fred Meyer from 1998 onwards and witness a magic renaissance of the class. After a 3 year holiday from IEMA, I am currently part off the Technical Committee and I will try to do my bit to help the class racing as one.