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.

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.

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.