Although he has not raced competitively for two decades, Paul Elvstrom remains one of the greatest sailors, particularly in dinghies and Olympic class boats, that ever lived. A modest, soft-spoken Dane, Elvstrom was also an inventor and innovator who developed a wide range of sailing aids and gear. Here’s a tribute to the Flying Dane in Sail-World.
“Paul Elvström was 88 years and died peacefully at his home in Hellerup, north of Copenhagen, Wednesday morning. Paul’s sailing and sports career has been unique, where he won four Olympic gold, 13 world championships, seven European Championships as well as numerous international regattas throughout his career. Paul is also the only sailor who has won world championships in five Olympic boat classes.
“He attended eight Olympic Games from 1948 to 1988, the last time at the Olympics in South Korea in Tornado with his youngest daughter Trine in the most extreme of the Olympic boat types, Tornado. Paul is for its sporting achievements honored with the Order of Dannebrog, the Century Sportsperson (in Denmark), IOC’s Olympic Bronze Order, ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, Sailings Hall of Fame, The Danish Sports Hall of Fame, the Danish Sailing Association Honor, KDY’s Merit in Gold and BT Gold (three times).” Read more.
