Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
One of the best started his last voyage
Sad news on Wednesday evening,
Achim Griese passed away after illness close to his family in Hamburg.
During the 1980s Achim was one of the most successful Star sailors in the world. Achim and his crew Michael Marcour won Silver at the Olympic games in Los Angeles 1984, beating 1981 World Champions Alexander Hagen and Vincent Hoesch in the German qualification trials. In 1983 Achim and Michael ended 2nd in the European Championship in Kiel and in the Worlds in Los Angeles, later winning the Pre-Olympics.
Other top results include winning the Spring Europeans in Punta Ala 1985 or the Admirals Cup as helm of the Yacht “Outsider” from the German team.
Together with Michael again, Achim attended his last Star race, the ssl City Grand Prix 2015, on Lake Alster in his home club Norddeutscher Regatta Verein.
After his active career and until late Achim always showed his support as mentor, partner and sponsor for sailors from the NRV Olympic Team. This left a lasting legacy and many of Germanys young teams of the last decades are grateful for his backing.
Amongst other roles Achim in 2004 became responsible for Germanys high performance sailing during his voluntary service as chairman of the Olympic Sailing Council.
Achim Griese passed on Sunday November 17th, 2024, at the age of only 72 years but will forever be remembered by us Star Class sailors.
Rest in Peace, Achim
