Andrew passed away on Sunday at the age of 74, after a battle with cancer. “The Admiral” as he was affectionately known, had a remarkable impact on Sailing, AFL and sport generally.

He is survived by his wife Kim and two Daughters, Katrina and Amanda.

He was the longest serving President of Australian Sailing (Yachting Australia) and was instrumental in the development of the Gold Medal Plan after the Athens Olympics when sailing failed to win a single medal. The enormous success of Australia in later games, especially in London and Rio were the outworkings of this plan.

In his own sailing, he had success as well, including winning the World Championships in the Etchells Class in 1988. He sailed all his life until only a few weeks ago.

In AFL he was a passionate St. Kilda member and became President in 1993 until 2000. He turned around the fortunes of the Club both on the field and financially.

He was also on the Executive of the Australian Olympic Committee until 2017 and a member of the Sports Commission Board. He was also a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Board at the time of his passing.

Whilst his original home Club was Royal Brighton Yacht Club, he was a member of the CYCA since 2003 and a past Commodore of the Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club.

He also advised other sports such as Hockey and Cycling at national level.

Andrew wanted others to succeed in sport. His efforts were selfless, encouraging and caring.

He was well known for his humour, irreverence and cutting wit. He had the ability to hold court with a few well-chosen words. His words were often politically incorrect but wickedly amusing.

“As you were”, was his favourite signing off message.

A great man, mentor and friend.

Matt Allen AM