The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of 49-year CYCA Member, world-renowned environmentalist and celebrated yachtsman Ian Kiernan AO, who passed away recently.

Kiernan’s love of sailing led to his career as an environmentalist, founding the Clean Up Australian and Clean Up the World campaigns. Kiernan represented Australia in the 1987 solo around-the-world yacht race, setting an Australian record – and became concerned about the amount of rubbish he saw in the process.

His concern – and ambition – resulted in the creation of an Australian movement that grew to involve more than 40 million people from 120 countries.

“Ian Kiernan was a celebrated sailor, competing in more than a dozen Sydney Hobart Yacht Races – and represented Australia various times too,” CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham said.

“His major legacy, however, was his work with the environment – making a real difference not only in Australia but around the world.

“Ian will be sorely missed. The CYCA’s deepest condolences go to his family and friends.

“Rest in peace, Ian.”