Margriet Pannevis, a longtime International Judge and mentor to Race Officials around the world, has died.
She was a familiar and respected figure in the sailing community, known alongside her late husband Theo Smits. Margriet served as a mentor and inspiration to Race Officials both in the Netherlands and internationally.
She held the role of International Judge for more than 30 years, a career that included a posting at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
Within World Sailing, Margriet chaired the Medical Commission for many years. Closer to home, she chaired the Dutch national racing rules committee and served as a long-time member of the Dutch appeals committee.
The Dutch Sailing Federation recognised her contribution to the sport with two of its major honours, the Gouden verbondsspeld in 2009 and the Maastrofee in 2011.
Margriet touched many lives, both within sailing and beyond it. She meant everything to her loving family, who will miss her deeply.
