H.M King Constantine II of the Hellenes
1940 - 2023
Today we received the sad news that our Patron HM King Constantine has made his last voyage at the age of 82.
In 1964, he married the then-18-year-old Danish Princess Anne-Marie, and the ceremony, in Athens, was televised in many countries. King Constantine became Prince William's godfather, demonstrating good relations and strong ties with the British Royal Family.
As a GYC member from almost the very beginning, he was a tireless ambassador for the idea and values of our club. Wherever he travelled, he had the club burgee in his luggage, promoting international exchange and the ever-growing network of clubs, partners, and friends.
The Gstaad Yacht Club is grateful and, at the same time, honoured for everything our Patron did and represented to our Club and to the Sport.
In 1960, together with two other Greek sailors, he won as helmsman with his crew the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rome in the Dragon class, becoming Greece’s first Olympic Champion since the 1912. It was always his concern to inspire young people for sailing. The GYC celebrated the 50th anniversary of this medal in 2010 with a dinner to his honour. Seeing him with tears in the eyes by screening TV material from the BBC, that he had never seen before, will remain a memorable moment for many.
HM King Constantine was a champion of Olympic values and a Member of the International Olympic Committee from 1963 to 1974 becoming an Honorary Member afterwards. He remained an Honorary President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy and World Sailing.
HM King Constantine will be remembered as a thoughtful individual, with strong, warm, and determined character a valuable ambassador, a knowledgeable advisor, and a true friend, that will be deeply missed by all.
We mourn with the whole family and wish strength from the bottom of our hearts, that they will find comfort within family and friends to overcome this sad moment.
Fair winds and ongoing seas, Constantine.
On behalf of the entire Gstaad Yacht Club
George Nicholson Peter Erzberger
GYC Honorary Presidents, Sailing friends, The GYC Executive Board
Please find HERE English and German Versions
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