News
Vale: Ian "Wallie" Wall
Published Sat 30 Nov 2024
The Yachting Victoria and Australian Sailing community mourns the loss of Ian "Wallie" Wall, a true cornerstone of Victorian sailing.
Over three decades, Ian passionately taught and inspired thousands of young sailors and instructors across the state, profoundly impacting everyone he encountered.
Ian dedicated his career to Yachting Victoria and Australian Sailing, where he led the Mobile Sailing School—fondly known as the "Mobile Boatshed." Each year, from October through May, Ian travelled tirelessly to bring the joy of sailing to schools across Victoria, introducing more than 100,000 young people to the sport.
Beyond the numbers, he trained hundreds of instructors, sharing knowledge and a spirit of warmth and inclusivity that made him a friend and mentor to all. Known as the "encyclopedia" of Victorian sailing, Ian was cherished for his deep expertise and ability to make everyone feel welcome.
Numerous achievements marked Ian's career. In the early 2000s, he was chosen by the International Sailing Federation to establish sailing programs in Ecuador and the Cayman Islands. He was instrumental in developing the Boating Safety 4 Kids program with Marine Safety Victoria. He taught at Woorabinda School Camp for 20 years, was principal trainer at MLC Gippsland for eight years, and significantly contributed to Sail Melbourne and other major regattas. His passion, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to sailing created a legacy that will continue to shape Victorian sailing for generations.
Wallie's wake was held yesterday, with many from the sailing community in attendance. Our hearts go out to Ian's family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.
