Eckart WAGNER

Eckart Wagner from Kieler Yacht-Club was the brother of Olympic sailors Norbert and the father of Kristin Wagner. He started in 1960 and 1964 for the Unified German Olympic team, as well as 1968 and 1972 (as an alternate) for the West German team. He also qualified for the 1980 Games, but was unable to compete due to the US-led boycott. In 1960, due to illness, he was replaced in some races by Karsten Meyer. Wagner’s best result was fifth place in the 5.5 metres class in 1964. He was a World Champion in 1974 in the ½-ton-class and in 1977 in the 2-ton-class.

By profession Wagner was a manager and president of the North Sails Group, one of the leading sail producers in the world. He later built up the AeroSail program of Mercedes Benz with the aim to start a boat in the America’s Cup. At the age of 65 he died from a stroke.