World Sailing Announce Three Irish Race Official Appointments
Irish Sailing is delighted to share three recent appointments by World Sailing, recognising the dedication and expertise of members of our sailing community.
Nigel Biggs, a member of both Howth Yacht Club & the Royal Irish Yacht Club, has recently been appointed as an International Race Officer. This recognition reflects not only his decades of sailing success but also his commitment to giving back to the sport. With over 40 years of competitive racing experience—from dinghies to superyachts—Nigel has competed at the highest international levels.
Over recent months, Nigel has been involved in running the racing at diverse events from Optimists at the Orange Bowl Youth Regatta (Miami) to the Finn Europeans (Naples) and the inaugural North Sound Maxi Regatta (BVI). The remainder of 2025 will be equally busy for Nigel as he heads to Greece for the 49er Europeans, Cascais for the TP52 World Championships and Cowes for the Admiral’s Cup, whilst also fitting in a visit to Lough Ree for the Optimist Nationals.
Olive Parker, a dedicated member of Skerries Sailing Club, has been recognised as an International Measurer by World Sailing. Olive’s sailing journey began in Optimists at the age of eight, building her first boat with her father. She went on to race GP14s nationally and internationally before stepping back to raise her daughters—introducing them to the Optimist class along the way.
Her interest in measurement was sparked during an Optimist World Championship where her daughter was competing. That curiosity led to her joining the Technical Committee of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) in 2015, later becoming Chair in 2018. In 2024, Olive passed her International Measurer exam and officially received IM status in early 2025. Passionate about class rules and equipment compliance, Olive continues to educate and support sailors around the world. Her role allows her the unique privilege of meeting every sailor at international events—a responsibility she embraces with enthusiasm and pride.
Ed Totterdell, of the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, has also been appointed as an International Race Officer. Ed has sailed since childhood, competing in Mirror Dinghies, 420s, Cruisers 1 and 2, and Flying Fifteens over many decades.
A National Mark Layer for many years who co-wrote the Irish Sailing Mark Layer Course, Ed transitioned from mark laying to race management in recent years. His work has taken him to the USA, UK, Sweden, Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, alongside extensive involvement in Ireland. Currently PRO of Dublin Bay Sailing Club, Ed recently led the revision of the Irish Sailing Local Race Officer Course and is now reviewing the Regional and National Courses. With a packed 2025 already underway—including events in Key West, Pula, the Irish Youth Nationals, and the 1720 Europeans—Ed’s summer will be equally busy with VDLR, the ILCA Under 21 Worlds, and the World Match Racing Tour stopover in Ireland, all while cruising to France.
We look forward to following Nigel’s, Olive’s and Ed’s continued contributions to the sport and congratulate all three on their well-deserved appointments.