| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | David John Oliver Forbes |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Born | 26 January 1934 |
| Died | 21 May 2022 (aged 88)[1] Sydney, Australia |
| Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 100 kg (220 lb) |
| Sailing career | |
| Class(es) | Star, Soling, 5.5 Metre |
David John Oliver Forbes OAM (26 January 1934 – 21 May 2022) was an Australian sailor who competed for his country at three Olympics from 1968 to 1976. Forbes won an Olympic gold medal in the Star Class at Munich 1972 alongside John Anderson OAM. His sailing career spanned over 20 years and included a 5.5m World Championship in 1970, a Sydney to Hobart race in 1974, and ten Australian championships in the Star, 5.5m, Soling, and Etchells classes. He represented Australia at three Olympic Games – 1968 Mexico City, 1972 Munich, and 1976 Montreal, and was a member of two America’s Cup challenges. He was a part of the ‘Gretel II’ crew in the 1970 America’s Cup and was relief helmsman in the 1977 America’s Cup.
John Bertrand AO says of Forbes: “He was the most naturally gifted sailor I ever met. His career both in sport and business is one of celebration. He was an Olympic gold medalist in 1972 when there was no coaching and very limited support, he took on the world’s best and got the job done.”[2]
- ^ Australian Olympic sailing champion Forbes dies at 88 Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ Eight Bells: David Forbes Retrieved 7 June 2022.