Eight Bells: Line Markert

World Sailing Vice President Line Markert, her partner Andreas Christensen, and their son died returning from a ski trip following an incident in their private plane shortly after take-off in Switzerland on March 17, 2025. She would have turned 49 on March 19.

Line served as President of the Danish Sailing Association from 2017 until 2024, and a Board Member for three years prior to her appointment. She was a partner at a leading law firm in Denmark since 2011, Line was recently appointed Chair of the Board and had been mentioned in the IFLR1000 (International Financial Law Review) two years in succession, as well as the Legal 500 (EMEA).

She was also a Board Member at the Foundation Aarhus International Sailing Centre and also served as a Delegate at the Danish Mission to the UN during the Danish EU Presidency in 2002.

“This is a terrible day for our sport,” noted David Graham, World Sailing CEO. “Line was an exceptional person, humble, selfless and extremely competent. Her contribution to sailing, both at home in Denmark, and within World Sailing were significant.

“Those who worked with Line will remember an individual who wore her considerable expertise and authority lightly. A lady who was committed to working collegiately with others in the best interests of sailing, Line will be missed enormously.”

To read her Vice President application, click here.