Nils Bllumann
Nils has been a member of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club for over 50 years. He purchased his first (of nine) flying fifteen in the 1960’s, and was immediately hooked.
A talented helmsman, he won the first of his 3 State Championships in 1970, following up with wins in 1972 and 1975.
Over those years he made a significant contribution to the administration and on water sailing at his own Club and was recognised by being awarded life membership of EBYC in the 1970’s.
During the 1970s and 1980s Nils served regularly on FFIWA Committees and was elected to Life Membership of FFIWA in 1982 for his contribution.
And who would forget his epic trip of sailing his flying fifteen from Esperance to Perth in 1991, whereby promoting the class.
Nils has served with distinction in the administration of FFIA over the years. He was elected president in 1993 and served a 3 year term to 1995. During this time he secured Australia’s entitlement to hold a World Championship at Esperance. And it was Nils who, 4 years later, organised the event now heralded as the greatest Worlds ever held.
Not satisfied with that, he offered himself for a further term as president of FFIA for 2 years from 2002 to 2003 .
Nils has been an ardent supporter of FF International events, possibly more than any other Australian, representing Australia at 11 of the 17 worlds held to date.
iIn 2004 Nils was elected to the position of Commodore Flying Fifteen International, the first non British Commodore ever to be elected, an appointment which in itself brings great credit to the Australian Association.