It is with sadness  that we acknowledge and honour the passing of Ron Given, on 12 March 2023, in Noumea, aged 85.  Ron, a marine designer, was the inspiration behind the Paper Tiger and it's creation 55 years ago.

Tributes to Ron's life can be found on our History page and on YNZ website.

Ron was present at the Paper Tiger Nationals in Maraetai in 2013. At that time the interest in catamaran sailing was high as the first AC72 catamarans were training off Maraetai. He was intereviewed by TV One and that interview is shared here. 

We were also fortunate to have Ron and his wife come over from Noumea for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations in New Plymouth in January 2018, along with several legends of the Class. It was an unforgetable catchup.

 
Article added: Tuesday 21 March 2023