Today, our dear friend Miki has tacked toward his final harbor.
One of the very first Laser sailors of former Yugoslavia, Miki dedicated his entire life to sailing. After competing for many years for Serbia, he became the Serbian National Team coach, inspiring and mentoring hundreds of young sailors. For years, he dedicated his life to developing Serbia’s finest sailors. Above all, he was a devoted partner to his beloved Tanja and a proud father of Aleksandar and Marko, who both followed in his steps as ILCA sailors.
I had the privilege of sharing more than 30 years with Miki —first as competitors on the same race courses, and later as fellow coaches. In 2018, Miki and I started the EurILCA Solidarity Programme together with Tanja. Since then, thanks to his passion, generosity, and tireless support, nearly 150 young sailors have had the opportunity to participate in ILCA European championships. For six years, he coached on the water, found boats for sailors who had none, solved every problem on shore, and every evening he prepared us the most amazing BBQs.
But medals and achievements tell only a small part of who Miki was. If your coach boat wouldn’t start, if your minibus battery died, or if you simply needed a helping hand, Miki would always be the first to arrive—with his unforgettable smile, ready to help without ever expecting anything in return. That was simply who he was.
The sailing world has lost not only a remarkable sailor and coach, but one of the kindest, most generous people you could ever hope to meet. His legacy lives on in every sailor he coached, every friend he helped, and every life he touched.
May your soul find peace upon the seas you loved so much. In your new harbour, start preparing the boats and coaching new sailors. One day, each of us will tack one last time and sail into the same harbour, where I’m sure you’ll be waiting for us with that familiar smile.
Fair winds and following seas, my dear friend. You will always be with us.
Burcu Algon Giorgianni
EurILCA Solidarity Programme