Mark Rudiger

Mark Rudiger, one of the world's greatest offshore navigators and a veteran of three Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Races, has died aged 53.

Rudiger was recently hospitalized at Kaiser Hospital in California following complications due to a relapse of cancer. He was first stricken with lymphoma in 2004 but recovered to continue his career.

In a highly-successful round-the-world sailing career, ‘Rudi’ guided Paul Cayard's EF Language to victory in the 1997-98 Whitbread and was second as co-skipper on Assa Abloy in the 2001-02 Volvo.

In 2005-06 he joined Ericsson for legs 6 and 7. His resume also includes 14 Transpacs, two Sydney-Hobarts, Transatlantics and a variety of smaller offshore races. He also has sailed regularly on various ocean racers, including Sayonara, Pegasus and Genuine Risk.

Rudiger is survived by his wife Lori and his son Zayle.