Sydney broker and online insurance innovator Guy Stening has died from septicaemia at the age of 45.

An innovator and pioneer in online commercial insurance, he was CEO of underwriting agencies iconstruct and Deposit Underwriters.

Mr Stening was a world champion sailor and contracted septicaemia after cutting his leg on a barnacle last year.

He worked in broking and underwriting for 25 years, founding Surety & General Brokers, which he sold last year to the Insurance House Group.

His sailing feats included winning the Farr 30 World Championship in 2008 and the Farr 30 Australian Championship in 2008 and 2009.

He is survived by his wife Hillary and two daughters.

A memorial service will be held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on Wednesday at 2pm.