An IYRU Permanent Committee Member from 1973-1990 Otto represented the interests of German sailing for eighteen years at the highest level of the sport.

From 1965-1984, Otto was the organizer of the renowned Kiel Week, a significant regatta including all the Olympic classes, alongside many other international and national classes. Otto became chairman of the Kiel Yacht Club from 1974-1983, and was honoured as a lifetime Commodore upon his retirement.

Always involved in Olympic sailing, Otto competed internationally for more than thirty years primarily in the Star Class, and was the German team leader for the 1976 Olympic Games in Kingston, Canada. Building on that position, he became an advisor to the IYRU for the 1988 Olympic Games in Pusan, Korea.

Vice-President of the Deutscher Segler-Verband from 1969-1977, Otto was awarded the title of Honorary Member in 1990.