#RYANI - Richard Honeyford has been appointed as the new full-time chief operating officer of the RYA Northern Ireland.
Previously performance manager for the RYANI for the last 11 years, Honeyford “has played an integral role in the organisation” during a period when Northern Ireland sailors have garnered more than 15 medals in international competition.
Among his achievements is overseeing the doubling in size of the Youth Championships in Northern Ireland, while he also coached at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Honeyford also brings a wealth of experience from his own sailing background to the role, from his start in the Mirror class before graduating to Toppers and Lasers, which gives him “a solid understanding of the pressures young sailors experience”, according to a statement by the RYANI.
The post, which is supported by Sport NI under the Sporting Clubs Sporting Winners Programme, will see Honeyford lead on the RYANI’s new Strategic Plan and increase engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
“This is a major step change for us to be able to fund a full-time chief operating officer for RYA Northern Ireland.” said RYANI board chair Sheela Lewis.
“I believe it is an endorsement by Sport NI and the RYA, recognising the progressive developments made by the organisation to date. Richard has already played an integral part in this, creating the Strategic Plan, and he is ready for the challenge ahead.”
