United States

Super Yacht Racing Association

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">Superyacht Racing Association (SYRA)</a> has announced the appointment of Tony Rey as its new President, succeeding Kate Branagh, who has overseen the growth of superyacht racing for more than a decade.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385341/image/large-c90606b07829e3dbad3c66f1f9f89f4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385341">A highly respected tactician, Rey brings over 30 years of experience at the highest levels of competitive sailing. His career includes multiple world and national championships, participation in three America’s Cup campaigns and a key figure across the Maxi, J Class, and superyacht racing circuits. Along his new position, Rey continues to serve as Superyacht and Grand Prix leader at North Sails, having also been a member of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a>’s Executive Committee for the past two years.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a> Manager Shirley Robertson commented on the appointment: "We are delighted to announce Tony Rey as the next President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">Superyacht Racing Association</a>. Tony brings a real wealth of experience in lots of roles, as a high-level professional sailor, project manager and industry professional. But more than that, he brings passion and an infectious enthusiasm for the wonder that is Superyacht racing. I’m sure Tony will expertly help steer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a> into the future."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385340/image/large-258a051bd279c36c74e8a96a8e7b9fa5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385340">Rey expressed his enthusiasm for the role, noting his long-standing experience in the industry: &nbsp; “[Over] the last 15 years, I've been fortunate to race on some incredible superyachts. I’ve seen how the regattas have evolved, how the fleets have grown, how ensuring safe and fair racing has become paramount, and I want to continue to be part of the solution as Superyacht racing takes the next step. I’m really proud to be involved with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a>, to be working with Shirley and the team, and look forward to shaping the future of superyacht racing and regatta participation.” Looking ahead, Rey underscored <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a>’s significance in increasing participation, the success of superyacht racing events, and strengthening community-building within the sailing superyacht sector. “Whatever we can do to ignite enthusiasm for the sport of superyacht racing, to continue to legitimise it, to provide structure and to get a wider variety of yachts on the start line, I’m all for it,” he added. The 2026 superyacht racing season is set to begin next month in the Caribbean with the Antigua Superyacht Challenge, followed by the St Barth’s Bucket.&nbsp;

Tony Rey appointed President of the Superyacht Racing Association

Tony Rey appointed President of the Superyacht Racing Association, succeeding Kate Branagh, ahead of the 2026 superyacht racing season. 

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">Super Yacht Racing Association (SYRA)</a> has announced the appointment of Shirley Robertson as the new Manager of the association. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303766/image/large-1c3f9c01a27e0e66335afbe1c2ee0360.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303766">Shirley Robertson OBE brings a wealth of experience and success in the sport, making history by becoming the first British woman to win Olympic Gold Medals at consecutive Olympic Games.With a reputation for a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Shirley will bring a valuable perspective and new energy to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">Super Yacht Racing Association</a>. "We are delighted to have Shirley assume the role of Manager of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a>, taking the lead of an organisation that is essential to superyacht racing,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a> Chairperson Kate Branagh.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a> is a non-profit organisation established in May 2011, offering membership to superyacht owners (or owner’s representatives) who participate in superyacht regattas, superyacht event organisers, and superyacht industry related companies.The mission of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SuperYacht Racing Association</a> is to enhance the enjoyment of superyacht owners, by pursuing all possible measures to ensure safe and fair racing along with meaningful competition.“The last decade saw many crucial areas addressed to enhance safe sailing and fair racing in this unique segment of sailboat racing. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a>’s priorities have shifted in recent years to fleet building, achieving more broad-based participation and expanding membership in the association, areas that Shirley will excel in,” added Kate Branagh.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303768/image/large-ac9d776b807d80170a7d2e75669b2970.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303768">Shirley Robertson has been well known in the sailing community for fifteen years as the host of CNN International's flagship sports series CNN Mainsail, the BBC's lead anchor for four Olympic Games sailing venues, as well as presenting coverage from multiple regattas, including the America’s Cup.“I am particularly excited in my new role with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a>. &nbsp;Yacht racing is a lifelong passion of mine, and the superyacht series has been one of our sport's shining lights for some time,” commented Shirley Robertson.Robinson has more recently been managing a prestigious two boat six-metre campaign, and has also spent two seasons competing on the double handed offshore circuit. This has included second place in a tightly contested Rolex Fastnet Race and one of the longest weather affected Round Britain and Ireland races ever held.“My relationship with racing superyachts goes back to my time racing with the SYRA founders Ed Dubois and Barry Houghton, and it's wonderful to now be carrying on their original vision,” added Shirley Robinson.&nbsp;Shirely Robinson will take up this part-time role with immediate effect to help strengthen the mission at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a> to advance and grow superyacht racing. “Expanding on the excellent work already done by the team at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super Yacht Racing Association (Company)">SYRA</a> while helping grow our membership at this exciting time in our sport is something I am really looking forward to,” concluded Robinson.&nbsp;

Shirley Robertson appointed as Manager of the Super Yacht Racing Association

The Super Yacht Racing Association (SYRA) has announced the appointment of Shirley Robertson as the new Manager of the association. 