Meet the Leadership Team
Meet some of the people behind the RYA and find out what we do
Sara Sutcliffe MBE
Sara joined the RYA in January 2022 and is an experienced senior sports administrator with a legal background. She has over 20 years’ executive experience in the sports sector firstly at the British Olympic Association and then as CEO at Table Tennis England. Sara leads an active life enjoying pursuits such as sailing and skiing with her family
Dave Strain
Dave provides managerial direction for the central administration and support functions. He also acts as a Board Director and Company Secretary. Since joining the RYA, he learned to dinghy sail and windsurf, and gained his Powerboat Level 2 qualification. Away from work, he is likely to be found walking or cycling.
Sarah Marshall
Sarah is a first-class marketeer with responsibility for brand, communications, digital, membership, insights, RYA Magazine and partnerships. She spent 10 years at The FA as Senior Venue Marketing Manager for St. George’s Park and Wembley Stadium, and enjoys sailing with her family at her local club.
Richard Falk FRIN
Richard looks after the leisure and small commercial vessel training network, along with the publications department that supports it. A very experienced cruising and racing sailor, he has extensive knowledge of the small commercial vessel sector and all forms of boating.
Nick Scott
Nick leads the new Sport Department, broadening participation and strengthening pathways across sailing. His remit covers UK sail racing, youth and junior pathways, and grassroots participation. As a lifelong sailor with Olympic experience in triathlon and rowing, Nick brings deep expertise supporting clubs and individuals from their first experience to lifelong enjoyment.
James Stuart
James leads the new Corporate Affairs Department, strengthening the RYA’s strategic, governance, regulatory and environmental work. A former RYA Director of Legal and Chief Executive in Wales and Scotland, he brings strong leadership experience. James remains an active sailor, involved in racing, instructing and volunteering.
Mark Robinson MBE
Mark has more than 35 years’ experience in sailing as a competitor, coach and Olympic/Paralympic team manager. At Tokyo 2020, he led the most successful Olympics for our British sailors since Beijing 2008.
