Meet Jess Penny- RYA Northern Ireland’s Development Officer

RYA Northern Ireland are delighted to announce the appointment of Jess Penney as Development Officer.

Jess joins the team on a part-time basis of 17.5 hours per week and her work will have a specific focus on the goals of ‘Reimagined Pathways” and “Increasing Diversity” as outlined in our five-year strategy, Navigating The Future.  

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Holywood, Northern Ireland and I am a member of Holywood Yacht Club where I’ve sailed dinghies for years, but most recently I am loving learning to windsurf! I am a mum of two girls who I can’t wait to teach to sail and a dog mum to lazy labrador called Arnie.  I have a masters in Business Development, an undergraduate degree in Sports Coaching and Performance and over the past few years I have worked with lots of clubs and organisations in the sport development field. I’m super excited to join the RYANI team and I can’t wait to get out on the road meeting water sports enthusiasts like myself across the country.

How would your friends describe you?

I would imagine they would describe me as a busy mum who always has her hands full and can usually be found running around after a crazy toddler! But I hope they would say I’m always up for a chat and a cup of tea.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

My perfect day would involve a big family walk with my husband, girls and ‘pupper’. Most likely a windsurf (preferably a steady 20 knots if I could pick), followed by a pizza takeaway and an episode of whatever series I’m currently binging!

 Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

I used to work in personal training for a few years before I graduated from Uni and so I love all things fitness and I love nothing more than getting up early to squeeze in a gym session or a run before my daughters wake up!

 What will you bring to the team?

Over the years I have raced ILCAs on the Irish circuit and internationally. I have also coached Toppers with the RYANI Junior Squad, raced the Irish and UK RS400 circuit, and most recently learnt to windsurf so I feel I have a wide understanding of different parts of the sailing world in Northern Ireland. I am super passionate about being active and getting outside to enjoy the beautiful bodies of water we have right here on our doorstep in Northern Ireland and I can’t wait to help others get involved with sailing.

If you have any questions which relate to Jess's role as Development Officer, you can get in touch by emailing jessica.penney@rya.org.uk