RYA Cymru Wales appoints first female chair

The Royal Yachting Association Cymru Wales (RYA CW) has appointed Sian Reynolds as chair of its board.

Reynold’s appointment means she is both the first female chair and also the youngest chair in RYA CW board history. She has been involved with RYA CW for almost 30 years, as captain of the Welsh sailing team, a board member and as chair of the RYA CW south committee.

Chris Munro, RYA CW chief executive, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Sian as the new chair of RYA Cymru Wales. Sian’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable in leading the organisation as we work towards delivering our new strategy. Sian’s appointment was unanimously supported by the RYA Cymru Wales board, and I’m sure will be well received by our key partners and the wider boating community in Wales.”

Reynolds has many national and international racing achievements, most notably finishing top eight in three world championships across three different classes of boat and coming second in the Great Britain Women’s Match Racing Championships. Sian still races regularly and was first female at the Welsh Championships last year.

“All the RYA team look forward to working with Sian and the staff of RYA Cymru Wales to support safe and enjoyable boating in Wales,” says Chris Preston, RYA Chair.

In addition to her competitive achievements, Reynolds is also passionate about performance sailing and has been on the RYA CW performance committee for three years, Reynolds is also an RYA race coach and an RYA regional judge, roles she will continue.

Commenting on her appointment, Reynolds says: “I am proud of RYA CW, its staff and volunteers. Boating has and will continue to play a major role in my life and I am passionate about ensuring that there are opportunities for all of our communities across Wales to get afloat and enjoy the benefits of boating, for generations to come. 

“I am looking forward to working with the RYA, RYA CW and my board colleagues to improve the services we provide, build on the success of the Welsh sailing team, and to meet the future challenges of boating across Wales in my role as chair of RYA CW board.”