Falk takes Helm as Chief Cruising Instructor

by Emma Slater on 12 Jan 2010 The RYA is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Falk, who will take up the position of Chief Cruising Instructor in February. Richard replaces the outgoing Simon Jinks, who is leaving after five years in the role.

Originally from Australia, Richard has been living in the UK for five years and is an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and Examiner. He has been Principal of an RYA training centre, so is well versed in the challenges that instructors and Principals face.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: 'I’m delighted to be appointed to such a prestigious role and I’m relishing the challenges that this position will obviously provide. I’m particularly excited to be working on refining and improving what is already recognised worldwide as a top class training programme.'

Richard is also a very experienced cruising and racing sailor, having skippered the Singapore entry for the Clipper Ventures Round the World Race. He is also highly qualified in the commercial motor boating world and in addition to this; he has a strong business background, having worked for large retail corporations in Australia over the years.

In his position as Chief Cruising Instructor, he will be responsible for ensuring that the RYA’s Sail cruising practical and shorebased courses are correctly implemented and run at RYA training centres in addition to refining the existing curriculum.

For more information about RYA Training, visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk.