Leadership transition for Sailing Raceboats, RS Sailing's distributor in Australia

Rhett Gowans racing an RS Aero © Christopher Visick

After 15 years at the helm of Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd, Tom Pearce is stepping back from day-to-day operations, appointing Rhett Gowans as the new Managing Director.

Since its inception in 2011, Sailing Raceboats has been instrumental in supplying RS Sailing dinghies and equipment to clubs and communities across Australia. Under Tom's leadership, the company has grown into a trusted provider of high-performance training and racing boats, as well as an efficient distributor of RS Sailing parts, and sailing apparel as Rooster's Australian distribution partner.

The company has also played a pivotal role in developing the Australian sailing scene. The RS Quest has become the training boat of choice for many clubs nationwide, with RS Sailing boats now a familiar sight on waters in every state. In recent developments, a new joint initiative between Sailing Raceboats and Australian Sailing has designated the RS Feva as a key class for female and junior training and racing, further reinforcing the brand's growing presence.

As the company enters its next chapter, Tom remains an integral part of the business, as Rhett Gowans takes on the Managing Director title. Rhett brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Sailing Raceboats' Operations Manager for over seven years. Before joining the company in January 2018, Rhett built a strong reputation in the sailing community through coaching roles with the Victorian Institute of Sport and Toorak College. Alongside his many achievements as an athlete, in his coaching career, Rhett's accolades include Coach of the Year 2024 at the Australian Sailing Victorian Awards.

Rhett will be leading a team of familiar faces; his brother Tyrone Gowans, who will oversee day-to-day operations, and Greg Pearce, who manages administration. Together, the team is set to guide Sailing Raceboats through a new phase of strategic growth and innovation.

"Through Tom's generosity, the RS brand has grown over the last 15 years, allowing it to flourish in Australia. Whilst Tom is stepping away from day-to-day operations, he still remains a key element in what we do at Sailing Raceboats," Rhett commented. "It's a great privilege to be appointed Managing Director of the company and it is an honour to be able to lead the team through the next stages of Sailing Raceboats business development, ably assisted by Tyrone and Greg."

Rhet adds: "I've been fortunate enough to have some great mentors over the last seven years in Tom Pearce and Richard Furneaux who have been able to lay great foundations for RS boats in Australia. I thank them both deeply and I look forward to continuing the company's growth."

Jon Partridge, Managing Director of RS Sailing, praised the contributions of the outgoing and incoming leaders:

"Tom Pearce has been a true pioneer for RS Sailing in Australia. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have laid a strong foundation for RS in this region. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done. We're also excited to welcome Rhett into his new role. Having worked closely with the team over the years, we've seen first-hand the incredible work Sailing Raceboats has achieved. We look forward to supporting Rhett and the team as they take the business - and RS Sailing in Australia - into an exciting future."

With a renewed leadership and a clear vision, Sailing Raceboats is well-positioned to continue its legacy of promoting high-quality, accessible sailing products across Australia.