Campbell-James takes RYA Competitions reins
by Karenza Morton, RYA 30 Jul 2008 23:12 BST
David Campbell-James has replaced Rob Andrews as the RYA Competitions Manager following Andrews’ appointment as the London 2012 Organising Committee’s Sport Competition Manager for Sailing.
Andrews had spearheaded the RYA’s World Class Events strategy since 2005 and through Campbell-James’ role as RYA Race Officials Education Officer and Principal Race Officer, the pair had worked closely together in ensuring Britain attracts and runs top class international regattas as well as the whole range of domestic events.
Campbell-James’ first event at the RYA Competitions helm will be the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 September, which will mark the homecoming of Britain’s sailing team from Beijing.
He admits is relishing the challenge of picking up the baton and keeping Britain at the forefront of World Class event delivery in the build-up to 2012 and beyond.
Campbell-James said: “I am really looking forward to continuing the work Rob has done to ensure Britain has the capacity and skills to host World Class sailing events now and in the future.
“The whole Events set-up has become increasingly professional and we are working constantly to train and up-skill the huge team of race officers, judges, umpires, safety officers, admin staff and volunteers we use to become an ever more efficient unit.
“With Rob’s appointment as 2012 Competition Manager for Sailing, I am looking forward to continuing our relationship to bring the best Olympic regatta we possibly can to Weymouth and Portland while creating a lasting legacy of World Class events delivery throughout the country.”
Having represented Britain in the Tornado at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Campbell-James goes to Beijing 2008 as one of the International Technical Officers supporting and advising the Chinese race management team.
He has been both Treasurer of the International Tornado Association and President of UK International Optimist Class and been heavily involved in organising and managing top class international and domestic Team and Match Racing events.
John Derbyshire, RYA Racing Manager/Performance Director said: “Over the past few years we have made great strides in putting Britain at the forefront of event delivery and race management. David has played a key role in this progression and his knowledge and contacts throughout the UK and the World are unrivalled making him, I believe, the perfect person to build on Rob’s success.”
In his new role with LOCOG, Andrews will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the 2012 sailing competition at WPNSA.