Major role developments at RS Sailing

Jon Partridge, Martin Wadhams & Alex Southon © RS Sailing

With effect from 1st December, Alex Southon and Jon Partridge have been promoted to the roles of joint Managing Directors of RS Sailing, with responsibilities for the Technical and Commercial sides of running and building the company. Martin Wadhams will take on the role of Chairman and focus on broader aspects of achieving the company's goals.

Alex and Jon have close to 40 combined years of experience within RS and both have been company directors and shareholders for a number of years. Their unparalleled passion, ideas and experience give RS great strength for the next exciting chapter, building on their ever expanding roles over recent years.

For Martin this presents the chance to take a step back, spend less time in the office and support the next generation in continuing the spread of RS sailing around the globe. He points out, "I'm fortunate to have Alex and Jon, backed up our great, long-standing, team to take it forward - better than ever. Our team have characterised RS, helping us win sailing customers and friends and build a very special international dealer network with the same RS enthusiasm."

2014 has seen record RS sales, with boats delivered to more countries than ever before and the launch of two important models in very different parts of the sport. The RS Venture Keel with its Sailability options brings opportunities and RS sailing to a whole new group. The game-changing, ultralight, RS Aero single-hander is almost literally taking off, with hundreds of boats ordered within the first six months.

It is twenty years since RS was launched, first on the UK sailing scene and then onto the world stage. From roots in performance racing classes, RS then developed a training and recreational range. Over the years many RS sailors have met, married and had children who are now sailing in their own RS boats – quite an impact on many people's lives. "The widespread RS family is amazing and we are proud to have been part of creating it and feel a great responsibility in taking it forward" says Jon. Alex adds "I honestly cannot tell you how excited we are about our new challenge, our plans and the future of RS Sailing."

You can see full details of the RS range and international dealer network at www.RSsailing.com