A conversation with Ben Willows, the new CEO of RS Marine Group

Ben Willows and son Taylor in an RS800 © RS Marine Group

There are some people whose passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it's woven into their DNA. Ben Willows is one of those people.

Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group in June 2025, Ben brings not just leadership expertise to the role, but a lifelong, lived love of the sport - and of RS Sailing boats in particular.

We caught up with Ben during his first month in the new role. Over coffee, he shared stories of sailing adventures, family regattas, and his vision for the future of RS Marine Group.

Ben Willows - photo © RS Marine Group

So, Ben, tell us - how did your love of the sport begin?

"It started with an RS200, back in 1997 at Northampton Sailing Club - my home club growing up. Before that I'd spent a lot of time in National 12's and in the GBR Youth Squads, sailing Laser 2s. But when that chapter ended, I moved naturally into the RS scene. I fell hard for the RS600 and spent years sailing them, doing the EuroCups, loving every minute."

You've clearly done your miles on the water. What came next?

"I moved to Australia in '99, where I sailed 18-foot Skiffs and did a lot of big boat sailing professionally. When I came back to the UK, I jumped back into RS800s and RS700s, getting back into the UK and European circuits. Then my partner - my now wife - Gail wanted to get back into sailing, so we got an RS400 and raced together for a while."

Sailing as a family must bring a whole new dimension to it?

"Completely. When Gail was pregnant with our first son, Taylor, she stepped back, and I returned to single-handed sailing in the RS700 for a while. As the kids got older, we became RS Tera parents. Taylor really took to it. We did all the Nationals, the Regionals, everything. And what's lovely is that he really wanted to crew, not necessarily move into the single-handed stuff, he loved sailing with his friends in RS Fevas. There was this lovely moment, when he said 'actually, Dad, I really want to sail with you'.

We got an RS500 when he outgrew the RS Feva - and we even did the Worlds together. Now that he's 16 and taller than me, we've upgraded to the RS800. So, it's been a full-circle journey, from solo sailing to sailing as a family."

It sounds like RS boats have been at the heart of your life for decades. What makes the brand so special to you?

"Three things stand out. First, the boats themselves - RS makes really great products. Whether it's an RS Zest for a child just starting out, or an RS800 for top-tier racing, they're well-designed, fun to sail, and built to last.

Second, the one-design ethos. It's not about who has the most money - it's about who sails best. That creates a level playing field and makes racing fair and fun.

But more than that, it's the community. When you turn up at an RS Nationals event, it's not just a regatta - it's an experience. It feels like you're part of something bigger. There's a family vibe, no matter what your age, 8 to 80! RS has captured that magic and kept it consistent across every class."

It must be pretty special to now be leading across the brands?

"Absolutely. My previous work at UKSA was always about leadership and strategy, rather than day-to-day sailing. I always protected my time on the water as sacred. And for me, that time has always involved RS boats. So, when the opportunity came up to work at RS Marine Group, it felt like a natural next step."

What's your vision for the future of RS Marine Group?

"RS is a brand of participation. Our mission? To enable access to the water through brilliant products. Whether that's a group of school kids in an RS Quest to a 70-year-old attending a Masters, a sailing school needing a zero-emissions RS Pulse 63, or commercial fishermen needing a Cheetah Marine powercat - we want to support that full journey. No other boat builder really does that across such a spectrum. That's our superpower.

Looking ahead, two things are key. One: improving participation, access and service for all our customers. Two: continuing to support this marine ecosystem - a passionate community of people who love being on the water. That's what we want to champion across the whole group."

You're joining at an exciting time of growth for the RS Marine Group

"Yes! It's not just RS Sailing anymore - it's now three businesses: RS Sailing, RS Electric Boats, and Cheetah Marine. Jon and Alex, who've led the charge for over 30 years, are incredible. My role is about structuring the group for the future. Jon and Alex continue to lead in their areas of expertise, and I'm thrilled to join and be working alongside them to take the group forward."

Final thoughts?

"RS Marine Group isn't just about boats - it's about fun, participation, and a lifelong connection to the water. That's what makes it so special. And it's what I want to help grow and protect as CEO."

At RS Marine Group, the future of on-the-water products is clearly at an exciting stage of growth. And with Ben Willows at the helm, the future looks bright, inclusive, and full of adventure.