RORC appoints Ben Willows as Sporting Director
by RORC 24 Mar 18:10 GMT
Ben Willows © RS Marine Group
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has announced that Ben Willows will join the Club in April 2026 as its first Sporting Director. This newly created senior role underscores the Club's commitment to excellence across all aspects of its programme.
Willows brings a strong background in leading sailing organisations and youth development, having previously held senior positions as CEO of both the UKSA and RS Sailing. A competitive inshore and offshore sailor, he has raced in several Rolex Fastnet Race as well as numerous RORC races, as well as RS sailing on the UK and European circuits and National 12's in the GBR Youth Squad.
Speaking about his appointment, Ben Willows said: "I am delighted to be joining the Royal Ocean Racing Club as Sporting Director and to have the opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of such an iconic organisation. My passion is sailing; I have raced in the Club's flagship events and experienced firsthand the unique spirit that RORC brings to the sport. Working with the RORC team, our members and partners, I look forward to enhancing and ensuring we continue to lead the way in offshore and inshore sailing."
RORC Commodore Deb Fish welcomed Willows' arrival: "We are delighted to welcome Ben Willows as our first Sporting Director. The new role encompasses racing, rating, partnerships, external relationships, and participation including our very successful youth initiative, the Griffin Offshore pathway. Ben brings proven leadership experience and strong connections across the sailing community from his previous roles and he is a keen sailor with considerable offshore experience. I am confident that the new roles will position RORC well for the challenges of its second century, with the new Sporting Director able to focus on all things sailing, and a new General Manager able to focus on membership, our clubhouses, shoreside activities and running the business."
The enhanced structure comes at a time of continued growth for RORC racing, with strong international participation, a diverse range of events and increasing engagement across both professional and Corinthian teams. From flagship offshore races to inshore series and development pathways, the Club remains at the forefront of the sport.