New Chief Executive maps out future of UK Sailing Academy

In a new and exciting change in management, an experienced team led by Jon Ely is looking forward to the challenges of moving the UKSA forward in a constantly growing and developing industry. With over 40 years of UKSA experience between them, Chief Executive Jon Ely and his management team, Director of Finance Erica Coldwell and Director of Operations Tim Hughes have the knowledge and expertise to lead the organisation to a bright future.

Jon comments, “I feel privileged to be invited to take responsibility for such a successful and dynamic organisation. Together with the UKSA Team, we will focus on working in the community maximising charitable activities and providing the best possible training for maritime careers.”

In recent years Jon has been responsible for the development of the organisation, in the role of Development Director. He has worked in the maritime sector all his life, starting his career at the age of 16 with P&O. He went on to qualify as a Deck Officer and subsequently gained an honours degree in Nautical Studies. Consequently Jon instructed and managed watersports and yachting centres before moving to UKSA as RYA Principal and Development Director.

A key member of Jon’s team is Erica, Director of Finance and Human Resources, who has been at the UKSA since it’s foundation in 1987. Working alongside Jon and responsible for the financial steerage of the Academy, Erica has seen the organisation grow from humble beginnings and is continually enthused by the challenges and constant development undertaken by the organisation.

Tim Hughes came to the UKSA as a Leisure Management Trainee in 1992, after gaining his qualifications he worked and managed high performance watersports centres around the world and gained a huge amount of yachting experience both in the Med and the Caribbean. He returned to UKSA to take up the position of General Manager in 2000 where his broad knowledge base was put to good use managing the UKSA and its 200+ staff on a daily basis and overseeing the quality and delivery of all its courses.

Commenting on the Academy’s future Jon says: “I am passionate about the benefits and opportunities the marine environment has to offer to young people, everyone at the Academy is committed to providing top quality training for individuals of all abilities and continuing to consolidate and develop the organisation’s international reputation within the maritime community.”

Further information

Jon Ely
Chief Executive - United Kingdom Sailing Academy
01983 294941
jon.ely@uksa.org