Meet the team
In order to achieve our charitable objectives, we employ one of the best-qualified watersports and yachting instructional teams anywhere in the world. Our charity's most valuable asset is our staff, these people and their teams work tirelessly to ensure any visit to the Academy is an inspirational and unforgettable experience.
Heading up the teams who deliver training at UKSA is our experienced team of managers, all of whom share your passion for on-the-water activity, and go to extraordinary measures to deliver the best experience for all our guests and visitors.
Jon Ely BSc (Hons)
Chief Executive
A professional seafarer for the whole of his working life, Jon has been RYA Principal of the Academy for over 10 years. He leads the development of the UKSA, introducing new and innovative training programmes in response to both our customers' and the industry's needs. He is an MCA Class 3 Deck Officer, RYA Dinghy Coach Examiner, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Commercial (sail / power), Sea Survival instructor, RYA Shore based instructor.
Simon Davies
Director of Coaching
As an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Commerical, RYA Dinghy Coach examiner (keelboats / dinghies), advanced dinghy and racing instructor, as well as Powerboat Trainer, Simon uses his exceptional knowledge of our industry and his considerable expertise to ensure the quality of service to our students.
Jeremy Waitt
Schools, Groups and Youth Careers Manager
Jeremy has over 10 years experience teaching and coaching in watersports and outdoors activities around the globe, bringing a wealth of knowledge, talent and enthusiasm to this role. He's the main contact for all school and youth groups visiting the Academy, and is available for careers talks to give students an insight into watersports and yachting careers. Jeremy is a registered Adventure Licensing Activities Association (ALAA) Inspector, and one of the founding members of the British Kitesurfing Association. He's also a successful regatta skipper, with podium results in key Cowes regattas.
Ben Willows
Yacht Race Academy and Corporate Business Manager
A former youth, national and European racing champion, Ben completed a UKSA graduate course in 1998 before becoming a UKSA Professional Instructor Training course instructor and later course co-ordinator. Having worked his way up through the ranks to become chief instructor and watersports principal, as well as co-ordinating our training activities in Greece and Egypt, Ben heads up the on the water training at the Academy. He is also responsible for developing the GBR Yacht Racing Academy, which supports and trains young people to be champion yacht racers representing the UK on the international yacht racing circuit.
The team at UKSA are all experts in their field, dedicated to ensuring your success and enjoyment of the sport.
Ellen MacArthur