Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK's top yacht club, overseeing regattas and managing high-end hospitality.
- Company: The Royal Yacht Squadron, a prestigious yacht club with a rich history.
- Benefits: Influential role with significant status in yachting circles and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a historic organisation and make an impact in the world of yacht racing.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and managerial skills; yachting enthusiasm is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on relationship building and strategic governance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Broad and senior role acting as Chief Executive of the UK’s foremost yacht club. The Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) is the most prestigious yacht club in the United Kingdom, with its clubhouse located in the Grade 2* listed Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight. As a club owned and run by its members for its members, it runs a busy annual programme of high-level national and international regattas, and it is a major force in yacht racing. The RYS is Challenger of Record for the next America’s Cup.
The current Secretary will be retiring from Summer 2026 after long and distinguished service, leaving the RYS as a well-run and financially stable organisation with a well-established membership base. Leading a small management team and responsible to the Committee through the Flag Officers, this is a wide-ranging role. Responsibilities range from overseeing regattas and cruises to maintaining high-end accommodation in the Castle, and operating it as a significant hospitality venue. Maintaining a wide range of relationships at the most senior levels (e.g. with the Royal Navy) is a key part of the role.
Applicants will need proven managerial, leadership and strategic skills, with demonstrated ability as leader of a small and specialist team. An enthusiasm for the sea and yachting is desirable, but personal sailing experience and knowledge is not essential. An ability to understand the governance implications of a membership organisation is, however, important.
The successful candidate will be a commercially astute self-starter, highly organised and with a focus on leadership and delivery. Sophisticated relationship skills are essential - she/he will need to be tactful and diplomatic, dealing with members who have high expectations, and able to move an agenda forward in an inclusive and consultative manner.
This is a broad and influential leadership role in an historic and internationally respected yacht club. The Secretary enjoys considerable status within yachting circles, especially with the Isle of Wight yachting community. It is a role full of interest and challenge for the right candidate.
The closing date for applications is Monday 2nd February 2026.
Secretary, The Royal Yacht Squadron in Isle of Wight employer: The Royal Yacht Squadron
Contact Detail:
The Royal Yacht Squadron Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Secretary, The Royal Yacht Squadron in Isle of Wight
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the yachting community. Attend events, join clubs, or even just chat with folks at your local marina. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the sea! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or members of the Royal Yacht Squadron, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share stories about your experiences, even if they're not sailing-related; it shows you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club's history and its role in yacht racing. Knowing the ins and outs of the Royal Yacht Squadron will impress them and show that you're serious about the position. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It makes it easier for us to keep track of candidates and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Secretary, The Royal Yacht Squadron in Isle of Wight
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to highlight your managerial and leadership experience in your application. We want to see how you've led teams and driven results, so share specific examples that showcase your strategic skills.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We’re looking for candidates who understand the unique nature of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Make your application personal by aligning your experiences with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Demonstrate Relationship Management: Since this role involves maintaining high-level relationships, it’s crucial to illustrate your relationship-building skills. Share instances where you’ve successfully navigated complex interactions, especially in a membership or hospitality context.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Yacht Squadron
✨Know Your Yacht Club History
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Yacht Squadron's history and its significance in the yachting community. Understanding its traditions and values will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your managerial and leadership skills. Think about times when you've led a team or managed a project successfully, especially in high-pressure environments. This will highlight your capability to lead the small management team effectively.
✨Showcase Relationship Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Given the importance of dealing with members who have high expectations, share instances where you've navigated complex interpersonal dynamics with tact and diplomacy.
✨Understand Governance Implications
Brush up on the governance aspects of membership organisations. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach governance issues at the RYS, demonstrating your understanding of the responsibilities that come with such a role.