The post, which is supported by Sport NI under the Sporting Clubs Sporting Winners Programme, will see Honeyford lead on the new Strategic Plan and increase engagement with stakeholders to ensure the needs of the boating community are highlighted at all levels.
Working as RYANI Performance Manager for the last 11 years, Honeyford has played an integral role in the organization. He has been at the helm when Northern Ireland sailors have achieved over 15 medals on the World Stage, ranging from junior to senior level. In 2012, he coached at the London Olympics and locally he has also seen the Youth Championships double in size in Northern Ireland.
Honeyford has a strong sailing background, starting out in a Mirror before moving on to race Toppers and Lasers, giving him a solid understanding of the pressures young sailors experience. Over the past 12 months he has led the organisation in the creation of the 2017-2021 Strategic Plan and the successful funding bid to Sport NI. He has worked with governing bodies and sailing clubs and is aware of the key issues facing sport.
Outside of work, Honeyford enjoys spending time with his two young daughters and still enjoys getting out on the water for yacht racing, windsurf slalom or paddle boarding.
Commenting on behalf of the RYANI Board, Chair Sheela Lewis said: “The Board is delighted with this appointment. There was significant interest in the new full-time role and the selection process was very competitive. Richard’s strengths and capabilities were prominent throughout the process. He offers strong leadership and innovative ideas to take the Organisation forward.
“This is a major step change for us to be able to fund a full-time Chief Operating Officer for RYA Northern Ireland. I believe it is an endorsement by Sport NI and the RYA, recognising the progressive developments made by the organisation to date. Richard has already played an integral part in this, creating the Strategic plan and he is ready for the challenge ahead.”
