RYA suspensions over Cheeki Rafiki
Cheeki Rafiki sank on her return trip to the UK. Image: © Tim Wright
The jury found Stormforce Coaching Ltd, operators of the yacht Cheeki Rafiki, guilty by majority verdict of breaching Section 100 of the Merchant Shipping Act.
The company had failed to take all reasonable steps to secure that the yacht was operated in a safe manner.
The RYA acknowledges the initial findings of this complex and difficult case. Our thoughts remain with the families, friends and colleagues of Andrew Bridge, Paul Goslin, James Male, and Steve Warren.
Whilst Cheeki Rafiki’s tragic passage was not part of RYA training activity, the delivery was arranged by an RYA recognised training centre.
In light of the court’s findings, the RYA today suspended recognition of Stormforce Coaching as an RYA Training Centre pending referral of the matter to the Training Committee in line with normal procedure. Subsequently, Stormforce Coaching management has contacted the RYA and surrendered its RYA training recognition voluntarily.
Mr Douglas Innes has also been found guilty of breaching Section 100 of the Merchant Shipping Act. Accordingly, the RYA today suspended all relevant Instructor qualifications held by Mr Innes with immediate effect, pending referral to the RYA Tribunal.
The RYA continues to work constantly to ensure that the highest standards are maintained at all RYA recognised training centres.
Anyone with queries and concerns arising from this statement should contact askRYA@rya.org.uk
