Tony Rey appointed president of the Superyacht Racing Association
Superyacht Racing Association president Tony Rey. Image courtesy of North Sails
The Superyacht Racing Association has appointed Tony Rey as president. He succeeds Kate Branagh, who has held the position for more than a decade and has overseen the development of organised superyacht racing during that period.
Rey has worked in professional sailing for over 30 years. His experience includes roles as tactician, race team leader and performance coach. He has been involved with three America’s Cup teams and has coached the US Olympic Team. His racing background spans grand prix circuits, including one-design classes, TP52 competition and participation in the Maxi, J Class and superyacht fleets.
In addition to his racing career, Rey serves as superyacht and grand prix leader at North Sails. He has been a member of the association’s executive committee for the past two years. The appointment formalises his expanded responsibilities within the organisation.
“We are delighted to announce Tony Rey as the next president of the Superyacht Racing Association,” says Shirley Robertson, SYRA Manager. “Tony brings a real wealth of experience in lots of roles, as a high-level professional sailor, project manager and industry professional. But more than that, he brings passion and an infectious enthusiasm for the wonder that is Superyacht racing. I’m sure Tony will expertly help steer SYRA into the future.”
In a media statement, Rey says that his involvement with superyacht racing has provided insight into the evolution of regattas and fleet participation over the past 15 years, and indicates that maintaining safe and fair racing remains a priority as the sector develops.
“The last 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to race on some incredible superyachts. I’ve seen how the regattas have evolved, how the fleets have grown, how ensuring safe and fair racing has become paramount, and I want to continue to be part of the solution as superyacht racing takes the next step,” says Rey. “I’m really proud to be involved with SYRA, to be working with Shirley and the team, and look forward to shaping the future of superyacht racing and regatta participation.”
He adds that the association’s objectives include supporting the viability of events, encouraging new entrants and maintaining an active membership base within the sailing superyacht sector.
“Whatever we can do to ignite enthusiasm for the sport of superyacht racing, to continue to legitimise it, to provide structure, to get a wider variety of yachts on the start line, and to share this incredible experience with more people, I’m all for it.”
The 2026 superyacht racing season is scheduled to begin next month in the Caribbean with the Antigua Superyacht Challenge, followed by the St Barth’s Bucket.
