CYCA Past Commodore and Life Member Matt Allen AM has been appointed Chair of the World Sailing Oceanic & Offshore Committee. By function of the appointment, Matt will also sit on the World Sailing Council – only the fourth Australian to do so.

Matt commented, “My appointment is as much a reflection on the standing of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in terms of offshore sailing and safety as it is of me.

“I join [fellow Member] Daniel Belcher on the World Sailing Council meaning we now have two CYCA Members on Council.”

The Chair of the Oceanic & Offshore Committee is the most senior administrative role in oceanic and offshore sailing. The Oceanic & Offshore Committee makes decisions regarding special regulations across the world and then informs the World Sailing Board and Council of their decisions.

Members of World Sailing’s Committees and Commissions are experts in their fields and include internationally renowned sailors, officials, coaches and administrators. Working within their terms of reference, they provide pivotal and expert guidance to World Sailing in the interests and the wellbeing of the sport worldwide. The Committees and Commissions will serve through to the 2024 Annual Conference.

World Sailing’s Member National Authorities nominated hundreds of capable volunteers from around the globe. The Board of Directors then put forward a list of Committee and Commission members to Council for ratification, which was unanimously approved.