In 86 years of formalised management, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC) has employed just ten chief executives to the position of General Manager/CEO. In any company’s view, that record provides a remarkable continuity of vision and management.

After a decade of exemplary service, CEO Paul Bayliss, well known to many in the ICOYC community, has taken retirement, or as many feel, a career pause. Faced with the task of a world-wide search, the General Committee were delighted to identify world-class talent within the local community.

The Club has announced the appointment of an experienced yachtsman and sailing administrator Andersen (Andy) Fethers to the position of CEO. Andy is well known to many in the ICOYC community. He joins the Club following a 5-year appointment at Swan River Sailing (SRS). At SRS, Andy was responsible for the sailing events business which has a corporate hospitality and team building funding model. In addition to the corporate sailing experience successfully marketed and undertaken on a fleet of Foundation 36 yachts, he also focused on youth and female participation and development, and in creating an active and vibrant environment for supporters as well as participants.

His tenure has included oversight of a management contract between Australian Sailing (the national body) and Yachting Western Australia (the state peak body). He is the Technical Delegate to World University Sport for Sailing (FISU).

Andy has a highly credentialled sailing career with two world sailing titles and he has campaigned for the America’s Cup four times for Australia, USA, Italy and Sweden over a professional career spanning 20 years. Andy is also an accomplished sailing coach.

In addition to his own sailing achievements, Andy has provided management services for local, state and international sailing regattas. Andy’s local, regional, national and international sailing network will be a great asset to the Club.

Despite RFBYC being a mature Club, Andy joins the leadership team at a time when the Club is approaching significant future opportunities and challenges.

Andy said “I am honoured to have this challenge and will strive to retain RFBYC as ‘top of class’ in sailing, infrastructure and Member services. I am looking forward to collaborating with its world-class staff, Vice Patrons and General Committee, and building relationships with all RFBYC Members.”

Commodore Rob Parker is confident that Andy will help take the Club forward in its many on-water and on-shore endeavours and continue its high standing in the yachting fraternity. “On behalf of all Members, I welcome Andy and look forward to working with him in continuing the proud traditions and sound status of our Club” Commodore Parker said.

Andy Fethers commenced his role at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club as Chief Executive Officer in May 2022.