Australian Stephanie Lyons is making her mark on the global sailing scene with her election to World Sailing’s Audit Committee.

A native of Ireland, Lyons moved to Australia eleven years ago and brought her love of sailing with her. She is a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Balmain Sailing Club and Kinsale Yacht Club (Ireland), with two ROLEX Sydney Hobart races as bow woman to her name.

Off the water Lyons is the Chief Risk Officer of the major super fund EISS Super, with strong experience in strategy, project management, financial management, risk management and compliance.

Stephanie Lyons

“I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been appointed to this role at World Sailing,” said Lyons today.

“I am looking forward to combining my professional experience in finance, compliance and risk with my passion for the sport I love – sailing.”

Lyons joins a growing group of Australian females in roles at World Sailing, following on from the election of Sarah Kenny as Vice President last year.

“Australian female sailors are doing amazing things both on the water and in posts that matter,” said Australian Sailing President Daniel Belcher on Lyons’ appointment.

“We have seen a huge increase in female participation in our sport across the board over the past three years. Locally we have seen over 20% growth in female membership in clubs around Australia. Internationally we have Rio Olympic silver medallist Lisa Darmanin breaking barriers on the water and the likes of Sarah and Stephanie making their mark at World Sailing.

“It truly is a time to be excited about what women are doing in our sport.”

Australian Sailing launched its female participation initiative SheSails in 2018.

SheSails is designed to recognise all the female contributors to our sport, and to encourage women of all ages to enjoy sailing through organised activities at their local sailing club. There are now SheSails representatives at 141 clubs all around the country who work to ensure a safe and inclusive space for all members and participants.

Lyons as Bow on Wild One at the 2021 Sydney 38 One Design NSW Championship 

Also a Non-Executive Director of Equestrian Australia, Lyons is ready to bring a fresh set of eyes to the global governing body for the sport of sailing.

“I am here to make a difference at World Sailing. My focus is on audit and risk, but I will be bringing fresh ideas and my own thoughts and experience on revenue generation to the Audit Committee.” Added Lyons.

Stephanie will serve a four-year term on the Audit Committee, concluding in 2024.