Australian Sailing’s Chief Operating Officer David Edwards is being recognised for his significant contribution to the sport after the announcement of his departure from the organisation this month.

A lifelong sailor, Sydney 2000 Olympian and former Director of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Yachting NSW (YNSW), Edwards came from the funds management industry to take the job as General Manager of YNSW in January 2011. He was subsequently appointed to the role of General Manager, Club Services as part of the consolidation of state and national management under the One Sailing governance model with the newly re-branded Australian Sailing.

“We have been incredibly lucky to have someone of Dave’s calibre working for our sport over such a long period of time,” said Australian Sailing CEO Ben Houston.

“Dave has utilised his Olympic sailing experience and his commercial acumen to help to deliver some important changes to the way that Australian Sailing operates. He was someone who wanted to use his professional skills to give back to the sport and for that we thank him.”

Edwards was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and some important achievements during his time with Australian Sailing which include the implementation of the One Sailing organisational changes, leading the deregistration of MYA's, the current financial stability of the business through the club-based fee structure and his role in the Critical Incident Management Team that guided the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I'm proud to have played a part in making the sport stronger during the time I have worked with both Yachting NSW and Australian Sailing,” said Edwards at the announcement.

“On behalf of Australian Sailing and the many people he encountered in his time with us I would like to thank Dave for everything he has done to help grow our sport,” said Australian Sailing President Alistair Murray AM.

“He leaves with our very best wishes and I look forward to bumping into him at a regatta somewhere around Australia soon. We all wish him all the very best in his next endeavours.”

Edwards will finish in his role on Thursday 6 April.