ONE of the most influential figures in British sailing is to step down from his post with the Hampshire-based Royal Yachting Association after 32 years.

John Derbyshire's involvement with the RYA's racing programme includes roles as a coach, Olympic Manager and as most recently as Director of Racing.

Derbyshire joined the Hamble-based organisation, which governs UK sailing, in 1985 and in 1994 became the personal coach to Sir Ben Ainslie, the most successful Olympic sailor ever.

As well as managing the rest of the Olympic team he coaxed Ainslie to his first gold medal at the Sydney Games in 2000.

He also coached big-name sailors Shirley Robertson, Iain Percy, the late Andrew Simpson and Hugh Styles during his RYA career.

Since 2001 he has been the Director of Racing, overseeing the RYA’s World Class Programme and talent pathways, as well as the broader remit of racing participation in all its forms in the UK.

“It had always been my intention to retire in the early part of this cycle, and with a new Olympic Manager to recruit as well it makes logical sense for my successor to be involved in that process to ensure the best possible handover,” said Derbyshire, who will remain full time in post until September 1 this year.

“I feel hugely proud of what has been achieved during my time with the RYA.

"The sport has evolved enormously during that period and it’s been a privilege to have led a programme which has helped develop the talents of countless sailors at many levels and in so many facets of the sport, and which has been so dominant on the world stage for so many years.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been aided in that task by an immensely committed group of athletes, coaches, support staff, officials and volunteers who are so passionate about the health and continued success of the sport in this country.

“The RYA’s World Class Programme is in great shape, with a wealth of talented sailors, coaches and support staff and a favourable funding award from UK Sport to underpin our performance strategy for Tokyo 2020 and beyond.”

Sarah Treseder, CEO of the RYA, said: “John’s contribution both to British sailors’ medal fortunes and to the standard of UK racing both domestically and internationally cannot be understated, and his experience and insight will be greatly missed.

“I am delighted that we will continue to have the benefit of his experience during this transition period, and would like to place on record our thanks to John from the RYA and the wider sailing community for so many years of dedicated service to the sport."

Derbyshire is the second big name to announce his departure from the RYA following the resignation of Olympic team manager Stephen Park, who is leaving to join the British cycling team.

“Both John and Sparky together have driven forward challenging programmes capable of delivering over successive years and cycles," Treseder added.

“Exciting opportunities now exist for two new individuals to take up their batons, further develop and refresh our Racing programmes and ensure this success continues in the years to come.”