RORC Rating Office Appoints Rob Taylor as Deputy Director

The RORC Rating Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Taylor as Deputy Director, effective 7 July 2026, further strengthening its technical, regulatory and international expertise across IRC rating, safety and race organisation services.

Rob will join the Rating Office team to support the delivery of technical and measurement services, strengthen engagement with stakeholders, and contribute to the continued development of IRC, YTC and the wider activities of the Rating Office. He will also represent RORC and IRC at major events, and support governance, compliance and safety standards for sailors, designers, industry partners and rule authorities worldwide.

A qualified naval architect and a member of the RORC Technical Committee, Rob joins the RORC Rating Office from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, where he served as Code Vessel Lead and helped shape modern regulation for small commercial and recreational vessels. He previously held senior roles in sailing administration with World Sailing and the RYA, working across racing rules, measurement and equipment compliance at five Olympic Games and numerous World and Continental Championships. His experience ranges from class engagement to major event support, working alongside measurers and manufacturers to ensure fair, consistent, and well-regulated competition on the water.

Alongside his professional background, Rob brings extensive racing experience, including the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Round Ireland Race, the Round Britain & Ireland Race and Commodores’ Cup campaigns. This combination of technical, regulatory and practical racing knowledge gives him valuable insight into how rating systems and measurement controls perform in demanding real-world competition.

Commenting on his appointment, Rob Taylor said: “I’m delighted to be joining the RORC Rating Office and to be back working at the heart of the sport. The Rating Office plays a unique and vital role in yacht racing, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued development and supporting the racing community.”

The appointment further strengthens the capability of the RORC Rating Office as a centre of technical excellence continuing to support safe, fair, robust and trusted racing to sailors around the world, from local club competition to the sport’s leading international offshore events.