Flag Officers and Board of Governors

The Flag Officers are the Club's senior leadership, consisting of the Commodore, Vice Commodore, and Rear Commodore. 

The Board of Governors is responsible for the Club's overall direction and policy, and comprises the Flag Officers, the Treasurer, and four Board Members. The Board of Governors is elected by the Club's members at the AGM.

Shayne Priddle, Commodore

I'm privileged to serve as your Commodore. I’ve been sailing for over 35 years and part of RPNYC on and off since the early ’90s. These days I’m racing inshore on St Laurence and getting back into offshore sailing with the crew on Blue Jacaranda. I believe RPNYC is — and always should be — a club built by members, for members, and I’m passionate about growing our membership and building a strong, welcoming sailing community. One of my priorities is strengthening ties with other yacht clubs across the Wellington region so we can grow the sport together. I’m always keen to hear your thoughts, so please come and say hi. See you on the water or in the bar!

Kyle Radersma, Vice Commodore

I have been passionate about sailing for more than 40 years, beginning my journey at Worser Bay in R-class skiffs. During that time, I was fortunate enough to win two national titles in the class before moving on to keelboats, racing on Local Motion and Porkchop for several seasons at RPNYC. Later I brought 12 Skiffs to Wellington before putting a kite and twin trapeze onto my Tornado multihulls, drawn by a love of speed and a desire to push boundaries on the water. That drive has also led me to develop strong skills in boat repair and maintenance—something many in the sailing community will have seen in action over recent seasons.

After starting and running my own business for the past 20 years, I see a move into the Vice Commodore's role as both an exciting new challenge and a meaningful way to give back to a sport that has given me so much.

Carolyn Stephens, Rear Commodore

A few years ago, Paul and I decided it was time to ease back on work and focus on finding a better life balance — by doing something we could enjoy together.

Years ago, we completed most of the sailing courses through WOS and spent time chartering boats in the Bay of Islands, The Sounds, and Croatia. But, as often happens, life got busy and sailing took a back seat. So getting involved in our local sailing club felt like the perfect fit for this stage of life. With a background in running multiple small businesses — and a tendency to embrace a challenge — stepping into the Rear Commodore role last year felt like a natural next step.

I’m passionate about bringing more social energy into the club and creating opportunities for our sailing and social communities to connect, collaborate, and make the most of what RPNYC has to offer. Our club is full of amazing people with a wide range of skills — all of which can contribute to its success. So don’t be shy! I welcome fresh ideas and helping hands.

Barry Carruth, Treasurer

This is my fourth year on the Board as the Club's Treasurer. I'm a retired accountant with a background in finance and business consulting. I did the learn to sail course in December of 2020, five days after retiring. I decided that sailing would provide the challenges and excitement needed to keep me off the couch. I sailed with Lizzie for a year before purchasing Update, a Farr 9.2, and later traded her for Pork Chop, which I've now had for two years.

I enjoy the Club vibe, its a great place to meet interesting people for diverse backgrounds and nationalities. I'm also happy for club members to approach me to discuss their ideas and concerns.

Mel Winter

Even though I’ve enjoyed the club for a number of years, I’m excited to support it more actively and channel my love for water and the sea by learning to sail properly. My background is in hospitality, events, and commercial partnerships — so while I’m more familiar with running a tight event than a tight ship, I’m ready to dive into a new adventure on and off the water! Look forward to meeting and getting to know more club members.

Leah Hannaford

In 2023 I took a Learn to Sail course with Wellington Ocean Sports which sparked a keen interest in sailing. Sharing the love of the sea with other sailors has helped me form a strong sense of connection with community. This has inspired me to contribute to the growth of the club.

You can find me at the RPNYC most, if not every, Fridays and Saturdays. I sail on the trusty Revenue Cutter, if you would like to share your thoughts and ideas on the club you can find me at shed 28 or in the club rooms.

Tim Hampton

Twenty years ago I learned to sail through the full suite of Wellington Ocean Sport keel boat courses and being part of the extensive Andiamo (Davidson 55) crew. Those experiences sailing inshore and offshore from Wellington gave a lot of (somewhat misplaced) credibility when I moved to Sydney, which opened up another huge range of amazing sailing experiences, including racing to Fiji and completing my 5th Sydney to Hobart in December 2025. I’ve also sailed with the fabulous Gucci crew the past four years, as well as any other boats that will have me.

My goal on the board is to try and ensure as many other people as possible can access the kind of opportunities that RPNYC has afforded me.

Grant Crawford

I'm 3 seasons fresh back to the Club after many years away. I used to hang around the Club as a kid with my father Chris, and then started racing myself while at college. I've come and gone over the years as career, travel, and family took over at different times. Now you can find me on the tri, St Laurence (or in The Shed) and offshore with Gucci or Blue Jacaranda. I regularly do Race Management and I encourage new members to come and join in - it's a great way to meet others, learn the various boats and starting/race techniques, all from a great view that's comfy and warm.