The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) has announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd KBE, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, as its new president.
ASTO is the membership body for UK-based sail training charities. In 2024, more than 11,000 young people and individuals with disabilities or additional needs sailed with its 31 member organisations.
Kyd is a Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster and a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron. He is also a Younger Brother of Trinity House and a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute. His previous roles include president of Royal Navy boxing and Navy Ice Sports. He has also served as a volunteer skipper, taking young naval personnel on sailing trips around the Solent and the Channel.
Kyd takes over the presidency from Rear Admiral John Lang, who stepped down earlier this year. The news comes after ASTO appointed Nusrat Ghani MP as its new vice president in June 2025.
Kyd says of his new role: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking over as the President of ASTO. As a lifelong sailor myself, I know the amazing work done by ASTO and all the sail training organisations up and down the country.
“Outdoor education, conducted in a safe and stimulating environment, including sail training, is a highly effective tool to improve young peoples’ lives; it builds their confidence, introduces them to new friends, as well as learning life skills and having some fun! I am looking forward to meeting as many sail trainers as possible and helping continue the wonderful work done by ASTO and all the UK sail training organisations, which do so much for the benefit of our young people.”
Mark Todd, ASTO’s chair of trustees, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Sir Jerry to the team, particularly at such an exciting time for the organisation and when we will begin to share more of the benefits and successes of our work. Jeremy’s vast experience and passion for the impact sail training and residential adventures at sea can have, place him in an excellent position to support our forthcoming goals and help even more young people.”
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