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About Jonathan Ellman-Brown Jonathan’s career began in Landscaping & Horticulture, later transitioning to Marine Leisure and founding one of the UK’s first kitesurfing schools in Shoreham. After successfully running Sussex Kitesurfing Centre and Stormriders water sports, he pivoted to the café business before retraining as a tree surgeon. In 2021, he established Shoreham Outrigger Canoe Club, which quickly became the UK’s most popular outrigger club. Jonathan’s leadership helped secure numerous wins, including the 2024 Outrigger Nationals, and represented Team GB at the World Championships in Hawaii. As a director for SYC’s newly formed paddle section, Jonathan is focused on growing memberships and strengthening the club’s presence in the paddle sports community. |
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About Erica Peck I was brought up in the West Country, where sailing has always been a key part of my life. I first joined Sussex Yacht Club in 1998, bringing my dinghy with me and immediately appreciating the friendly, inclusive welcome. Over the years, I’ve participated in SYC keelboat racing, volunteered with cadet sailing, and met my husband here. After a break due to motherhood and work, I rejoined in 2018 to crew in keelboat racing again and purchased my own sailing boat in 2022, which is now berthed at Southwick. Professionally, I am a Chartered Town Planner with over 30 years of experience working with local planning authorities and commercial housebuilders. This has provided me with a strong understanding of governance and committee processes. I’ve also volunteered with SYC since 1998 and am passionate about supporting sailing for all ages. As a Director, I aim to help provide safe access to the sea, foster respect for our environment, and encourage the physical and mental benefits of sailing and water sports. With my background in strategic planning and governance, I hope to contribute to a sustainable and vibrant future for the club. |
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About Gemma Hawkes Gemma has been a member of Sussex Yacht Club since moving to Shoreham-by-Sea in 2015 and is currently the Trophy Secretary. In this role, she manages yacht racing results, organises prizegivings, and ensures the trophies are accounted for. Gemma is also a member of the Keelboat Section (KbS) Committee and is actively involved in events such as the Royal Escape Race, SYC’s Festival of the Sea, and the Sussex Combined Clubs Regatta. With a background in tax compliance and currently working in Air Traffic Control, Gemma brings a wealth of organisational and operational experience to her role. She also runs an art business, where she has designed logos and promotional materials for the club. |
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About Kevin Headon I’m Kevin Headon, a long-time member with experience in both dinghy and keelboat sailing. I race my yacht, Trickster, with various crews, from beginners to experienced sailors. I’ve previously served as RYA Representative for the SE region and currently hold the role of RYA Training Principal at the club, overseeing a range of accredited courses. I’m also a trustee for Sussex Sailability, supporting disabled sailors. Having served as Commodore through Covid and helped with the new clubhouse and moorings project, I’m now seeking to rejoin the board. My focus will be on enhancing training, adapting to new trends in sailing, and improving offerings for shore-side members to ensure the club’s continued success. |
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About Anne Gisby I am retired, with my last role in the IT department at Virgin Atlantic Airways, where I worked for 11 years in Systems Testing, Management Information Systems, and Project Support. Now, I am actively involved as one of the churchwardens at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lancing, overseeing the building and contents. I started sailing over 40 years ago, cruising extensively across the English Channel, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Atlantic. I hold RYA qualifications, including Competent Crew, Yachtmaster, and Ocean Yachtmaster, and have spent years as a liveaboard cruiser with my husband, including three years cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and back. A member of Sussex Yacht Club for over 30 years, I have participated in club rallies and won our class in the Royal Escape Race in 2001. We’ve also received the Bacon Family Trophy twice for outstanding seamanship. With my extensive sailing experience, I hope to contribute as a director, ensuring the club is well-run and that sailing traditions and high standards are upheld for future generations. |
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About Kevin Knight I have served as a director at SYC since 2016 and am seeking re-election at the AGM in January 2025. Originally from Grimsby, I moved to London in 1985 to pursue a career in policing, retiring in 2015 before transitioning into the marine industry, gaining boat-building, maintenance, and offshore wind farm experience. I have proudly volunteered with the Shoreham Harbour lifeboat crew for 10 years.At the club, I manage safety boat cover for various events, including dinghy racing, outrigger canoeing, and keelboat activities such as the Royal Escape Race. I also deliver powerboat training and have been approached to become the chief powerboat instructor for SYC.As co-owner of an SB20 sports boat, I recently competed in the Christmas Cracker series. If re-elected, I will continue my work as safety boat manager, ensuring the club’s high standards of support. With my growing sailing experience, I am excited to help further develop the club and see through the final stages of our redevelopment, especially around the car park and boundaries, to make SYC the outstanding venue it was always meant to be. |
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About Yvonne Campbell I have been a director of SYC for 3 years and am standing for re-election under the 3-year rotation rule. During my time on the Board, I have been actively involved in ensuring the best outcomes for the Club and its members. From volunteering in the Restaurant after COVID to organising events like New Year’s Eve and Prize-giving, I’ve been hands-on in numerous tasks, including chairing the Events Committee and addressing the challenges surrounding the Car Park redesign. With over 20 years as a member and over 40 years as a business owner in Shoreham, I have built strong relationships with fellow Board members and staff. I’m committed to continuing to work with the team to help the Club grow and serve the best interests of shareholders, members, and staff. |
Posted: December 19th 2024
