Royal Southampton Yacht Club has announced the appointment of Karen Baker as their new Commodore. Karen is only the third female Commodore in the club’s 150-year history as she succeeds outgoing Commodore Guy Darby.
A committed RSYC member, Karen has been associated with the club since 2001. An experienced yachtswoman, she has almost 40 years of competitive and offshore sailing experience under her belt. Having started her NHS career as a nurse and midwife, she went on to become an accomplished senior leader within the organisation. She will bring to the club strategic vision, governance expertise, and organisational transformation from her role as CEO in the NHS.
Karen said of her appointment, “I am honoured to take the helm of this historic yacht club. I am committed to upholding and strengthening the proud traditions of RSYC while enhancing the overall member experience. I look forward to introducing fresh ideas and collaborating closely with our team to ensure the club’s continued relevance, vibrancy, and longevity within the sailing community. A key part of my role will be to expand the membership demographic and grow participation across all forms of sailing and water-based activities. Equally important to me is my mission to improve the green footprint of the club. Working in partnership with the Beaulieu Estate team, we recently planted over two thousand saplings on the land surrounding the clubhouse and plans are already afoot for a river litter pick. As an electric outboard motor owner myself, I am also looking to explore solar energy in an effort to offer members a fully sustainable water taxi service. The club is privileged to be based in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and I hope to build on this to create an environmentally aware club of which members and guests can be proud.”
Outgoing Commodore Guy Darby, who steps down following two terms in the role, said of Karen’s appointment, “I wish Karen and her team success, and look forward to seeing this welcoming and friendly club continue to flourish.”
Karen is joined on the RSYC Executive Committee by Harry Taylor-Lepercq who embarks on his first term as Rear Commodore Finance, Rob Miller who continues for a second term as Rear Commodore Facilities and Virginia Boyle who returns to the role as Rear Commodore House following a two-year break from the position. Outgoing Rear Commodore Finance, Simon Derrick, will be joined on the Finance Committee by Alan Beswick and David Carslaw.
Based at Gins Clubhouse, in an unrivalled location on the banks of the Beaulieu River, RSYC offers all-day dining and fully refurbished changing facilities in its light and airy clubhouse, a walk ashore pontoon and year-round Water Taxi Service. Prospective members are encouraged to visit the club and meet the Flag Officers at the club’s upcoming Open Day, 10.00am – 2.00pm on 6 April.
