Rockley celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking half a century of contribution to the UK watersports, outdoor education and sailing industries.
Founded in 1976 by the Gordon family, Rockley was taken over by Lis Gordon and Peter Gordon in 1993, beginning a period of sustained growth and diversification that has seen the organisation develop into a leading provider of RYA training, residential activity programmes and vocational outdoor education.
Over the past five decades, Rockley has worked extensively in collaboration with industry partners, governing bodies, schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts, helping to increase participation and create professional pathways within watersports and outdoor learning. The company has played a key role in instructor training, vocational qualification delivery and embedding outdoor education within formal learning frameworks.
Rockley’s influence within the sector is further reflected through the active involvement of senior staff members who sit on multiple industry and advisory boards, contributing to strategic development, best practice and long-term participation growth across the sector.
Commenting on the anniversary, Jack Clark, Commercial Director at Rockley, said: “Reaching 50 years is a hugely significant milestone for everyone connected to Rockley. From our beginnings as a small sailing school on the beach to becoming an internationally respected organisation, our purpose has never changed: to give people the confidence, skills and opportunities to thrive through watersports and outdoor education. As we enter 2026, we are just as excited about the future as we are proud of the role Rockley has played in the industry over the past five decades.”
The 50th anniversary celebrations will formally commence at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February 2026, where Rockley will kick off a year-long programme of activity recognising its history, partnerships and future ambitions.
As Rockley enters its sixth decade, the company remains committed to collaboration, innovation and expanding access to watersports – ensuring its legacy continues to support the industry it has helped shape for fifty years.
