Sail Canada Names Ryan Kelly CEO

Feb 14, 2024

Sail Canada has named Ryan Kelly as its new Chief Executive Officer starting March 11, 2024.

A lifelong sailor, Ryan Kelly worked for a long period of time in support of the Cadets Canada Sailing Program and he was the President of Sail Newfoundland and Labrador for eight years.

Ryan Kelly is currently a dinghy coach at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and is an active Sail Canada Learning Facilitator. He also spends his spare time focused on developing as an offshore sailor. Ryan’s professional career is centred around the Ocean Sector, with more than 15 years in marine safety and general workforce development. He is currently working for the Province of Nova Scotia as the Special Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

“I’ve been involved with Sail Canada for my entire life and I’m thrilled to be back working in the sport in a full-time capacity,” said Ryan Kelly. “I can’t wait to get started!”

Ryan Kelly will be based in the head office in Kingston and can be reached at ryan@sailing.ca.

A transition period with current CEO Don Adams, who announced his retirement last fall, will occur in March.

Cliquez ici pour le français

Related Articles

  • Sarah Douglas Hangs It Up

    Sarah Douglas Hangs It Up

    December 3, 2025 Two-time Olympian Sarah Douglas announced her retirement from Olympic sailing today, although she will be staying close to the sport through new opportunities. At her first Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021, Sarah Douglas took the 6th position overall in ILCA 6, which is still to this day the best Canadian female… Read More…

  • The NorthStar SailGP Team announces the addition of Kingston

    The NorthStar SailGP Team announces the addition of Kingston

    December 4, 2025 The NorthStar SailGP Team announces the addition of Kingston’s Ali ten Hove to its roster as Reserve Strategist for the 2026 season of the Rolex SailGP Championship. Ali has been sailing 49er FX class with partner Mariah Millen since 2016. Ali will also serve as a reserve grinder on occasion and will work… Read More…