Sian Reynolds

Sian Reynolds is an experienced and committed governance leader, currently serving as Chair of the Royal Yachting Association Cymru Wales (RYA CW). She is the youngest and first female to hold the role in the organisation’s history. With nearly 30 years of involvement in Welsh sailing, from athlete to boardroom, she brings lived experience, strategic insight, and an unwavering dedication to inclusive leadership.

A former captain of the Welsh Sailing Team and member of the British Sailing Team, Sian has placed in the top 8 at three World Championships and was runner-up in the Great Britain Women’s Match Racing Championships. She continues to race competitively and serves as an RYA Race Coach and Regional Judge, reflecting her passion for performance, development, and continuous improvement.
As Chair, Sian has led RYA CW through significant challenges, including a 23.5% reduction in annual funding. She has supported Sport Wales’ sector resilience work and led governance and operational reforms that shifted the organisation from deficit to financial stability. Her leadership has driven efficiencies, strengthened governance, embedded best practice at Board level, and helped secure RYA CW’s largest ever capital grant.

Sian recently achieved a distinction in the Sports Governance Level 4 Full Certificate from the Chartered Governance Institute after being awarded a full bursary for the course from the Sports Governance Academy, underscoring her commitment to leading with integrity, resilience, and foresight.

Outside of sailing, Sian is a practicing solicitor with 20 years’ experience. She was shortlisted for Welsh Young Solicitor of the Year and has been recognised by the Legal 500 on numerous occasions for the quality of her work. She was also named one of the University of Wales Swansea’s 100 Inspiring Graduates for her achievements on and off the water. Her approach to governance is rooted in purpose, transparency, and creating welcoming, empowering spaces for all,  values she upholds both inside and outside the boardroom.