UK Marine News British Marine CEO to step down
Lesley Robinson OBE has decided to relinquish her role as Chief Executive of British Marine this summer after eight years in post. A structured transition plan is in place, with Earle Stanner (current Chief Finance and Operations Officer) being appointed as the organisation’s next Chief Executive.
Lesley joined British Marine from MDL Marinas in July 2018 and has led the organisation through a period of significant change and challenge. During her tenure, she oversaw the modernisation of governance, the development of a new membership strategy and national agenda, and a series of change programmes focused on strengthening leadership capability and organisational effectiveness to better serve their 1,300 members.
She led British Marine through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid period, including the cancellation of the Southampton International Boat Show in 2020, while continuing to support members through representation, guidance and practical assistance. Lesley has also served on the board of ICOMIA for six years as a non-executive director, most recently as Treasurer, ensuring UK leisure marine interests are represented at an international level. In 2021, in recognition of her services to the leisure marine industry, Lesley was appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston receives Pindar Lifetime Achievement Award
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (left) is presented with his award by Andrew Pindar
Historic canal boat set for restoration
The Jericho Living Heritage Trust has secured £210,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Kilsby, a historically significant 1912 canal boat, and relaunch it as an accessible floating community hub on the Oxford canal network.
Kilsby is one of just 24 surviving craft commissioned by Fellows, Morton & Clayton, the famous canal-carrying company that once dominated Britain’s waterways transport. The boat served through two world wars before being converted into a residential vessel in central Oxford. It was donated to the Jericho Living Heritage Trust in 2019.
The Pindar Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025, presented by the International Association of Cape Horners, was awarded to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston KB CBE RD. Sir Robin, who has been inspiring sailors the world over since becoming the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world aboard his treasured 32ft 6in traditional wooden yacht Suhaili back in 1968/9.
The Cruising Association extends its congratulations to their Patron, Sir Robin, who has held the role since 2009 and previously served as President from 2007 to 2009.
Sir Robin is still inspiring newcomers. The Clipper Round the World yacht race has introduced some 20,000 amateur crews to the sport since he co-founded the event in 1996. And last year, at the age of 86, he led old friends on a cruise to Greenland and back.
Andrew Pindar, who presented the Award said, “It would hardly be a stretch to think of Sir Robin as the David Attenborough of sailing. Recognized and respected by a public of all ages who have enjoyed his exploits over a long and incredible nautical career.”
16 | ISSUE 115 | MAR 2026 | THE REPORT
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