Raised in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Rory’s passion for the sea began early and has shaped a professional maritime career spanning more than 15 years. Starting at Gurnard Sailing Club, he quickly progressed from dinghy racing to offshore campaigns. At 17, Rory became the youngest competitor in the 2009 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race and went on to win the prestigious EAORA Offshore Cadet of the Year award. His racing pedigree includes numerous offshore campaigns, managing successful European programs, and earning the Seamanship Award three times.

After leaving school, Rory joined the Merchant Navy and studied at the renowned Warsash Maritime Academy, where he transitioned his sailing skills into a professional maritime career. Over six years, he sailed across multiple oceans to five continents and logged more than 250,000 nautical miles before returning to the yachting industry in 2016. From competing in world-class regattas to captaining iconic J-Class yachts, Rory’s commercial shipping roots and hands-on experience give him a unique perspective on what makes a yacht perform flawlessly and deliver unforgettable experiences.

Since joining Burgess in 2022, Rory has managed a varied fleet of yachts from 33 to 123 metres, working closely with owners, family offices, captains, and crew to provide seamless service. His approach blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of the lifestyle that defines luxury yachting. Whether coordinating new builds, overseeing refits, or managing compliance and day-to-day operations, Rory’s focus is on creating the best possible experience for owners while ensuring crews have the tools and resources to succeed. He also supports Burgess’ ESG initiatives, including partnerships with UK Sailing Academy and the Caribbean Crew project. Away from work, Rory continues to race, recently competing in the 6 Metre World Championships and the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race. When not on the water, he enjoys rugby, skiing, cycling, and badminton.