Australian Sailing Team Director bows out
It is with regret that Yachting Australia has recently accepted the resignation of Michael Jones, the Director of the Australian Sailing Team. Michael will leave the role at the end of October 2008, having led the team to three medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. 
'Michael Jones'
Sail-World.com/ AUS ©
Yachting Australia established the Australian Sailing Team (AST) in the wake of a disappointing performance at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to bring a sharper focus to winning medals. Michael Jones was appointed as AST Director in 2005 to lead the charge.
Yachting Australia CEO Phil Jones said Michael had been integral to creating a successful high performance program of international standard.
'Michael Jones has played an invaluable role and Yachting Australia and the members of the Australian Sailing Team are grateful to have had access to his knowledge and skills,' said Phil Jones.
'Although the job of placing Australia firmly on top in Olympic Sailing is not yet complete, Michael has achieved an enormous amount in his two and half years in the role and has been instrumental in the success achieved to date.
'Going into the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Australia topped the ISAF rankings after languishing in twelfth place just two years ago.
'Finishing second behind Great Britain in sailing was a fantastic achievement and the only sport to win more medals for Australia at the recent Olympics was swimming.
'Michael brought a great mix of commercial acumen and technical understanding to the AST program and has the ability to make critical decisions quickly when needed.
'There has been a significant paradigm shift in our whole approach and that's due to Michael.
'Bringing about change is tough and there have been some cynics, but the results are there for all to see.'
Yachting Australia is now in the second half of a seven year plan which was instigated after Athens. The current phase of the program is aimed at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
'Our international results and the strength of the team achieving them clearly show we are well on track towards London,' said Phil Jones.
'This is a very dynamic program and Yachting Australia will consider the best structure for the program for the next four years before recruiting any new staff.
'The individual considered appropriate for the role going forward may have very different skills to those Michael brought to the role.
'Michael has expressed his interest in staying involved with the program in some form and I am sure he will continue to play a part in the Australian Sailing Team as we build on our success into the future.'
Michael Jones will work out his contract to the end of October 2008, during which time he will be involved in the Beijing Olympic Games debrief and will also provide input to planning for the next four years.
Jones will then enjoy a well-earned holiday with his family before bringing his considerable expertise to bear on other sailing and business projects.
by Yachting Australia 
Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, QLD
