We are delighted that His Excellency Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd CBE BSc PGDip accepted our invitation to be Patron of The Variety Sailing Trust with effect from Friday 11th November 2022.

His Excellency was appointed as Jersey’s Lieutenant-Governor on Saturday 8th October 2022 having served as an Officer in the Royal Navy for 37 years during which time he has held a number of senior appointments.

Most recently His Excellency served as Fleet Commander, which is the Royal Navy’s most senior Warfare Officer and is second in command to the First Sea Lord. As Fleet Commander, His Excellency had Command of the British Fleet across all five arms of the Royal Navy consisting of surface ships, submarines, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Royal Marines and the Fleet Air Arm. He was also directly accountable for the operational capability, training, safety and well-being of 25,000 people.

His previous appointments included Commander of the UK Strike Force, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group and Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s newest and largest ever warship.

Outside of his military service, His Excellency is involved with a number of charities in the London area focused on enhancing youth education and opportunities across the community.

His Excellency is married to Dr Karen Kyd, a GP, and they have four sons.

The Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey

The Lieutenant-Governor is appointed by His Majesty The King for a five-year term. He is an impartial adviser to the King and represents the interests of the Crown, among other duties.

The Lieutenant-Governor’s responsibilities include:

• representing the King on ceremonial occasions

• being an impartial adviser to the King

• hosting royal, ambassadorial and VIP visits and occasions in conjunction with the Island’s authorities and the UK government

• being a point of contact between the Island’s authorities and the UK government

• promoting and playing an active part in the social and charitable affairs of the Island and to promote community activity in this area

• all matters relating to British citizenship

• communicating recommendations for certain Crown appointments to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice from the Insular and Church authorities

• making recommendations for the award of honours to Jersey residents

• being the Commander-in-Chief of British Armed Forces in the Island

• directing the administration of the Crown Estate in the Island