Tom Cheney

Sailor | Navigator | Performance Analyst

Available for Navigation & Campaign Support

I am currently open to selective opportunities to contribute as a navigator or performance strategist for top-tier teams and campaigns. With proven results and deep technical knowledge, I bring world-class navigation, routing and on-board systems experience.

Profile

Tom Cheney, sailing navigator and performance analyst

A World and European Championship-winning navigator with over 20 years of experience at the highest levels of the marine industry. Proven track record across four America’s Cup campaigns with the British team, the 52 Super Series, and major offshore events — including class wins in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, Caribbean 600, and Rolex Middle Sea Race, plus an overall victory in the Rolex Fastnet Race.

TP52 Beau Geste offshore racing
TP52 Gladiator, 52 Super Series
GP42 42 South, Cowes Week
MOD70 Snowflake multihull
Beau Geste TP52 sailing
Cape 31 Fanatic racing

Notable Sailing Events

Selected results.

  • 2025 Admiral's Cup – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator)
  • 2025 Transpac, LA to Hawaii – Sled Rock n Roll USA-88 (Navigator)
  • 2024 Round the Island Race – Cape 31 Katabatic K2 (Navigator, 3rd Overall)
  • 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator, 2nd IRC 2)
  • 2023 Transpac, LA to Hawaii – Sled Rock n Roll USA-88 (Navigator)
  • 2023 ORC European Championship, Malta – TP52 Beau Geste (Navigator, 1st)
  • 2023 RORC Transatlantic Race – MOD70 Snowflake (Onshore Navigator)
  • 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator, 1st Div 3)
  • 2022 Rolex Middle Sea Race – MOD70 Snowflake (Navigator, 4th Line Honours)
  • 2022 Les Voiles de St Tropez – TP52 Beau Geste (Navigator, 2nd)
  • 2022 31 Race Circuit – Cape 31 Fanatic (3rd Overall)
  • 2022 Cowes Week – Cape 31 Fanatic (Navigator)
  • 2022 ORC World Championship, Porto Cervo – TP52 Beau Geste (Navigator, 1st)
  • 2022 IRC UK National Championship – Cape 31 Fanatic (1st IRC 2)
  • 2021 RORC Caribbean 600 – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator, 2nd IRC 2)
  • 2021 RORC Season Points – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator, 2nd Overall)
  • 2021 Rolex Middle Sea – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator, 2nd IRC Overall)
  • 2021 52 Super Series Portals – TP52 Gladiator (Navigator)
  • 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race – JPK1180 Sunrise (Navigator, 1st IRC Overall)
  • 2019 Cowes Week – GP42 42 South (Navigator, 1st IRC 0 & Britannia Cup)

Marine Industry Experience

Athena Racing/GB1, Portsmouth UK/Naples Italy — Head of Software & Data

October 2025 – Present

Helping to shape the technical roadmap for AC38 in Naples in 2027

Rockwool SailGP Denmark — Performance Software Developer

July 2025 – November 2025

Wind calibration and live tactical support for coaches.

INEOS Britannia, Barcelona — Performance Group

May 2021 – October 2025

Initially contracting part-time and then full time during racing for the 2024 America's Cup in Barcelona.

SailGP, London UK

May 2021 – May 2023

Supporting the LiveLine Broadcast at the SailGP studios in London, including live data support for graphics and umpiring.

INEOS Team UK, Auckland — Performance Team

Jun 2017 – March 2021

Responsible for development of in-house performance tools for the design and sailing teams through AC36 in Auckland

Land Rover BAR, Portsmouth, UK/Bermuda — Data Architecture Team Lead

Dec 2015 – May 2017

Creating the data strategy and shaping the software tools in a new and growing America's Cup challenger for the 2017 35th America's Cup in Bermuda.

B&G, Southampton UK — R&D Design Engineer

May 2013 – Dec 2015; Jun 2021 – Sept 2021 (contract)

Part of the B&G research and development team, developing the B&G H5000 instrument system and then later contracting to support the Hecules and WTP Sailing Processors and display improvements.

Garmin, Southampton UK — Design Engineer

May 2013 – Dec 2015

Marine product engineering including the Quatix sailing watch.

Yachting World Articles

Qualifications

  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore – July 2009
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2 – Dec 2011
  • Short Range Radio Operator – July 2009
  • Long Range Radio Operator – Oct 2022
  • RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety – Oct 2022