Effective immediately, he leaves behind a significant legacy of impact, engagement and advocacy during his time at the membership organisation for sail training charities in the UK.
After a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, which included being captain of surface ships and also a nuclear submarine, John became Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents at the MAIB. On retiring from the MAIB, Rear Adm Lang was approached by the then Chair of ASTO, Ron Dadswell and Secretary James Stevens, and subsequently accepted the role of President in 2003, just a few years after the charity received its significant bequest from adventure writer Ralph Hammond Innes.
Rear Adm Lang commented: “That early meeting was instrumental in my accepting the invitation and the beginning of a long and extraordinarily rewarding relationship with the sail training community, populated with some of the most dedicated and contented people I have ever met.”
During his presidency, Lang’s personal passion for sail training has been demonstrable, having sailed on tall ships races, been navigator on tall ships and attended almost every ASTO event and meeting for the duration of his tenure. He led numerous initiatives, supported its trustees, general managers and supporters and perhaps most notably secured the Duchess of Edinburgh as ASTO’s patron. Her Royal Highness has been a huge asset for ASTO and is an enthusiastic supporter of the role sail training can play in youth development.
“There is no precedent for the length of time a President should serve but I feel the time has come for me to stand aside and let someone else assume the role. I have witnessed ASTO move from being an all-volunteer organisation to employing a general manager and now chief executive. I was present for the first Small Ships Race and the first conference. I watched in admiration the way ASTO helped the sail training community survive the ravages of Covid and was thrilled to play a part in seeking the agreement of HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to be our Patron.
“As a Younger Brother of Trinity House I have enjoyed being part of the link between the two worlds and am proud of both the ASTO Trinity House bursary scheme and the Hammond Innes Bursary programme. As the last personal link to the Hammond Innes family, I know I leave ASTO in good hands and wish the Association and all its members continued success for the future.” He concluded.
ASTO’s Chief Executive, Kerry McMillan commented: “John’s unstinting support for sail training, for our members and their beneficiaries allied with his graciousness and keen insights have been the hallmarks of an outstanding Presidency and we shall miss that. The whole sail training community wishes Rear Adm Lang all the very best and expresses gratitude for his years of service.”
Mark Todd, Chair of ASTO’s Trustees added: “We are lucky to have had John as our President, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him over all these years in whatever capacity I’ve had, but moreover, I am so grateful to count him as a good friend. He leaves ASTO in a better place and we are thrilled that he won’t be leaving us entirely as he has kindly accepted the role of Vice President for Life.”
The Board of Trustees have begun the search for Rear Adm Lang’s successor and plan to announce the new president in due course.
View ASTO’s new short film here – Gallery – UK Sail Training