The Landing School names new president

The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has appointed Richard Downs-Honey of Little Compton, R.I., as president.

“We are honored to welcome Richard to the school community,” said Haven Ladd, Landing School board chairman, in a statement. “Richard’s passion, vision, energy and technical expertise will advance the mission of The Landing School and will make a tremendous impact on our students and on the marine industry that we serve. A highly respected luminary, Richard has spent over 40 years growing the industry through the innovative use of advanced composite engineering and through his personal leadership, humor and humility. We are excited to have Richard lead The Landing School to build on our own 40-year history of educating skilled craftspeople and leaders.”

Downs-Honey is a native of New Zealand and a graduate of the University of Auckland. He holds a bachelor and master’s degree in mechanical engineering with special concentration in fiber-reinforced plastics in boatbuilding. He’s a former partner and CEO of High Modulus, a firm that specializes in engineering consulting services and a supplier of composite materials to the marine industry and other clients. During his time at High Modulus, Downs-Honey was responsible for business development, engineering services and sales and was heavily involved in the development of New Zealand’s first America’s Cup contenders.

Following the sale of High Modulus to Gurit LTD in 2009, Downs-Honey moved to the U.S. to help build the firm’s development stateside. In 2016, he started RDH Composites LLC, an independent consultancy for composites. The following year, he accepted a position as director of engineering at Daedalus Yachts in North Carolina where he led the development of tooling and production for custom yachts up to 100 feet.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to be contributing to the development of the marine workforce at a critical time for the industry,” said Downs-Honey in a statement. “Recent efforts by the industry resulting in the “10 + 1 Strategy” for workforce development highlighting the continuing need for The Landing School. I’m excited to work with the great team here, insuring we stay relevant in a changing environment t and are a key contributor to the strength of the marine industry.”