Meet the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) 2009-2010 Board of Directors
The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) 2009-2010 Board of Directors
Chairperson
Tim Davey Global Marine Travel
Vice Chair
Billy Smith Trinity Yachts
They are joined on the Executive Committee of five by returning directors:
Mark Cline (Cline Financial Group)
Michael Karcher (Karcher, Canning & Karcher)
John Mann (Bluewater Books & Charts)
Newly elected to the USSA Board of Directors for a two year term:
Donna Bradbury BWA Yachting
Kristina Hebert Ward’s Marine Electric
Kevin Quirk LXR Marinas / LXR Resorts
Corey Ranslem Secure Waters
Others re-elected returning for a consecutive term are:
Vicki Abernathy PRAKTEK, Inc.
Mark Bononi MHG Marine Benefits
David Reed Triton Publishing Group
Gary Tice On Call International
Derik Wagner SeaMobile / MTN
Special projects:
Karen Dudden-Blake Palladium Technologies
Becky Castellano Ocean Medical International
Kitty McGowan Nauticom Communications
Third Annual METS Networking Event
U.S. Superyacht Association
Tuesday, 17th November 2009Download: METS 09 Agreement [PDF] | METS 09 Cruise Sponsor Request [DOCM]
Hello USSA Members,
What started out as a simple networking event in a unique environment has turned into the must-attend event at METS.
The third annual USSA Networking Canal Cruise at METS in Amsterdam is back!
Don’t miss this special experience to cruise the canals of Amsterdam at night, while taking advantage of a perfect opportunity to network with each other, your customers and our European counterparts.
We know at least 15 USSA members are currently planning to exhibit at the METS, and many of you will also be attending METS and the Global Yacht Forum, sponsored by The Yacht Report.
The cruise will embark behind the Rai, (yes, there is a canal back there) at approximately 7:30 p.m., and leisurely voyage through the beautifully lit city. Drinks and a warm buffet will be offered before you and your guests disembark at the city center, where you may finish your evening with more of what makes Amsterdam one of the most entertaining cities in the world.
To make this event another great success, we need Sponsors!! Our goal is to reserve two barges to accommodate up to 50 people total. (Of course, if we have generous sponsorship, we can reserve more barges.)
YachtInfo “Crew Seminars & Captains Briefing” – Register Now!
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Crew Seminars:
Curriculum Content and Times
Presented by YachtInfo on Friday, 30 October 2009 at the Bahia Mar
NOTE: Registration Opens 1 October 2009 at www.usyachtinfo.com
Download Press Release [PDF] | Download Flyer [PDF]
Flag Options
Flag Registration—What Does This Mean to the Captain and Crew?
This session discusses flag implications for Captains with regard to manning requirements, licenses, training, inspections, entry and other considerations which directly affect captains and crew. 1:00 PM, Room B
Chartering Regulations
In this session the panel reviews chartering regulations within the EU and US. Details include the impact of the flag you fly, how the contract should be written and “do’s and don’ts” of entry into common charter countries. 2:00 PM, Room B
Security/Piracy
Piracy, Firearms & the Law
Practical solutions applied to vessel security and a review of the applicable laws and regulations as they relate to firearms onboard including ISP code and MTSA. 9:00 AM, Room B
Taken Hostage – What Now?
This panel of former and current military personal takes you through different possible situations, offers strategies to minimize your risk exposure and, ultimately, the steps to take should a crisis occur. 3:00 PM, Room B
Financial
Tax Implications for Yacht Crew
Whether you are a US resident, or an expatriate, this panel of experienced professionals will speak to multi-jurisdictional tax issues which impact crew traveling the world. Topics addressed will include foreign income exclusion, establishing independent contractor status and implications of not maintaining compliance status in your homeland. 10:00 AM, Room B
Insurance Coverage for Yacht Crews
Learn to navigate international health care waters, get information about when ship’s policy will cover you and gain knowledge about your responsibilities. Information provided promotes understanding global healthcare and steps you should take when selecting medical providers. 11:00 AM, Room A
The Career Ladder of Yachting
Finding Work On a Yacht
Yachting 101—Learn how to get started in the industry and, once established, find the perfect job. Using real life examples, the panel will educate and entertain those interested in either working at sea for the first time or refining their job hunting skills. 9:00 AM, Room A
Coming Ashore… and Landing the Perfect Job
Thinking about coming ashore and burying the anchor in the garden? Learn about identifying transferable skills, hear about first hand success stories, and discover how to be best prepared for your move to a land-based life. 1:00 PM, Room A
Yacht Operations
Interior Management
This session includes insights to hone the skills of the yacht chef, tips on provisioning as well as a simple budget workbook that helps define individual food costs. You also learn how to speak florist, to maximize your floral budget when ordering as well as tips on freshening an arrangement to extend its useful life. 10:00 AM, Room A
Project Management
The astute project manager identifies the individual objectives and interests of the major players in a yacht new-build or refit. Discussion addresses a basic introduction to the principles of Critical Path Planning and Management and how it applies in the yachting world. The panel also features a representative from the Board of Directors of the South Florida Project Management Institute to discuss the Project Management Professional certification and applying the theory of project management to projects large and small. 11:00 AM, Room B
New Technology in the Yachting World
Electronic Navigation: What’s New?
This seminar focuses on new products and information in the world of electronic navigation. A panel of manufacturer’s reps will demonstrate new navigational software and electronic charts followed by Q&A. Designed for Captains and those with watch-standing responsibilities, be sure to attend this forum to learn the latest in navigation solutions and compare new products side by side. 2:00 PM, Room A
Solution-Solving Technology
Science is changing the world of yachting; exciting developments vary from improving a yacht’s carbon foot print with environmentally responsible products or offering new solutions to old issues like underwater propeller repairs. This seminar will introduce you to some of the newest and coolest technologies available to make yachting life—and stewardship of the seas—better. 3:00 PM, Room A
For more information contact:
ISS: Vanessa Stuart, 954.525.6625; Amy Halsted, 540.784.4561
MIASF: Gordon Connell, 954.524.2733
USSA: Corey Ranslem, 786.390.0196
2009-2010 USSA Board of Directors
USSA Announces Board of Directors for 2009-2010
[Download PDF File Press Release]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Julie Lynn 954-927-1085, 800-208-5801 info@ussuperyacht.com Fort Lauderdale, FL—July 9, 2009
The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) announced the 2009-2010 Board of Directors at the Captains Briefing & Reception at the Newport Charter Show in late June.
U.S. Vessel Entry Reference Sheet, Contact Numbers, Websites
To assist Captains with U. S. Vessel entry the following reference sheet provides main contacts locations, hours of business and websites. Read more »
2009 USSA Captains Briefing Returns to Newport for 4th Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newport, RI —July 15, 2009— In the tradition of the Captains Briefing held annually in St. Maarten each January, the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) returned for the fourth year to kick-off the Newport Spring Charter Show with another Captains Briefing & Reception on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
As before, the Newport Captains Briefing was held on the afternoon, prior to the opening of the show. Not only were the captains and senior officers of large vessels in the area invited, but also regional marine industry leaders and superyacht businesses. Sponsored by USSA members, Rybovich Shipyard & Marina and Professional Captain’s Services, the event provided a venue for dialogue, updates and networking among superyacht professionals.
“For the first time, Billy Smith (Trinity Yachts) seemed less than optimistic about new builds,” commented John Mann (Bluewater Books & Charts) who moderated the Captains Briefing. “As the Vice Chair of our Board, the USSA has long relied on Billy for his global perspective of the superyacht industry. He’s encouraged by the strength of the repair and refit business and affirmed the important role, of the charter fleet & businesses, in creating new superyacht buyers. Many guests become owners.” Read more »
USSA Announces New Board of Directors 2009-2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort Lauderdale, FL—July 9, 2009—The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) announced the 2009-2010 Board of Directors at the Captains Briefing & Reception at the Newport Charter Show in late June.
Tim Davey (Global Marine Travel) and Billy Smith (Trinity Yachts) will continue in their roles as Chairperson and Vice Chair, respectively. They are joined on the Executive Committee of five by returning directors: Mark Cline (Cline Financial Group), Michael Karcher (Karcher, Canning & Karcher) and John Mann (Bluewater Books & Charts).
The following are newly-elected to the USSA Board of Directors for a two year term:
Donna Bradbury – BWA Yachting
Kristina Hebert – Ward’s Marine Electric
Kevin Quirk – LXR Marinas / LXR Resorts
Corey Ranslem – Secure Waters
Others who were re-elected and are returning for a consecutive term are:
Vicki Abernathy – PRAKTEK, Inc.
Mark Bononi – MHG Marine Benefits
David Reed – Triton Publishing Group
Gary Tice – On Call International
Derik Wagner – SeaMobile / MTN
Additional support for special projects from Karen Dudden-Blake (Palladium Technologies), Becky Castellano (Ocean Medical International) and Kitty McGowan (Nauticom Communications) will round out the team.
The USSA is a non-profit trade association, incorporated in 2006, that functions under written bylaws, within a committee structure. An all-day planning session is scheduled for August 6, to set strategic goals and benchmarks for growth during 2009-2010.
“The USSA will continue efforts to promote and protect the superyacht industry of the United States through networking and advocacy,” commented Chairperson Tim Davey, “promoting the USSA’s member companies, both nationally and internationally, through networking events and representation at industry events, including the USSA Village at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. “
USSA Monthly Networking Event July 9th, 2009
USSA Members & Friends
Thursday, July 9th, 2009!
Julie Balzano, Enterprise Florida, will be our guest speaker. Together, we are working on a plan for a USSA member presence at the Dubai Boat Show next year. We can’t wait to share our “vision.” She also brings exhibit opportunities in the Cannes International Boat Show as well as other marine industry marketing opportunities. Very informative!
Morton’s – The Steakhouse will introduce their catering menu to us, preparing on-site at the Seventh Street Wine Company. Valerie Christian was making the final menu selections when we met just last evening.
When: Thursday, July 9, 2009
Where: Seventh Street Wine Company 701 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
When: 6:00 – 7:30
A cash bar will be available for friends & guests, who are not USSA members. Spread the word, bring a friend!




