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! 

2009 Longshore Reforms

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Ron Klien Support efforts in the reform.

Strong Leadership, Unwavering Commitment. The Key to Important Longshore Reforms 2009

In 1927 the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) was created as a gap-filling measure between scare workers compensation and traditional maritime law. If a worker was injured on the dock, while loading and unloading cargo, there was now protective legislation in place that would cover his/her injuries. Clearly the recreational boating industry was not what it is today and there was no specification of the type of work being performed nor the type of vessel.

Fifty years later there were amendments made to the LHWCA that addressed the protection of land-based workers, responding to longshoremen (and their unions respectively) who were excluded from federal coverage when they left a ship. These amendments expanded the universe of those who were required to have LHWCA coverage, including the recreational marine industry, who primarily worked in marinas, boatyards, recreational docks and even manufacturing facilities.

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Gallery: 2009 Miami Boat Show

Here are a few photos from our Miami Boat Show booth.

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Gallery: 2009 St. Maarten Captains Briefing

Here are a few photos of our St. Maarten Captains Briefing 2009

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Event Calendar

USSA Welcomes New Administrator 2007

USSA Welcomes New Administrator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18th, 2007
Contact: Karen Dudden-Blake
US Superyacht Association
+1 800 208 5801
marketing@ussuperyacht.com

FORT LAUDERDALE – The USSA is very pleased to introduce Julie Lynn as the Association’s Administrator.

Julie’s vast experiences with the Florida and Bahamas marine and yachting industry, along with her knowledge in the marketing and corporate administration arenas have already proven to be a tremendous asset.  This native of Illinois has quickly found her sea legs and has been instrumental with keeping the ball rolling through her patience, organization, and take charge attitude. When not working hard for the USSA Julie likes to relax by SCUBA diving and horseback riding.

Julie reports to the Chairman directly while working closely with the busy USSA committees that include:
Membership, Marketing, Advocacy, Events and Fundraising and the Treasurer.

Tim Davey, the Chairman of the US Superyacht Association states, “Julie has been a wonderful new addition to the Association these past six months and has diligently assisted myself and our board members in a fast and efficient manner. She carries with her a wicked sense of humor which has helped keep our meetings and projects on schedule. We look forward to having her onboard for the foreseeable future and encourage all members  that if they have not introduced themselves to Julie that they do so as soon as possible.”

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Gallery: METS 2007

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