About Us

USSA MISSION STATEMENT

“TO PROMOTE THE SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES AND TO SERVE AS ITS VOICE”

What is the USSA and what are our objectives?

• The association (USSA) is a trade association, with members represented by businesses and individuals who have a bona fide U.S. presence and activity in the superyacht industry
• Current representation of over 120 businesses and individuals, encompassing 20 U. S. States and additional associate members worldwide whose stated mission is “to promote the superyacht industry of the U.S. and serve as its voice”
• Advance the U. S. superyacht industry as a whole
• Serve as a coordinated advocate on major issues affecting the industry.

What are some of the current key issues being addressed by the USSA Advocacy Committee? 

USSA works diligently to identify and establish strategies to address the key issues in the U. S. superyacht industry.  

Current issues are:

• Increased confusion from inconsistently enforced U. S. regulations, when entering U. S. waters
• Shortage of qualified crew, particulary engineers with U. S. citizenship
• Shortage of suitable berthing for large vessels in U. S. Ports
• Longshoreman/Seafarer status for contractors
• Impact of EPO regulations regarding alternative fuels.

Why and how was the USSA was formed?

As the 2005 boat show season turned into the holiday season, the original eleven (11) charter members predominately based in the state of Florida observed that the center of gravity for the global superyacht industy (builders, yards, cruising grounds, ownership) was shifting away from the United States. 

• No unified voice to address these  issues
• No synergy to impact  policy makers or brand the U. S. superyacht industry.

With their vision, seed money and commitment the USSA was incorporated as a non-profit association in September 2006. (see press release below)

Through these efforts the USSA and has become an advocate on concerns that effect both large and small superyacht businesses.  As a result many significant accomplishments have been accomplished by its founding members to date.

How is the USSA goverened?

• USSA operates under a  formal business structure, proper corporate governance and a democratically elected Board of Directors who oversee: Membership, Networking Events, Fundraising, Advocacy, Public Relations and Marketing
• The USSA operates under the status with written bylaws and goverened by an elected Board of Directors
• The USSA has regularly scheduled Board meetings and follows established business and accounting practices
• The chairperson directs and coordinates the activities of the various board committee chairpersons, officers and staff 
• USSA  encourages, creates, participates and promotes major industry events, focuses on strenghting both new and existing industry alliances in the marine industry as a whole as well as with both local, regional and federal goverment leaders
• USSA provides a published membership directory and website for its members.

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. SUPERYACHT TRADE ASSOCIATION FORMED

Ft Lauderdale, FL USA
September 25, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What began as a small group of South Florida superyacht businesses banding together to market to the Superyacht Industry at the St Maarten Boat Show has now become the first U.S. based trade association dealing exclusively with the superyacht industry, the U.S. Superyacht Association (“USSA”).

“It was long overdue for this country,” says the group’s Chair Karen Dudden-Blake of Palladium Technology, “By most statistics, the vast majority of superyacht owners are American and the U.S. is home to some of the largest and most prestigious builders in the world.”

Not unlike other such trade associations in the UK, Australia and Italy, the USSA’s mission is, “To Promote the Superyacht Industry of the United States and to serve as its voice.”

“Initially we will be focusing on helping our members market themselves all over the world,” says one of the USSA’s founders, David Reed who publishes THE TRITON, “Ultimately, we see the USSA becoming a critical mass to address strategic issues that affect the growth of the U.S. Superyacht industry.”

Membership is open to any U.S. entity with a substantial portion of its revenue derived from Superyachts. Several members will be distributing information about the USSA at the Monaco Yacht Show as the start of a membership drive.

Marine Consultant and writer Bransom Bean has been appointed the Executive Director for the group and is charged with moving the USSA to the next level.  “In fact, we all work as a hands-on team,” he says, “It keeps us lean and focused.”

Information on the U.S. Superyacht Association and membership is available from any of its members or the website, www.ussuperyacht.com.

US SUPERYACHT ASSOCIATION
757 SE 17th ST, #662
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 USA
+1 800 208 5801
info@ussuperyacht.com