PROGRESSIONS & JOB POSTS…
Sail Magazine Names 2011 Pittman Award Recipients
SAIL’s editors recently announced winners of its Pittman Innovation Awards for the most innovative new products in the sailing industry.
The slate of 15 distinctive winners included Yale Ph.D. Spectra Rope, PYI Max-ZProp Ecowind Propeller, Harken Rewind Radial Electric Winch, Facnor FlatDeck Furler, Selden Reversible Winch, Spinlock XXCo812 Powerclutch, Spinlock Zero Sports Flotation Vest, B&G Zeus Multifunction Display, Standard Horizon Matrix AIS, IsatPhone PRO, Garmin GPH 12 Autopilot, ProMariner ProNautic P/Sterling ProCharge Ultra, Dometic Marine Sailvac, Sea Joule Solar Bilge Pump, and Dock & Go by Groupe Beneteau.
Honorable mentions were also awarded to FSE Robline for its organic rope, Ronstan for its Core Blocks, and Wave Craft for its Wave Blade.
“It was more difficult than ever for our judges to narrow down such a strong field of new products,” said Sail Editor-in-Chief Peter Nielsen. “Here’s proof that the marine industry is forging ahead with research and development.”
All of the awards were presented at Strictly Sail Chicago and featured in the February edition of SAIL.
According to a post on Soundings Trade, Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH and Cantiere del Pardo Group (Grand Soleil and Dufour) have recently signed an agreement for the lease and subsequent acquisition of the Cantiere del Pardo group's operations by Bavaria. While specific term details are unknown, Bavaria is reportedly contributing necessary capital to support Cantiere del Pardo Group business during its debt restructuring process.
"We are very happy to be able to bring together these great brands to create a top global player," said Bavaria Yachtbau CEO Jens Ludmann. "Providing liquidity and a strong balance sheet will support the business's growth aspirations. We see significant synergies between the three brands in various areas of the business, and these synergies will enable us to grow and enhance our market competitiveness."
Said Cantiere del Pardo CEO Federico Minoli, "We are proud to reach an agreement with a strategic partner like Bavaria. We have formed a powerful group with complementary product ranges, geographical presence and managerial skills. The success that our new products have earned with customers can now ensure significant growth for our group."
James Collins Reps New England Ropes, Schaefer Marine
James Collins of Collins Outdoor Recreational Equipment will now serve as manufacturers’ representative for the Pleasure Marine Division of New England Ropes and for Schaefer Marine.
For New England Ropes, Collins will manage California and the southwest, including Texas. For Schafer Marine, he will cover Southern California to Washington State.
Collins has a lifelong career in sailing and is a former Category Manager for West Marine and manufacturers representative for The Chuck Frederick Company. Most recently, he founded a new firm, Collins Outdoor Recreational Equipment (C.O.R.E).
“We are very excited that James Collins has decided to come on board. His extensive experience both in the industry and with our product line will be an invaluable asset to New England Ropes as well as a wonderful resource to our customers” said Pleasure Marine Market Manager Kevin Coughlin.
Added Fred Cook, “James’ experience in the marine industry and his passion for the sport are second to none. We are excited for James and Schafer Marine.”
Lewmar Promotes Harcourt Schutz to Sales and Marketing Manager of the Americas
Lewmar appointed Harcourt Schutz sales and marketing manager of the Americas. Schutz, a 10-year veteran of the Guilford, Conn.-based marine products firm, most recently served as its sailboat products marketing manager. He is now responsible for field sales personnel in North and South America as well as the Caribbean, as well as overall marketing activities and aftermarket programs, trade and consumer boat shows, regattas and races.
"Harcourt has gained the respect of the marine trade with both our aftermarket and OEM customers, and his new assignment will greatly enhance our customer service focus as our business continues to gain strength," said Lewmar U.S. General Manager John Harsh.
He is an avid amateur sailor, having sailed on and coached collegiate all- American sailing teams, and was a member of the U.S. sailing team in the 470 class in 1997-1998.
NMMA Announces Legislative Office Changes
NMMA recently announced two personnel changes in its Washington, DC offices.
After five years NMMA Legislative Director Matt Dunn has taken a new position outside the industry. He worked on key issues including the E15 ethanol waiver and gaining access to floorplan financing through the Small Business Administration.
Nicole Vasilaros has joined NMMA as State Government Affairs Manager and is responsible for state government relations for both NMMA and the Personal Watercraft Industries Association.
Vasilaros, who comes from the office of Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, will report to David Dickerson as part of NMMA's state government relations team.
Yacht Brokers Association Appoints Vincent Petrella to ED Position
Industry veteran and certified yacht broker Vincent Petrella was appointed executive director of the Yacht Brokers Association of America. Formerly a sail maker with Van Zandt Sails, he has designed, built and sold sails, along with competing in one-design and offshore racing events. In 1981, he joined Wayne Burdick who was owner of Hellier Yacht Sales at the time, as a yacht broker and later became president of the organization in 1988 and owner in 1997. He also has served as a past director, president and chairman of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association and as a past director and chairman of the Professional Development Committee of the Yacht Brokers Association of America. In January 2003, he was awarded the Yacht Brokers Association of America Presidents Award.
"The YBAA board is delighted with the appointment of Vin Petrella as our new executive," said YBAA President Steve McPherson. "His depth and breadth of past experience in our industry and as a professional yacht broker, as a past president of the association and as one of the founding developers of the [certified professional yacht broker] certification program will enable him to add great value to our association and to its members."
Mid January Opening for SailLaser St. Petersburg
SailLaser, the training facility and LaserPerformance product dealer, opened its fifth North American location in St. Petersburg FL adjacent to the Harborage Marina in mid January.
The site will offer many of the popular programs proven at other locations including summer sailing camps, adult and children’s lessons, community sailing programs, racing clinics, corporate programs and special events. This will be the first facility with a complete retail offering that will include a mix of sailboat products as well as a complete line of clothing and accessories. It will also offer maintenance and repair services.
David Himmel, category manager of SailLaser said, “SailLaser is the only center in St. Petersburg that provides sailing programs in brand new boats from the Laser Performance line for all ages, and then offers programs for these new sailors to continue in the sport without the need to own their own boat. We want to do our part to shift the paradigm away from sailing being a sport that is too complicated or expensive to participate in.”
New Owner for W. D. Schock Corp
Tom and Jane Schock are pleased to announce the closing of the sale of the W. D. Schock Corp. (WDS) to Alexander Vucelic von Raduboj. Alexander will take over as President of WDS and be responsible for daily operations.
Tom Schock remains on the WDS Board of Directors and will continue to connect with sailors in the new role of Brand Ambassador. Jane Schock will also help to smooth the transition. The Schocks have taken a first, but small step, towards full retirement.
The company reported “robust growth” in 2010, with a solid order book confirmed for 2011 which include its popular Harbor line of sailboats which range from 14 to 30 feet. These quintessential daysailers feature self-tacking jibs, large, comfortable cockpits, and classic styling.
W. D. Schock Corp. was founded in 1946 in Newport Beach, California, by Tom's father, W. D. "Bill." The company has built more than 13,000 boats in 65-five year history.
South Coast Yachts to Represent W.D. Schock in San Diego
W.D. Schock Corp. has appointed South Coast Yachts of San Diego to represent its line of Harbor 20’, 25’ and new 30’ daysailers and small cruisers. The new line rounds out the dealership’s sailboat offering which includes Beneteaus from 30’ to 60’.
“We were looking for a high quality, 20’ - 30’ simple and elegant daysailer and the bonus is that the Schock boats are built right here in Southern California,” said Barrett Canfield, president of South Coast Yachts.
Gill NA Selected Official Supplier to CYA and Canadian Sailing Team
GILL® has been selected as the official technical apparel supplier to the Canadian Yachting Association and the Canadian Sailing Team. GILL will be supplying members of the Canadian Sailing Team with branded podium apparel and technical sailing gear.
In addition to supplying the Canadian Sailing Team, CYA will be providing GILL apparel to coaches and officials.
CYA Executive Director Paddy Boyd said, “We are delighted to welcome GILL aboard. The partnership will provide a clear identity for the Canadian Sailing Team and our official and coach network.”
Valiant Yachts Closing Its Doors
Texas-based Valiant Yachts announced on January 22nd that it would cease operations and will no longer be building new yachts.
In an email sent out to all Valiant Yacht owners, the company wrote: “After months of consideration, we have come to the very difficult decision that effective immediately, we will no longer produce new Valiant sailboats. The ongoing economic situation has created an environment where it is no longer feasible to continue production.”
The email also stated that the company is reassigning key personnel such as craftsmen and technicians to its sister company, Cedar Mills Marina, in order to continue to service Valiant customers. The sales staff will also remain onboard to offer professional brokerage services to Valiant yacht owners. More information: www.valiantsailboats.com
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