Progressions …

Monthly posts about sailing industry people and companies

Bonnier Corp has acquired Boating magazine and four other specialty magazines from Hachette Filipacchi Media US. Boating, an industry leader for 50 years, has over 2 million readers, the largest in the boating category. With the acquisition, Bonnier now owns 19 magazines that cover boating, fishing and other water sports, including Cruising World and Sailing World.

Wisconsin-based Harken Inc. recently announced new appointments to its global and U.S. sales team as a result of internal realignment designed to maximize experience within the company.

Promotions include Mark Wiss, a 15-year Harken veteran, who was named global sales manager; Jim Anderson, named U.S. sales manager; and Charlotte Taylor, U.S. Aftermarket Leader.

Mark Pillsbury, recently promoted as editor-in-chief of Cruising World magazine, announced that award-winning journalist Bill Springer has joined the team as senior editor.

Springer is responsible for creating and editing content for print and web, conducting boat tests, representing the magazine at boat shows and industry events, plus managing the magazine’s Boat of the Year program. He is a lifelong cruiser with thousands of offshore miles under his belt, and most recently spent 14 years on deck with SAIL magazine.

Mack Boring, a New Jersey distributor of marine and industrial diesel engines, generators and related products, has announced four executive management promotions. Former co-presidents Steve McGovern and Ned McGovern have taken on new titles and duties. A 34-year company veteran, Steve has been named president, while Ned, with 40 years of experience, is chairman of the board. Patrick McGovern, formerly marine division manager, has been named chief operating officer. Scott Dubrow now assumes marine sales management duties.

Lex Raas, president and CEO of Sunsail Sailing Vacations recently announced a sponsorship agreement with US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member Zach Railey of Clearwater, FL. A Finn class silver medalist in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and 2008 US Sailing Sportsman of the Year, Zach plans to launch his campaign for 2012 this year with a full slate of international events. Sunsail’s sponsorship and fundraising activities are expected to raise in excess of $40,000 in year one to support campaign costs.

“As passionate sailors ourselves, Sunsail is committed to raising the profile of sailing,” said Raas. “Our goal is to enable more people to participate in the sport, whether racing, learning to sail, or relaxing on a sailing vacation.”

Fractional boating company SailTime Group recently announced continued expansion plans, including new base openings in Australia about 18 miles north of Sydney Harbor this June, as well as in New Zealand. The company reports it expects additional base openings in Europe and North America before the year is out.

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