PROGRESSIONS...

North Sails Sailmaking Team Retires, Macdonald Takes Helm

For more than 35 years, British Columbian Dave Miller, a well-known sailor and three-time Olympic Medalist, has built and serviced sails for North Sails in his Richmond-based loft outside Vancouver, British Columbia. He and his wife Marcia (who had previously retired) handed the reins of North Sails to Ross Macdonald, a BC native and fellow Olympian on March 19.

"It's bitter-sweet to see Dave and Marcia retire," said North Sails President Gary Weisman. "The impact they have both made on this company is substantial. But I am happy to see them retire and fulfill their dreams of relaxing, traveling and maybe a little more sailing for fun."

Macdonald, a five-time Olympian who took Bronze at the 1992 Games in Barcelona and Silver at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, was approached last November by Miller.

"It was something my wife (also named Marcia, who is a three-time Olympic sailor and who won Gold at the 1995 Pan Am Games in Argentina) and I have talked about for a number of years, but it wasn't until this year that the timing seemed right," said Macdonald. "We're at a stage in our lives now where we want to do a little less travel and not live out of suitcases in hotel rooms."

In addition, Anette Partidge, who moved from the North Sails loft in Toronto in September, has taken over as Vancouver's office manager.

Rick Collier Takes Expanded Territory for Edson

Edson Corp. has expanded the territory of sales representative Rick Collier of Pacific Focus Associates, who now represents Edson in the California marine OEM and aftermarkets. Collier will continue to provide representation for Edson in both Oregon and Washington State.

As a long time member of the Southern California marine industry, Collier is well known for his previous tenure as the West Marine store manager in Newport Beach, Calif. He also has produced sales for many marine lines since becoming a manufacturers’ representative.

Dammrich Appointed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partnership Council

NMMA President Thom Dammrich was recently appointed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar during the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation reception for members of Congress. He was one of 19 individuals tapped to serve in this capacity.

Created in 1993, the advisory panel counsels the Secretary on nationally significant recreational fishing, boating and aquatic resource conservation issues. All appointments’ terms begin immediately and each member serves a two-year stint. Three alternate members were also appointed and attend meetings and vote when the primary member is unable to attend.

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