Training & education an important aspect of industry - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 10 Apr 12:00 PDT
On-water powerboat handling courses in Milwaukee, Lake Geneva and South Haven make it easy to try boating or improve your skills © Boat Owners Association of The United States
The Basic Marina Operations Training Guide is a tool for entry-level marina professionals, designed as a self-study course for people who are just starting out in the marina industry.
The Guide includes information on first aid, security, boat handling, and health & safety. Perfect for new and seasonal employees.
If you have always wanted to see what boating is like, or you're a boat operator with a desire to grow your powerboat-handling skills or give yourself a boost of confidence behind the helm, now is your chance. On-water training provider Boat Safe Great Lakes, Carefree Boat Club, Gull Lake Marine, and the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water have teamed up to offer a series of at-the-helm boating courses in Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and South Haven, Michigan.
The United States Coast Guard and American Boat and Yacht Council recently opened registration for the next webinar in their free online Risk Mitigation Series. The sixth webinar of the semi-annual series will be "Don't be a Statistic: Data Saves Lives" to be held May 1. The Risk Mitigation Series aims to enhance safety and compliance within the marine industry. To build on the success of the series, this edition will focus on how boating incidents are reported, recorded, and categorized, and how that data informs standards and regulations.
Acquisitions and expansions: Denison Yachting is pleased to announce that its partner EXTRA Yachts made its North American debut with Denison. Denison has been named the exclusive dealer for EXTRA Yachts, covering the territories of North & South America, Central America, and Mexico. Denison superyacht broker Alex G. Clarke, who has teamed up with fellow Denison broker Gary Hardcastle to promote the brand, commented, "EXTRA Yachts brings a style and sophistication that is new to the market. Refreshing designs that focus on lifestyle."
Suntex Marina Investors LLC, the largest standalone recreational marina owner in the U.S. by marina count and boat slips, announced today that it has agreed to join forces with established marina management company Almar Marinas, merging Almar's owned marinas and management company Almar Management Inc. with Suntex Marinas.
Founded in 1974, Almar is the largest operator of coastal marinas on the west coast of the United States. Their portfolio consists of eight owned marinas across California - located between Marina Del Rey and Oakland - and another nine marinas managed on behalf of third-party owners in California and Hawaii. Almar prides itself on taking a customer-centric approach both with boaters and third-party marina owners.
Offshore Sailing School President and CEO, Doris Colgate, is pleased to announce sailing lessons and courses will resume at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina starting May 2. The company had to suspend operations on Fort Myers Beach due to marina damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Colgate said, "We are delighted to return to this favored destination in Florida in our company's 60th anniversary year. We know our students will enjoy the many enhancements the resort has made in the past 18 months to its facilities, marina, beachfront pool area, and restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Mexico."
Politics: Last month, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and other members of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways Association board of directors, met with 14 members of Congress representing states from Virginia to Georgia. Board members sought Congressional support to fund dredging and maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the length of the 1,100-mile-long waterway, which stretches from Norfolk to Miami.
On April 2, NMMA hosted Congressman Brad Finstad MN-01, at the Alumacraft Boat Company in St. Peter, Minnesota. The Congressman toured the Alumacraft facility and met with members of the team. Congressman Finstad and the Alumacraft team discussed industry priorities such as NOAA's proposed Vessel Speed Restriction Rule, aluminum extrusion trade issues, and Alumacraft's significant local endeavors aimed at strengthening community bonds in St. Peter while concurrently enhancing its economic impact.
People moves: Raymarine and FLIR Maritime recently announced new team members, including Gordon Sprouse as Director of Marketing for the Americas and Rachel Appel as Events Coordinator. In addition, Jim Hands will assume the role of Technical Marketing Director to manage global product-marketing, website and digital-strategy development.
Mack Boring & Parts Co announced this week the promotion of Christopher Ponnwitz to the role of Chief Commercial Officer of Mack Sustainable Energy, a new division for the company. "I am very happy to announce that Chris has moved into this new role, where he will be leading our efforts to further expand and grow the electric marine market, particularly with the ePropulsion product line," said Patrick McGovern, President and CEO of Mack Boring.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) this week named Jerry Newton president of its Venture Boat Group division effective immediately. Newton will be responsible for the overall business performance, strategic growth and operational execution of the Venture Boat Group portfolio including brands Bayliner, Heyday, Quicksilver, and Uttern in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Newton brings nearly 30 years of expertise from multiple disciplines with an international career that spans Fortune 500 corporations such as John Deere and Fortive as well as leadership positions in private equity.
More news at www.marinebusinessworld.com - North American-based news from the largest boating news network, updated daily from all over the continent.
Stay resolute,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media