Help needed in fighting misguided legislation - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 16 Aug 2023 12:00 PDT
ASA launches Vessel Speed Restriction Toolkit © American Sportfishing Association
Since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration first announced its proposal to effectively shut down the Atlantic Ocean to recreational vessels 35 feet and longer for over half the year, the American Sportfishing Association and partners have been hard at work fighting back against this well-intentioned but poorly-developed rule.
While they've had some success, they still need your help spreading the message and fighting this misguided proposal. Check out their new online toolkit that gives you the ability to connect with your members of Congress, share social media posts and more!
The industry needs future marine employees. An innovative and groundbreaking partnership between Highline Public Schools, Northwest Maritime Center, and Seattle Maritime Academy has officially been established to further address the problem. Since opening in 2021, it has been the mission of Maritime High School to prepare its graduates for maritime careers or post-secondary education to continue marine-related studies. Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, students entering grade 11 can now further advance their maritime career by participating in a two-year Vessel Operations and Maintenance pathway at Seattle Maritime Academy.
"We are excited to welcome the students of Maritime High School to the Seattle Maritime Academy," said Dale Bateman, Associate Dean for Seattle Maritime Academy. "The maritime education and certifications students will earn through this program will prepare them for bright careers in the maritime industry."
Meantime awards play an important part in rewarding marine companies and their products. Nominations are now being accepted for the fourth annual Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating. The international electric boat awards started in 2020 by electric boat news website Plugboats. Awards will be presented in 9 categories and sub categories: Electric Boats Up To 8 metres / 26 feet: Two Sub-Categories: Boats in Serial Production and Boats in Development Electric Boats Over 8m / 26 ft: Two Sub-Categories: Boats in Serial Production and Boats In Development Commercial Passenger Electric Boats: Two Sub-Categories: Boats in Operation and Boats In Development Electric Sailboats, Customized / Refitted / DIY Electric Boats, Electric Work Boats.
Nominations are open to anyone. Members of the public as well as manufacturers and others in the marine industry are welcome to nominate an electric boat for an award.
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announces 2023 judging panel for Innovation Awards. New product technology to take center stage at opening day industry breakfast and along innovation way throughout the days of the show. The program, now in its 20th year has reviewed thousands of new products and recognized the industry's most significant and innovative technologies. Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and independently judged by Boating Writers International, the program is one of the marine industry's most prestigious honors recognizing manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market.
Company news includes Smoker Craft. Multi-line boat builder Smoker Craft Inc. welcomed Indiana's Second District Congressman Rudy Yakym as a guest of honor at its annual dealer meeting, which kicked off on Sunday at the company's New Paris, Indiana manufacturing facility. Yakym, a boating enthusiast and boating industry supporter, joined business leaders and senior representatives from more than 230 Smoker Craft dealer partners who travelled from across the US, Canada, and as far away as Columbia to attend the company's annual dealer meeting.
The event, which runs through August 10, features a packed agenda of business engagements, presentations, and more than 120 different 2024 Smoker Craft, Starcraft, Sylvan, SunChaser and Starweld models on display, with a further 20 available nearby for on-water sea trials.
And Weems & Plath proudly announces their milestone 95th year in business. The globally renowned nautical and weather instrument manufacturer was founded in 1928 by Captain Philip Van Horn Weems (a graduate and instructor of the U.S. Naval Academy) in partnership with his wife, Margaret Thackray Weems, as the "Weems System of Navigation." In its early years, the company began as a navigation school based in Annapolis, Maryland, where students could choose to receive either correspondence or in-person courses to learn how to navigate in the air and at sea.
Weems quickly evolved the company into manufacturing navigational instruments that could be used in tandem with the courses. Courses continued to be offered through the mid-1970s, at which time the company decided to focus more of their attention on further enhancing navigation by serving as a consultant for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.
People on the move this week involves a sailing establishment. The Board of Directors of The Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame announced today that Erika Holshoe has been hired as the organization's new communications and marketing manager. In her new role, Holshoe will be responsible for digital and social media outreach relating to The Sailing Museum and the National Sailing Hall of Fame, as well as coordination with internal and external stakeholders in both and maintaining the image and growth of the Museum and the Hall of Fame. She has a background in both museums and general communications.
New boat launchings. Sunseeker will unveil the global debut of the Ocean 182 at the upcoming Newport International Boat Show. With its significant interior volume and an infinity main deck layout, the Ocean 182 offers luxury and comfort. From the upper saloon with an alfresco balcony on the upper deck to the spacious main deck saloon and dedicated dining space, every aspect of the Ocean 182 promises an on-board paradise.
Represented by the US distributor, OneWater Yacht Group, Sunseeker will display the multi-award-winning 65 Sport Yacht and Manhattan 55 alongside the Ocean 182 from 14 - 17 September 2023.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
If your organisation has any news that you would like to share with the rest of the industry send the details to peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle