Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Dear fellow USSA members and industry leaders: This has truly been a milestone year for the U.S. Superyacht Association! As we celebrate our fifth anniversary as the only organization in the United States dedicated to the promotion and protection of the superyacht industry, I’m excited about the tremendous strides we’ve made in such a brief time. The board has been sharply focused on several key objectives: membership growth and development; regional expansion; increasing the exposure of the US to captains and owners of superyachts; refine our image both in print and on the web and develop strong relationships with those national regulators and legislators that impact our industry. Through the hard work of some very dedicated volunteers, board members and a strong management team we’ve accomplished those goals. Over the past year we’ve grown the association to nearly 200 members—an increase of nearly 40%! To improve our membership benefits and exposure, we’ve redeveloped our web site and Membership Directory. We brought in a new management team to help take us to the next level, we’ve restructured our bylaws, added regional networking events and board members; and have built strategic alliances with strong regional marine trade associations around the country. Our Captain’s Briefings, (in St. Maarten, Newport, RI, San Diego, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL,) designed to educate Captains and senior officers about how to come to the United States, have been extremely successful and well attended. The USSA for the first time had a member Pavilion at the Palm Beach Boat Show and moved for the first time to the exclusive Builder’s and Designers Tent at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Most importantly, on the advocacy front, the USSA participated for the first time at National Marine Manufacturer’s Association’s American Boating Congress and
U.S Congressman Allen West, (R) FL-22, Kitty McGowan, David Reed, The Triton at Palm Beach Boat Show
made more than 27 Hill Visits during that event—furthering our relationships in Washington, D.C. An exciting new relationship we’ve developed this past year is as an Operational Partner with the America’s Cup Superyacht Event Authority. This internationally revered event is giving the USSA and its members exposure to the world’s elite yachtsmen. As I come to the end of my tenure as Chair of the USSA, I do so with the confidence that this we will continue to grow and improve our service to the superyacht industry. I look forward to continuing to work with our existing and potential members, because together we can truly make the United States the ultimate destination for yachting service and cruising! Cheers! Tim Davey, Chairman U.S. Superyacht Association 2008-2011
Key accomplishments 2010 - 2011
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he US Superyacht Association (USSA) celebrates its five-year anniversary this year. Thanks to the hard work and tireless dedication of countless members, board, committee members and staff, the organization has hit its stride. This past year has seen dynamic and positive change for the USSA with numerous accomplishments: ■ Membership has grown nearly 40% and attracted key sectors of the industry ■ Partnerships with regional Marine Trade Associations (MTA) have been strengthened ■ Developed and implemented an advocacy and marketing strategic initiative entitled “Come Sea U.S.” during the American Superyacht Forum ■ Advocacy – developed strategy for outreach and relationship building in the regulatory and legislative arenas ■ Marketing – The board pursued strong initiatives to redevelop the marketing efforts of the USSA. New marketing material was created, the USSA website was improved to make it more relevant to the organization’s mission and the USSA Directory was redesigned to make it a valuable tool for industry and crew. ■ Crystallized the formula for creating successful Captain’s Briefings – St. Maarten; Newport, R.I.; San Diego, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
■ Continued to build our partnership with the International Superyacht Society and the Florida Yacht Broker’s Association to produce Yacht Info Seminars during FLIBS ■ Organizational structure revised and new management team retained with the goal of refocusing efforts on national mission ■ Updated association by-laws created Regional Board positions ■ Developed membership events in each region throughout the year to foster greater national interaction and dialogue All of these accomplishments point to a strong and vibrant organization that is ready and poised to truly make a difference and to promote the superyacht industry of the United States and to serve as its voice. With an increased membership and a strong regional board structure, USSA’s ability to represent all areas of the country is further strengthened. Our MTA partnerships will enable the organization to identify regulatory and legislative issues as they occur and more effectively address issues before they spread and impact the rest of the county. Successful Captain’s briefings help the USSA educate large yacht captains and senior crew about the range of benefits of the United States and continue to serve as valuable forums at which the industry gets feedback. An enhanced advocacy and outreach program will pay continued dividends as the U.S. works to entice more superyachts to her shores, along with the new marketing efforts that will clearly define the Association’s message both here in the U.S and internationally.
2011 Board of Directors Tim Davey ISSGMT Chairman
Derik Wagner MTN Satellite Communications Marketing Chair
John Mann Bluewater Books & Charts Vice Chairman
Vicki Abernathy Aere Docking Solutions
Mark Bononi MHG Insurance Brokers 2nd Vice Chair/Membership Mark Cline Cline Financial Group Treasurer Michael Karcher Karcher, Canning & Karcher General Counsel Kristina Hebert Wards Marine Electric Advocacy Co-Chair Corey Ranslem Secure Waters Security Group Advocacy Co-Chair
Michael Bach Bacchus Yacht Consultancy, LLC Donna Bradbury BWA Yachting Kevin Quirk Luxury Marinas David Reed Triton Publishing Group, Inc. William “Billy” Smith Trinity Yachts Eugene Sweeney Marshall Islands Yacht Registry
USSA Management Team NautiCom Communications Kitty McGowan, President Julie Sack Anne Hunt Emma Brown Kathy Mathis
Mission Statement:
To promote the Superyacht industry of theUnited States and to serve as its voice.
Advocacy in action
St. Maarten Captain’s Briefing started the year successfully with standing room only events
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n 2010 – 2011 U.S. Superyacht Association focused its advocacy efforts primarily on government outreach and relationship building, and the analysis and development of necessary information and tools needed to effectively represent the superyacht sector nationally. The year included numerous meetings with federal agencies such as Customs & Border Protection, U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Coast Guard, as well as meeting with elected officials both in Washington and in various local districts where the superyacht industry is represented. ■ The USSA Advocacy Board representatives including Vice Chairman John Mann, Corey Ranslem, Kristina Hebert and USSA Manager, Kitty McGowan met with numerous members of Congress and the Senate to directly outline the national mission of the organization and communicate the significant importance of the superyacht industry as an economic engine that represents thousands of jobs. Many Congressional and Senatorial leaders have exhibited a better understanding, indicated their support and declared their willingness to help the industry whenever opportunities to do so are presented.
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Many Congressional and Senatorial leadership have exhibited a better understanding, indicated support and declared their willingness to help the industry whenever opportunities to do so are presented.
■ USSA participated in the National Marine Manufacturer Association’s (NMMA) American Boating Congress (ABC) for the first time in May of this year. ABC serves as a comprehensive legislative conference that brings together recreational boating industry leaders to formulate public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact marine businesses.
■ With the establishment of USSA Regions and Regional Representatives, a stronger dynamic of communication has been established along with a greater amount of information sharing on challenges, ideas and solutions.
■ Through meetings with U.S. Coast Guard, Customs, Border Protection and U.S. State Department the efforts to provide correct information to large yacht captains regarding proper entry into the U.S., there appears to be improvements in the erroneous perception that the U.S. is not welcoming to large yachts. ■ The American Superyacht Forum in May, hosted by The Yacht Report Group, and organized by Superyacht Events, served as a catalyst that helped move forward initiatives such as the “Come Sea U.S.” campaign, an advocacy and marketing program to help remove regulatory and legislative barriers and other disincentives to large boats coming to the United States. Additionally, the need for a large yacht and U.S. superyacht industry economic analysis that would better show and communicate the value and importance of the industry was recognized, along with a plan for the development and promotion of best management practices and professional standards for the industry that underscore the unrivaled quality of the American superyacht construction, repair and refit sectors. As an event, it served to unite professionals in the large yacht sector whose collective efforts are showing results even in the preliminary stages of the projects. Based on the goals established, the initiatives undertaken and the achievements, the 2010 - 2011 year for USSA as an advocate for its membership and for the American superyacht industry can simply be described as successful!
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Kristina Hebert, Advocacy Chair, John Mann Vice, Chair, U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch, (D), FL-19 and Tim Davey, Chair.
2012 Board of Directors John Mann Bluewater Books & Charts Chairman Tim Davey ISS GMT Past Chairman Kristina Hebert Wards Marine Electric Advocacy Co-Chair Corey Ranslem Secure Waters Advocacy Co-Chair Michael Karcher Karcher, Canning & Karcher Legal Counsel Mark Cline Cline Financial Group Treasurer Michael Bach Bacchus Consulting John Clayman Seaton Yachts David Reed The Triton Gene Sweeney Marshall Island Registry
2010 - 2011 Financial Report George Whitehouse Rybovich Cris Wenthur Wenthur Law Group Rebecca Castellano Ocean Medical International Southeast Region Charlie Petosa Ocean Marine Yacht Center Mid-Atlantic Region Richard J. “Dick” Tracy Pantaenius America, Ltd. Northeast Region
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he U.S. Superyacht Association is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit organization. The largest percentage of USSA income is derived from membership dues. Association events at boat shows and captains briefings also give the organization minimal resources to utilize for advocacy efforts and marketing. Membership donations to specific projects enabled USSA to further expand its marketing efforts. The Association’s major expenses focus on membership, advocacy, events and marketing. Administrative management supports all association functions and works to further the efforts of the USSA. Income
Member Donations
James “Jim” Ruffolo Burger Boat Company Great Lakes Region
Advertising & Sponsorship
Peter Schrappen Northwest Marine Trade Association Northwest Region
Membership Events
Eric Pearson Fraser Yachts Southwest Region
Expenses Membership
William “Billy” Smith Trinity Yachts Gulf Coast
Administrative
Advocacy
Events & Regional Outreach
A Special Note of Thanks
S Networking events throughout the year provide excellent opportunities for business-to-business development and camraderie.
pecial thanks to MTN Satellite Communications for graciously underwriting the design and production of USSA’s marketing brochure that served as an instrumental and effective tool for communicating the
757 SE 17th Street, #662. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 www.ussuperyacht.com · 800-208-5801
role, value and messages of USSA during advocacy outreach and overall promotional efforts throughout 2010 - 2011. It is through support like this and the collective efforts of all that our organization will grow stronger.