US Superyacht Association’s 9th Annual Captains Briefing in St. Maarten Mixes Fun and Learning All in One
By Kerry Biddle on 6th February, 2014
US SUPERYACHT ASSOCIATION’S 9th ANNUAL ST. MAARTEN CAPTAINS BRIEFING BRINGS TOGETHER INDUSTRY AND CREW FOR FUN & LEARNING
Ft. Lauderdale, FL – February 3, 2014 – The US Superyacht Association (USSA) concluded its 9th Annual Captains Briefing in St. Maarten with a new social format and energy that proved to be even more popular with the captains and senior crew. With representatives from nearly 50 superyachts and 50 USSA industry partners participating in this annual event, the USSA’s marketing message of “Come SEA U.S.” was heard by many. “We really enjoyed the new format,” said Captain Mike Poulin of the M/Y Limitless. “It allowed us even more time to network with U.S. industry representatives and strengthen those relationships over the two days.”
“The revised format was a huge success,” said Captains Briefing Chairman Tim Davey. “Captains and senior crew were introduced to the subject experts and this allowed them to discuss topics that were important to them with the right people. This, combined with the golf tournament, awards dinner and the cocktail party provided for tremendous networking for all concerned.”
The Golf Outing, held at the Mullet Bay Golf Course, provided a fun day for a group of captains and industry out on the links. Teams participated in a two-man scramble format that allowed for a lot of interaction between crew and industry. “This event was a fun bonding experience for all of us,” said Justin Mann, VP of Bluewater Books & Charts. “We had a blast sharing clubs and dodging course hazards.” While everyone who participated came out a winner, the winning twosome consisted of Captain Mike Poulin of M/Y Limitless and Dean DuToit, president of National Marine.
St. Maarten Prime Minister Claudine Williams Wescot addressed the visiting industry and yacht representatives during the closing cocktail party at the Castaways with a warm welcome and a statement of support. “We recognize the tremendous impact the superyacht industry has on our island and we are happy to have you all here,” she stated.
“St. Maarten has been a terrific host island over the past nine years and we look forward to continuing the support of the island and their private yacht guests under our new format in the years to come,” said Davey.
A special thank you goes out to the following sponsors who made this year’s event possible: Presenting Sponsors: IGY Marinas-Yacht Club at Isle de Sol, ISSGMT, Luxury Water Toys, Megafend Mooring Products and Yacht Chandlers. Additional Sponsors included: Aere Docking Solutions, Alexseal Yacht Coatings, AME Solutions, BlueWater Books & Charts, GEO Blue, IYC, Large Yacht Services, Marshall Islands Yacht Registry, MTN, National Marine Suppliers, Rybovich Shipyard & Marina, Palm Harbor Marina, Trinity Yachts, Ward’s Marine Electric, West Marine Megayacht Supply and Westrec Marinas.
Photos from the event can be found on the USSA Facebook page. For additional information on how to attend or be a sponsor for the 10th Annual Captains Briefing, please contact: Kitty McGowan at 954-972-8666 or info@usssuperyacht.com.
(L-R) Event Chairman Tim Davey, ISSGMT with Wayne Foulis of Vantage
(L-R) Nathan Marsack, Megafend Mooring Products with St. Maarten Prime Minister Claudine Williams Wescot
(L-R) Dean Dutoit, National Marine; Mike Poulin, Captain M/Y Limitless; George Whitehouse, Rybovich; CJ Rozmus, Chief Officer M/Y Limitless
(L-R) Tripp Nelson, Alexseal Yacht & Paint with teammate Lachlan Briggs of Solemar
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The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) is a non-profit trade association incorporated in 2006, whose mission is to protect and promote the superyacht industry of the United States and act as its voice. For more information, visit our website at ussuperyacht.com or call 800-208-5801.