NYBA News

We're happy to share the results of the NYBA Board of Directors election - please welcome our newly elected Directors: 

Amy Thornton - BananaBelt Boats  (Business Member seat)
Diego Gomez Hall - Worth Avenue Yachts   (Business Member seat)

The new Board will meet on January 8th, 2025 for their first Board meeting. At the November Board meeting this year (2024), the Executive Committee was appointed by the currently seated Board. The Executive Committee is as follows:

President: Paul Groesbeck - Irwin Yacht Sales

Vice President: Ray Prokorym - Worth Avenue Yachts

Treasurer: Ken Monaghan - Seattle Yachts

Secretary: Ben Johnson - Hampton Yacht Group

Thank you to Tony Witek and Kevin Blake for their many years of service on the Executive Committee! Both Tony and Kevin chose not to run for re-appointment to the Executive Committee, but remain on the Board. 

And of course, a special thank you to our departing Board Member, Frank Lindell! We appreciate Frank's service on the Board and as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee.

Thank you again to all who voted - we have a great team on the Board, and we are excited to see all that NYBA will accomplish in the coming year! We also want to thank all of the candidates who ran for spots on the Board.

Interested in becoming more engaged with  NYBA? We invite you to join one of our committees - Government Affairs, Grow Boating, Boat Show and more! If interested, please contact Karli - karli@nwyachtbrokers.com.

The NYBA Board of Directors election is now open for voting. The poll will remain open through December 19th.

There are two Business Member seats up for election. Per NYBA by-laws, only "Business Members" and "Business Members-Individuals" are eligible to vote in this election.

If you are eligible to vote, click here to access the poll. You must be logged in to vote. If you are not eligible to vote - i.e. if you are an Affiliate Member, or have already voted - you will not be able to access the poll.

If you have any issues with logging in to your NYBA member account, please contact Leslie - leslie@nwyachtbrokers.com. 

Please note that all voting is anonymous, so we can not see who you voted for (or if you voted). Be sure to read all of the voting rules on the poll page - there are specific requirements you must meet!

Click here to vote in the Board of Directors election!

NYBA Vice President Tony Witek announced a new service award at the 2024 NYBA Annual Meeting on November 19^th. The new NYBA Excellence in Volunteer Service Award was created to honor and recognize a NYBA member for their outstanding contribution to the growth and success of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association.

The inaugural recipient of the NYBA Excellence in Volunteer Service Award is Harry Walp, CPYB & NYBA Past President. Harry has served on the NYBA Board of Directors for over a decade, and was first elected to the Board in 2011 while working as a Yacht Broker at Grand Banks Northwest. In 2013, he was elected to the Executive Committee as Treasurer, and served six years in that role, guiding the organization through sensitive financial speedbumps. Following his years as Treasurer, Harry was elected in 2019 as President of NYBA. During his term, he was faced with the daunting task of guiding the organization through the possible loss of South Lake Union as the site for the Boats Afloat Show. While that thankfully did not come to pass, Harry dedicated countless hours to helping the Board find a new location for the Boats Afloat Show – the financial lifeblood of the organization.

Since the end of his term as President, Harry has continued to dedicate his time as Past President from 2021 through 2024. His thorough analyses and legacy knowledge have provided invaluable support and guidance to NYBA.

The Board of Directors thanks Harry for his tireless service to NYBA and the Pacific Northwest professional yacht broker community.

Congratulations, Harry, on being NYBA’s inaugural recipient of the NYBA Excellence in Volunteer Service Award!

Jeff Brown Yachts is seeking experienced Yacht Sales Professionals with 3+ years of sales and brokerage experience to join our teams in Sausalito, CA and in Seattle, WA. We're looking for motivated, enthusiastic, and driven individuals who possess exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and the highest level of integrity.

Ideal candidates are passionate about and successful in the luxury yachting industry and committed to delivering a world-class yacht-buying experience for our valued clients. If you're ready to take your career to new heights in a dynamic and rewarding environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact: Tommy Casias, Jeff Brown Yachts
Phone: (206) 387-0331
Email: tommy@jeffbrownyachts.com

NYBA is excited to share the list of candidates for the upcoming Board of Directors election, which occurs December 9th - December 19th, 2024. There are (2) Business Member seats open. Each seat is a three year term, beginning January 1, 2025 and running through December 31, 2027. 

Eligible Voters: "Business Members" and "Business Member-Individuals" are the only eligible voters in this election. Because there are no Affiliate seats open, Affiliate members will not be voting in this election. 

Business Associate memberships are non-voting memberships.

NEW for 2024: The Board of Directors voted to adjust the requirements for casting a ballot. You now must vote for (2) candidates, as there are (2) seats open. 

Please take some time to review the candidate statements below and then click here to cast your vote! 

Business Member Candidates: (2) Seats Available
All Candidate Statements were submitted by the candidates, no edits were made by NYBA Staff; statements were limited to 300 words.

Curtis Adams
Bristol Yachts Northwest

I offer my time and service to help NYBA promote the needs of our organization. 

The Marine industry has been my lifelong career. I have been an active member of NYBA for decades. Having supported various boards including the advisory board at my local marina, current member of the board in the building where my office is located, and participated in the NYBA Boat Show and Grow Boating committees, I feel that I would be a positive asset.

Through my career I have participated in numerous boats shows in a variety of states and countries. I have seen what works and what doesn't, as well as what NYBA has tried in the past. I can share these experiences to improve the organization and our shows.

Thanks for your consideration.

Diego Gomez Hall
Worth Avenue Yachts

As a yacht broker with more than 20 years of industry experience, I have had the opportunity to help clients experience the freedom and joy of being on the water, and build skills and connections to inspire confidence onboard their yachts.

My passion and dedication to the industry has enabled me to live and work internationally from Australia, to Monaco, and all over the US, working in all aspects of the industry from sailing to superyachts, and hospitality to maintenance. I enjoy gaining a holistic view of the industry and I find my clients appreciate this perspective. I pride myself on the relationships I’ve developed within the yachting community, enabling me to assemble the best possible team to cover every expertise to support my clients.

My approach to yacht sales is founded in my core values: doing the right thing is always the right thing, innovation is necessary and good, knowledge is power, and relationships are everything.

As a Director of NYBA I would like to bring a global perspective from the next generation of industry professionals, and encourage engagement, innovation, transparency, and camaraderie. In turn I hope to further cement NYBA’s role in providing our clients with better service, value, education, and confidence in our industry.

Thank you for your consideration and please take some time to learn more about me at www.diegogomezhall.com/about-diego.

Gretchen Miles
Waterline Boats

My history with yachts and boats began years ago. First, with a restored Sterling waterski boat; progressively growing and embracing the lifestyle from smaller weekend recreational boats to our current 2003 Jefferson 64 Pilothouse which I live aboard with my husband, Ron, and dog, Gracie.

I was motivated to become a yacht broker while experiencing the process of buying and selling our personal boats and began working with Waterline Boats, LLC in late 2014. Currently, I am also the manager of the Waterline Boats office at the Port of Everett.

To expand my opportunities and continued professional development, I qualified for the CPYB designation in 2020 and I received my 100-ton Captain license in 2022.

I am a member of the NYBA Boats Afloat Show committee and an active member with the Everett Yacht Club.

I believe I will contribute to and help elevate our organization by sharing our goals of professionalism, integrity, transparency and education. Our professional organization is growing; I have passion, perspective, and possess good leadership skills.

Thank you for your consideration!

Amy Thornton
BananaBelt Boats

I’ve grown up on the waters here in the Northwest – I've dented my share of docks in Lake Washington as a teenager and there are at least three fishing poles marking the way from Shilshole to Rosario Resort compliments of yours truly.  My dad started selling boats right after I was born which is probably why I think you’re a weirdo if the thought of smelling fresh fiberglass in the Kingdome doesn’t get you hot and bothered.  

I’m the owner of BananaBelt Boats in Anacortes – a company my parents started 25 years ago.  Our set-up and philosophy is different from typical yacht brokerages (I’m sure our name gives that away) with about 100 boats out of the water.  We move a few boats up here. I love selling boats more than I love carbohydrates.  I suck at docking a boat, but I will sell my soul to make a customer happy (and contrary to popular belief, some redheads really do have souls). 

I’ve loved being a voice on NYBA’s Board of Directors this past term – while my language is colorful, I think my perspective is too.  I’m one of the few female business owners in the marine industry, and I‘m not shy about sharing my opinions - I'm all about the exchange of ideas to help make NYBA better for its members. 

It would be a privilege to continue in this role so I can help foster the idea that this organization is about more than putting on a boat show – it's about supporting each other in this industry and building relationships that help us become better at what we do.   

One last thing you should know about me: I firmly believe that if everyone had a pilothouse and a bottle of wine, we’d have world peace. 

W S Yacht Brokers is seeking experienced and motivated yacht brokers to expand our presence in Northern Washington.

What We Offer

• Extensive Listings: Over 70 active brokerage listings on the West Coast, valued at over $24 million.
• Exclusive Dealership: Representing Hanover Yachts as the West Coast Dealer.
• Supportive Team Environment: A family-oriented atmosphere rooted in strong ethics, exceptional leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
• Prime Office Location: Operate out of our stunning office in the Nautical Landing Building and Marina, a premier megayacht marina perfect for client meetings.
• Extensive Network: Collaborate with nearly 30 brokers across our three West Coast locations in Seattle, Portland, and San Diego.
• Client-Centric Focus: Building and maintaining strong client relationships is at the heart of our success. We prioritize providing exceptional service to ensure client satisfaction and long-term trust.
• Robust Marketing:
  • Access to 10 online platforms to market your clients' boats.
  • Professional photography/videography with costs shared by the company.
  • A dedicated marketing agency hired to extensively increase lead generation and maximize listing exposure.
• Professional Resources: Company-provided apparel and bi-weekly sales meetings in a non-corporate environment.
• Industry Expertise: Leverage almost 80 years of combined marine industry knowledge from our leadership team.
• Exclusive Opportunities: Attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) annually, with performance-based team invitations.

If you’re ready to join a dynamic, growing brokerage that values client relationships and represents an exciting new boat brand, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact:
Jason Whitaker
Phone: (971) 244-2667
Email: jason@wsyachtbrokers.com

This could be your office view!

By Diane Lander, NYBA Special Events and Membership Coordinator

Following a wild (and unexpected) wind squall during set-up for the Spring 2024 Boats Afloat Show, some of NYBA’s docks suffered considerable damage.  Following the show, it was discovered that the welds in a number of places needed serious repair.  In addition, the wood on the tops of the docks in many places had long outlived its useful life and was in need of serious repairs. 

In August, NYBA engaged Tom Bulson from Fremont Tug and his crew to work on the docks.  They went over to Seattle Yacht Club where many of the docks are stored off-season and commenced a repair job which included removal and replacement of much of the rotten decking.  Next, they worked on repairing the welds and connections between docks. 

By the September show, the docks that Fremont Tug repaired were in much better shape.  But many of them are decades old and some are nearing the end of their useful life. After the September Boats Afloat Show, some of the courtesy floats were deemed ‘unrepairable’ and will have to be replaced this winter before the 2025 Spring Boats Afloat show.

Fortunately, NYBA is able to derive a small amount of income from renting out the docks to organizations such as Seafair.  The docks are also used by Seattle Yacht Club yearly to make up the “Dock Zero” Guest Dock for the hundreds of visiting boaters who come to Opening Day of Boating every year (in exchange for year-round free storage, except when we are using them).

Our docks are one of NYBA’s biggest assets – but they are also extremely expensive to replace.  They are critical to the success of our boat shows which create our largest stream of income.  Maintaining them and making sure that they last well into the future until we have to replace them is critical. 

Thank you to Tom and his crew from Fremont Tug for everything that they do to help us maintain this critical asset!

Northwest Yacht Brokers Association Annual Meeting
Generously sponsored by Anacortes Marine Documentation & S3 Maritime

Join us for the NYBA Annual Meeting, November 19th! This event is an opportunity to catch up on NYBA news and interests, enjoy informative guest speakers, and network with fellow members. Registration is now open, and closes November 12th. The Annual Meeting includes a light breakfast and full lunch, and will take place in the Fireside Room at the Seattle Yacht Club. CPYB Members Can Earn 2 CE Points for Attending the Full Meeting. REGISTER NOW!

Date: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm

Location: Seattle Yacht Club - Main Station - Fireside Room

Location Address: 1807 E. Hamlin Street, Seattle WA 98112

Cost: $40

Agenda & Speakers: In addition to NYBA staff sharing a recap of the year, we welcome an exciting slate of guest speakers:

Puget Sound Pilots: Enjoy a special presentation from a Puget Sound pilot, who will share more about what they do - and what they wish recreational boaters knew. Great for helping your clients who are newer to boating gain comfort around large commercial vessels.

S3 Maritime: Greg Allen will join us for an informative presentation on lithium battery systems, helping enhance your knowledge of onboard systems and improvement options available for your clients' vessel's electrical system. 

Recreational Boaters Association of Washington (RBAW): Bob Wise, President of RBAW, will highlight their ongoing advocacy efforts to support the recreational boater and grow recreational boating across Washington state. Learn about how they maintain a healthy legislative agenda each year advocating on behalf of northwest boaters to hold the line on taxes and fees, and ensure boaters benefit from the watercraft excise taxes they pay each year to the state. 

*** Registration Deadline: November 12th at 3pm. Payment must be received to confirm your registration and you must pre-register for the event.***

REGISTER HERE!

It's election season! We are currently seeking NYBA members to run for the NYBA Board of Directors. We have (2) Business Member seats that are coming up for election (the two current board members who hold those seats are eligible to run for re-election, should they choose to do so).  

Please take a few minutes to read how serving on the NYBA Board of Directors can enhance your experience here in our local maritime community, and what kind of commitment the position entails.

Community and Professional Development Benefits:

• Develop a strong working relationship with other Board Members
• Have an 'ear to the ground' regarding industry developments and pending government legislation
• Help maintain a high ethical standard within our industry and promote a positive impression to the public
• Help develop two premier NYBA-produced events: the Spring and Fall Boats Afloat Show 

Time Commitment and Scope of Position: 

• Attendance (in-person or via Zoom) at monthly Board Meetings (2-3 hours)
• Participation in one of the Association sub-committees
• Be available for occasional phone calls for Board business/discussions that requires more immediate attention
• Term: Three years (serves from January 2025 through December 2027)

Who can run?

• A Business Member or Business Member-Individual level, in good standing
• Note: Business Members need to be CPYB, or initiate the CPYB process within 6 months of joining the Board.

If you are interested in running for the Board, please fill out this form - this is merely to let us know you are interested - it doesn't commit you to running.  We are looking for candidates to commit to running by November 26th. The election voting period will run from December 9th through December 19th. 

If you have questions about the election - who can run, who can vote, how to run, etc - please contact Leslie Simmons (leslie@nwyachtbrokers.com).

If you have questions about the experience of serving on the Board - we invite you to contact any of our current Board Members.

If you haven't yet registered for the Boats Afloat Show - now is the time! The registration deadline is August 22, and space may sell out before that date. Get your application in now to confirm your space in the show! 

For more information, and to download the show contract, click here.