U.S. superyacht trade association formed
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – What began as a small group of South Florida superyacht businesses banding together for marketing at the St Maarten Boat Show has become the first U.S. trade association dealing exclusively with the superyacht industry, reported the U.S. Superyacht Association in a statement Monday.
Membership is open to any U.S. entity with a substantial revenue portion derived from superyachts.
“This was long overdue for this country,” said Palladium Technology’s Karen Dudden-Blake, the group’s chair. “By most statistics, the majority of superyacht owners are American and the United States is home to some of the largest builders in the world.”
Other countries with superyacht trade associations include the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy.
“Initially we will be focusing on helping our members market themselves all over the world,” said David Reed, The Triton publisher and a USSA founder. “Ultimately, we see the USSA becoming a critical mass to address strategic issues that affect the growth of the U.S. superyacht industry.”
Several members distributed information about the USSA at the Monaco Yacht Show as the start of a membership drive.
Bransom Bean, marine consultant and writer, has been named the association’s executive director.
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