ABYC Announces Outstanding Technician Award Winners
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the recipients of its 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards during International Marine Service Technician Week, held April 20–24.
Sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, the ABYC awards recognize 10 technicians for exceptional customer service, technical skill, training and mentorship, according to the organization. In addition, the New Achiever Awards recognize emerging professionals in the marine service industry who demonstrate strong potential and technical skill.
Now in its fifth year, the nominations were judged by a panel that included previous Outstanding Technician Award recipients.
“In reviewing the nominations, it was exciting to see such strong technical ability, along with a commitment to mentoring others,” said Tim Murphy, education director at ABYC, in a news release. “It was tough to narrow it down to 10 winners, and that really reflects the depth of the talent we have across the marine industry.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Kevin Anderson of Crate’s Lake Country Boats in Orillia, Ontario
- Julia Briggs of Irish Boat Shop-Harbor Springs in Harbor Springs, Michigan
- Dan Derfler of MarineMax Nisswa in Nisswa, Minnesota
- Corey Mugaas of Hurst Marina Ltd. in Ottawa, Ontario
- Andrew Sigler of Boston Whaler in Edgewater, Florida
- Adam Smith of Marine Technical Services in Deale, Maryland
- Scott Stephen of Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs, Michigan
- Chris Teal of Irish Boat Shop-Charlevoix in Charlevoix, Michigan
- Tim Vandenheuvel of Emerald Marine in Anacortes, Washington
- Ryan White of Boyne Boat Yard in Boyne City, Michigan
The 2026 New Achiever recipients are Nikita Davadilla of Solvere Technical Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Sam Hansz of Boyne Boat Yard in Boyne City, Michigan; and Alex Plante of Flux Marine in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Winners of the Outstanding Technician Award receive a $100 Visa gift card and a technician prize pack, according to the organization.
