Mar 15, 2020

Celebrating a century of service, the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) provides a strong voice for the yachting industry. This year marks 100 years of providing guidance and support for its members, while successfully navigating many changes and challenges over the decades. Founded in 1920 as a yacht architects association, YBAA has evolved into a sophisticated professional trade association comprised of over 250 corporate firms representing over 1,000 individual yacht sales professionals. 

“We are very proud to have reached our 100-year anniversary,” said Mike Titgemeyer, CPYB, YBAA’s board president. “YBAA has become the voice for yacht sales professionals worldwide, ensuring YBAA members adhere to the most ethical standards of professional competence, character and principled conduct when dealing with fellow yacht sales professionals and the boating public.”

YBAA was founded in 1920 with approximately 15 major members for its first decade of existence. Experiencing solid growth through the next several decades, the organization changed its name from YABA, the Yacht Architect & Brokers Association, Inc. to YBAA, the Yacht Brokers Association of America in 2000. Since that time, YBAA’s leadership has focused on developing programs and services that better the yacht sales profession, also providing education and training opportunities that set the standard for optimal industry professionalism. 

“YBAA offers a tremendous value for the yacht sales community, which has only increased in our recent years. In 2002 YBAA spearheaded the establishment of the National Yacht Broker Certification Program (CPYB) along with collaboration from the six other yacht broker associations in North America. In 2007, we launched The Guide, a reference and training guide for yacht sales professionals showcasing the highest standards in the industry. We also continue to add programs to our portfolio, launching just last year YBAA’s own MLS service,” said Jean-Pierre (J.P.) Skov, CPYB, YBAA’s Executive Director and former president. 

In July, YBAA will continue its 100-year celebration during YBAA University, two educational events taking place July 14 in Annapolis, MD and July 16 in Providence, RI. YBAA Us are offered each summer to provide yacht sales professionals with full-day educational/informational programs and a chance to network with industry peers. This year’s event will also include enhanced opportunities to celebrate the 100-year anniversary including industry speakers, advanced programming, and celebratory receptions.

“This year’s YBAA Universities will be the best to date with special guest speakers, including sailing and America’s Cup legend Gary Jobson. We also have planned two exceptional networking receptions to commemorate YBAA’s storied history, as well as showcase the future of the association and where we, and the industry, are headed,” added Titgemeyer. ““The future is bright, and I look forward to helping lead YBAA into its next 100 years.”

YBAA was founded in 1920 and exists to unite yacht sales professionals to establish, promote and enforce high standards of professional competence, character, and ethical conduct; foster public recognition of, and support for YBAA and its member brokers; facilitate cooperation among member brokers; and, enhance each member’s success. More information can be found at http://ybaa.yachts/.