OP Media Group Limited Acquires Canadian Boating, Boating Industry Canada, and PORTS Cruising Guides
Aug 5, 2025
Acquisition Strengthens OP Media Group’s Leadership in Canadian Recreational Boating Media
Vancouver British Columbia, August 5, 2025 – OP Media Group Limited, a leading force in Canadian niche publishing for over 30 years, and publisher of Pacific Yachting, is pleased to announce the acquisition of three of Canada’s most respected marine brands and their related properties in print, online and digital: Canadian Boating, Boating Industry Canada, and the PORTS Cruising Guides. The acquisition, effective September 1, 2025, is a significant step in OP Media Group’s mission to serve the full spectrum of Canada’s recreational and commercial boating community.
This strategic acquisition brings together four cornerstone brands that have long been trusted resources for boaters, marine professionals, and industry stakeholders:
Canadian Boating – Canada’s premier national magazine for recreational boaters, offering in-depth boat reviews, product insights, educational features, and maritime destinations for more than 50 years.
Pacific Yachting – The voice of boaters in BC and the Pacific Northwest for more than 60 years, PY is loaded with high-quality content, including destinations, do-it-yourself projects, gear reviews and more.
Boating Industry Canada – The voice of Canada’s marine trade sector, this essential publication provides timely updates on marine technology, policy news, business forecasts, and industry innovations.
PORTS Cruising Guides – The leader in Canadian nautical guidebooks, PORTS Guides offer boaters rich, chart-based content and essential travel information for all major cruising regions in Canada.
“Bringing these important and iconic brands into the OP Media Group family is a proud and natural evolution,” said Mark Yelic, President of OP Media Group. “These brands are deeply rooted in the Canadian recreational boating landscape, and with our resources and digital expertise, we intend to elevate their reach and relevance for the next generation of marine enthusiasts and professionals.”
Owen Hurst, President of Kerrwil media added, “The acquisition ensures continued production and innovation across all brands. Readers and advertisers can expect seamless continuity in editorial leadership, trusted content, and an expanded digital presence with new opportunities for audience engagement and cross-platform integration. It also creates the largest online reach in the Canadian boating industry with its unique regional and national platforms, digests and newsletters.”
Both Canadian Boating and Pacific Yachting will continue their rapport with CanBoat / NautiSavoir (formerly the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons) working closely to promote safe boating education across Canada.
“It’s an exciting new chapter,” said Jill Snider, Publisher of Canadian Boating, and “with OP Media Group’s energy and vision, these titles will continue to serve their loyal audiences and grow in ways that weren’t possible before. That’s great news for everyone involved in the Canadian marine community.”
OP Media is particularly pleased to share that Jill will continue to be involved with OP Media Group in a new capacity, transitioning into a sales role as the brands grow and evolve under new ownership. Jill will also play an active role in the transition.
About OP Media Group Limited
OP Media Group Limited is a Canadian publisher specializing in industry-specific, lifestyle, and recreational media. With decades of experience in media, its growing portfolio includes print and digital titles that serve professional sectors, enthusiast groups, and niche communities with high-value content, engaging storytelling, and market-driven insights.
Mark Yelic
President, OP Media Group
1166 Alberni St, Vancouver BC V6E 3Z3
(604) 620-0031
