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Vittorio Bichucher Appointed President of Venture Boat Group, Continues Leadership at NAVAN

March 24, 2026 Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) has named Vittorio Bichucher president of its Venture Boat Group division effective immediately. In addition to his new responsibilities, Bichucher will also continue his role as General Manager of the NAVAN brand, reinforcing his trusted leadership across multiple fronts within Brunswick’s global marine portfolio. In this expanded capacity, Bichucher will oversee the strategic…

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Brad Zoelle Named President of Boston Whaler Aligning the Brand for Next Phase of Growth

March 17, 2026 Brunswick Boat Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has announced the appointment of Brad Zoelle as President of Boston Whaler. Zoelle, who most recently served as General Manager of Mercury Marine APAC, succeeds Lenn Scholz, who is pursuing new opportunities outside the Company. Zoelle brings a proven record of strategic leadership and commercial…

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IMTRA Continues Growth With Hires Of Experienced Professionals In Sales And Product Management Departments

February 10, 2026 Anthony Powell Joins IMTRA Sales Team Following the Retirement of Longtime Sales Manager Paul Elsken, While Alden Tangen Fills Role of Product Manager — Wiper Systems IMTRA, the leading manufacturer and importer of quality solutions and products for the marine, energy and transportation markets, announced that it has made a number of key appointments on the heels…

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Precision Sails Names Veteran Ontario Sailmaker Richard Osborn to Lead Sales in Province

December 16, 2025 Precision Sails is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Osborn to lead sales activities for the company in Ontario. Drawing on decades of experience in the Ontario sailing community as a loft operator and sail consultant, and serving local clubs and boat owners, Osborn will support Precision Sails’ continued growth with cruising and…

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Eight Bells Mr. René Dallaire

November 25, 2025 An icon of adaptive sailing has left us. It is with deep sadness that we share the announcement of the passing of René Dallaire, pioneer of adapted sailing in Quebec and founder of the Quebec Adapted Sailing Association (AQVA). Visionary, passionate and deeply human, he paved the way for generations of sailors with…

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West Marine Appoints Paulee Day as Chief Executive Officer

November 18, 2025 West Marine (the “Company”), America’s leading marine omnichannel retailer, announces the appointment of Paulee Day as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Day, who has served as West Marine’s Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary since February 2025, commences her new position immediately. Day is the first woman to serve as CEO of West Marine since the Company was…

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NMRA Presents 2025 Mel Barr & Old Pro Awards At IBEX

October 21, 2025 Two marine industry veterans were recognized at IBEX 2025 in Tampa last week by the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) as the recipients of the 2025 NMRA Mel Barr and Old Pro awards. The Mel Barr Award was created in memory of Mel Barr, an independent marine rep deeply involved in our industry, one of…

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The Greatest Novel Never Written

October 21, 2025 “There is a hole in the world.” — Don Henley & Glen Fry John Adey, President of ABYC wrote in honour of Augusto “Kiko” Villalon: Our friend Augusto “Kiko” Villalon passed away at 5:50 pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2025. He was our longest-standing member, having joined on December 27, 1962, at the New York…

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Hempel appoints Malgorzata Kolton as new Executive Vice President & Head of Marine

October 14, 2025 Malgorzata (Gosha) Kolton will join Hempel as Executive Vice President & Head of Marine on 1 January 2026, bringing with her extensive international leadership experience. Key messages: • Gosha Kolton has been appointed Executive Vice President & Head of Marine at Hempel, effective 1 January 2026, and becomes part of the Executive Group Management….

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Eight Bells – David Wilde

October 7, 2025 We learned from Boating Ontario, about the passing of David Wilde on September 25th, 2025 at the age of 76. Born in Collingwood and raised on the beaches of Wasaga at his family’s “Johnnie’s Cabins,” David found his life-long connection to the water early on. In 1969, he joined Wasaga Marine, beginning a…

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JOHN (JACK) ALEXANDER HURST

September 30, 2025 Peacefully, “The Little Buckaroo from Inglewood”, left this world on September 15th, 2025 in the Geriatric Rehab Unit at Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario. Jack spent a happy week at the Rehab Centre and was proud of his progress. He was in his 91st year. Jack is the son of Mary Velma (Hall) Hurst and Linton Roy Hurst, born…

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David Lauchlan MacDougall – June 3, 1952 – September 17, 2025

September 30, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of David MacDougall. David was the cherished father of Amanda Carlos (Michael Bercovich), Drew MacDougall (Kaylyn MacDougall), and Lara MacDougall (Brian Hoey), and the much-loved “Grandpa Trailer” to Cali and Kinger. He was a beloved younger brother to Denis MacDougall (Debbie MacDougall) and…

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ePropulsion CEO Danny Tao Named to Fortune China’s Prestigious ‘40 Under 40’ List

Aug 26, 2025 ePropulsion Americas, a global leader in electric marine propulsion systems and services, proudly announces that its co-founder and CEO, Danny Tao, has been named in Fortune China’s 2025 “40 Under 40” list, recognizing influential and visionary young leaders shaping the future of business. This year, the Fortune China “40 Under 40” celebrates innovators who are reshaping industries in an era that…

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Legend Boats Appoints Maurice Beland as Director of Product and Brand Development

Aug 19, 2025 Legend Boats proudly announces the appointment of Maurice Beland as Director of Product and Brand Development, effective immediately. A key contributor to the company for nearly two decades, Maurice has helped shape the performance, styling, and identity of Legend Boats from the inside out. “Maurice has always been the heart behind how our boats look, feel, and perform, and the…

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Allison Dixon

Aug 19, 2025 Boating Ontario shared the sad news of Allison Dixon’s passing at the age of 36. Allison was a devoted mother to Hardin and Myah, a beloved fiancée to John, and a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and an active member of the Rosseau Road Powersports & Marine team. Known for her adventurous spirit, love of snowmobiling,…

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Legend Boats announces Thomas Groves as Director of Marketing

Aug 12, 2025 Since joining Legend Boats, Thomas has been a key force behind the brand’s evolution, quietly driving major wins across national campaigns, retail engagement, digital innovation, and product launches. His contributions have helped shape the way Legend communicates with customers, supports its dealers, and presents itself across all platforms. “As many of you know, Thomas has been a core…

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IBEX Welcomes Kate Donadio as Director of Marketing and Communications

Aug 12, 2025 The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s largest marine trade show and conference, has announced that it has welcomed Kate Donadio to the role of Director of Marketing and Communications. With a sharp eye for strategy and engagement, she will lead efforts to grow IBEX’s reach and elevate its marketing performance. Donadio most recently served…

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Hans Wolter Joins North South Nautical Group

July 15, 2025 Mike Burns, president of North South Nautical Group is pleased to announce that Hans Wolter has joined the brokerage team. Hans is a successful entrepreneur with a proven ability to adapt and thrive across diverse industries. He began his career in the printing business, growing a small operation of just three employees into a thriving company with…

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Eight Bells, Douglas Frederick Horsfall

July 8, 2025 January 26, 1947 – June 28, 2025 Peacefully at Lanark Lodge, Perth on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Doug Horsfall of Portland, in his 79th year. Beloved husband of Joan (Flucker) Horsfall. Doug was the second-generation owner of Len’s Cove Marina in Portland. Doug also served as President of the Ontario Marina Operators Association…

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Ben Willows Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group, Embarking on Next Chapter of Strategic Growth

July 8, 2025 RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven track record of strategic development and operational excellence – but also a lifelong, lived passion for sailing and for RS boats themselves. For Ben, this role is…

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