September 8, 2026 June 15, 1964 – August 20, 2026 Garry Notenbomer, affectionately known to all as “Big Daddy” passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2026, in Ladner, British Columbia, at the age of 62. Born in Prince George BC on June 15, 1964, Garry moved to Holland at the age 4 and returned to…
August 25, 2026 Princess Yachts is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its founder, David King, following a period of illness. David founded Princess in Plymouth in 1965 and dedicated more than six decades to building the company into one of the world’s most respected yacht manufacturers, renowned internationally for its craftsmanship, innovation and quality. Although he stepped…
Kokatat has announced the appointment of Ted Keyes as Head of Sales and Marketing alongside a new sales structure for the brand in Canada. Keyes will lead Kokatat’s sales and marketing strategy, dealer development and go-to-market initiatives for the paddlesports and outdoor markets. He brings more than 32 years of outdoor industry sales experience, including 25 years representing…
July 7, 2026 We learned from Boating Ontario about the news of Jim Biddle’s passing on June 16, 2026. Jim owned and operated Biddle’s Marine Services for more than 20 years. Jim was the devoted husband of Sandra, whom he met on a blind date more than 40 years ago. They married on September 9,…
June 16, 2026 Can-Am Sales Group, LLC., is proud to announce the addition of Stephanie Gevry to our Canadian team as Senior National Account Manager. Stephanie is a strategic, results-driven multilingual leader with global experience and a strong record of driving revenue, profit, and market share growth. Stephanie’s most recent role was with Pelican International, where she played…
June 9, 2026 Join the team behind some of BC’s biggest marine events. Boating BC Association is hiring for a Boat Show & Membership Sales role focused on delivering the industry’s best consumer show events and growing our association. This opportunity is ideal for someone passionate about our industry and who is a sales rock star! The role…
June 2, 2026 LOOKOUT, the AI pioneer in marine safety, has announced that it has welcomed experienced industry professional Kate MacKay O’Brien as its Chief Marketing Officer. In her role, MacKay O’Brien will direct and oversee all marketing activities for LOOKOUT as it expands its global reach. MacKay O’Brien brings with her over 18 years of marketing leadership across…
June 2, 2026 Freedom Marine International Yacht Sales is pleased to announce the addition of Don Ross to its Vancouver sales team, based at the company’s Coal Harbour office. Don brings extensive experience within the marine industry, having spent many years working with premium new yachts, cruisers, sport boats, and a broad range of pre-owned…
May 26, 2026 August 3, 1940 – May 19, 2026 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Graham Neale on May 19th, at the age of 85. Graham was born on August 3, 1940 in Birmingham, England and emigrated to Canada in 1956. Graham is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, of…
May 26, 2026 Sailfish Boats is sad to share the news, its founder, Paul Hoppes. Jr., passed away on Tuesday, May 12th. Without any marine experience, in 1986, with his entrepreneurial spirit and larger than life presence, Paul set out to build a fishing boat brand that stood for quality, value and fishability. Mission accomplished!…
May 5, 2026 Tom Slikkers, CEO of Tiara Yachts, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….