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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…