June 1, 2021
Paul Frederick Sherman, owner of Ritchie Navigation, passed away peacefully on March 20 at the age of 81, followed by his wife of 55 years, Joan, on April 4. Sherman led the Pembroke, Massachusetts-based company from 1966 through 2020. His son and current company president, Jon Sherman, shared the sad announcement.
An accomplished craftsman, Paul Sherman was renowned for his ability to comprehend, modify and repair mechanical devices. He used these skills to help Ritchie increase the performance and longevity of its compasses. Later, he guided the introduction of many new design ideas and products that are still in production. Even after retirement, he continued to tinker in the manufacturing shop and be with his "Ritchie family", as he referred to the company's many employees. Sherman is a descendent of Edward Samuel Ritchie who founded the company in 1850.
Sherman was happiest surrounded by his wife Joan, children and many grandchildren. An avid boater, RVer, golfer and pilot, he relished his summers in Brooklin, Maine and winters in Naples, Florida.
"Paul guided Ritchie to become the company it is today, with a richly deserved reputation within the marine industry and boating public," said Jon Sherman. "But most of all he was a well-liked family man who touched the lives of many by his thoughtful words and actions. He will be greatly missed. As much of a blow it was to lose them both so quickly, we agree that it is more of Paul doing things his way. Those who knew him will understand that trait of his."
For over 160 years, Ritchie Navigation has guided generations of professional mariners and recreational boaters across virtually every navigable waterway. The company manufactures in the USA a wide range of compasses and related accessories.
www.ritchienavigation.com.
Corporate Profile - Dometic Outdoor Global Marine Division

Dometic Outdoor Global Marine Division is one organization that has set the bar high globally on quality standards in all aspects of its operation. From its human resources practices to its product development and manufacturing standards, the company strives for 110% in all it does. Dometic’s Vancouver, British Columbia design and manufacturing facility is the largest marine focused company in Canada. Its global standards are admirable, and our entire industry can learn from its leadership and positive practices.
In 1962, Dometic (then under the name Teleflex) developed, launched, and marketed a mechanical steering system and with its success came the first hydraulic steering in 1983 and No FeedBack Steering in ’91.
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The 10th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC) has wrapped up at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and it gives a compelling look at the future of electric boating.
The MEBC was started in 2014 as a competition between university teams who built and raced boats powered only by solar power and batteries. To encourage more participation from institutions that may not have naval architecture or boat construction expertise, the YCM introduced the Energy Class competition. The club supplies the student teams with the same one-design catamaran hull, and each team adds their own cockpit and propulsion system that can be powered by any renewable alternative energy sources, not just solar.
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Questus Marine patented, Self-Leveling Radar Mounts automatically keep radar antennas level with the horizon, eliminating target loss.
Regardless of the angle of heel, with a Questus mount, a radar antenna will pick up targets to either side of a vessel, rather than aiming to the sky and water (for planes and fish). The Questus Marine Self-Leveling Radar Mount can be installed in three basic configurations: backstay mount, mast mount or Stern Pole mount.
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