Please select your home edition
Edition
Vaikobi 2024 December

Sail America Industry Conference wraps up in Annapolis, MD

by Sail America 5 May 23:33 AEST April 22-24, 2025
Sail America Industry Conference 2025 © Sail America

The annual Sail America Industry Conference (SAIC) landed in Annapolis, MD, in mid-April, bringing the industry together for an engaging two days of camaraderie and learning.

Attendees hailed from around the country and enjoyed all that Annapolis has to offer. After a day of beautiful weather and variable wind conditions on Tuesday afternoon, the highly contested industry regatta was held at The Annapolis Sailing School, followed by an awards ceremony and opening reception for all attendees. We opened on Wednesday at the Annapolis Yacht Club Sailing Center with a presentation from our keynote speaker, Michelle Alexandrowicz of Engage. Her keynote, "Recruit and Retain Your Talent, Team Culture and Communication in the Workplace" was followed by Chris Watson of KVH, who spoke on "AI for Maritime: Applications, Ethics, and Guardrails for Use". The afternoon was filled with lively panels, including "Today's Business Environment: How Tariffs are Affecting your Business", "How to Bring Your Best to a Boat Show", and "Finance and Insurance". The day concluded with Kevin Williams, NMMA, on "How Discover Boating's Work on Behalf of Our Industry is Designed".

Following an exciting day of content, attendees moved to a reception and raffle with prizes generously donated by Sail America members and conference attendees. Our featured raffle item was a six-night, seven-day bareboat yacht charter aboard a 45' sailing monohull in the British Virgin Islands—a trip valued at up to $8,000!

The conference continued Thursday with a short morning of panels and presentations before attendees explored The Annapolis Spring Boat Show in the historic seaport of Annapolis.

The next Sail America Industry Conference, with dates and location, will be announced early this summer.

This year's conference was presented by YANMAR (VETUS, Maxwell, Flexofold, Smartgyro) with additional sponsor support from Shore Premier Finance, SailTime, National Marine Manufacturers Association, The Moorings, Jeanneau, Hilb Group New England, Madeplus, and Gill.

Related Articles

Video Review: The Amazing Cure 55
Composite Construction meets Cruising Convenience It was two years ago at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show that I talked to Dave Biggar about his ideas and plans for the Cure 55. At the 2025 show I got to step on board the yacht and see how his ideas became reality. Posted today at 4:39 am
ASBA launches Touring Trophy Series
The new leadership team brings experience, enthusiasm, and strong focus on inclusivity and planning The Australian Sports Boat Association (ASBA) has announced a dynamic new initiative to enhance participation and connectivity within the sports boat community - the ASBA Touring Trophy series. Posted on 16 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik Day 1
Eight races over two course areas in four groups with four different winners Racing at the 2025 Finn World Masters began in Medemblik, The Netherlands, on Monday with eight races over two course areas in four groups. Posted on 16 Jun
The Ocean Race will return to Itajaí, Brazil
During the 2027 and 2031 around the world races The Ocean Race confirms Itajaí, in Santa Catarina state, in Brazil will once again host the world's most iconic around-the-world yacht race in April, 2027 and again in 2031, in a two-edition hosting partnership. Posted on 16 Jun
IRC UK National Championships overall
Adam Gosling's JPK 1080 Yes! crowned overall champion The final day of the 2025 IRC National Championships, part of the Royal Thames Yacht Club's 250th Anniversary Regatta, began on schedule, with a steady south-westerly breeze bringing yet another twist to the range of conditions experienced. Posted on 16 Jun
Royal Thames YC 250th Anniversary Regatta overall
Perfect Solent conditions and desperately tight racing for the conclusion Picture-perfect conditions of a building 8-18 knots from the south-west, bright sunshine and flat Solent conditions on the flood tide made for a glamorous conclusion to the Royal Thames Yacht Club's 250th Anniversary Regatta on Sunday. Posted on 16 Jun
M32s at the NYYC 171st Annual Regatta
Clean Sweep Continues: Surge Takes Top Spot Ryan McKillen's Surge is four for four. The M32 team remains undefeated in 2025 after winning the M32 fleet at the New York Yacht Club 171st Annual Regatta, the opening event of the M32 Newport One-Design Series. Posted on 16 Jun
171st Annual Regatta at the New York Yacht Club
Coast Guard Cadets Show Their Mettle With About Face Sometimes a regatta win is just that. Sometimes it can mean a little bit more. For those looking for a splash of positivity that extends well beyond the racecourses at the New York Yacht Club's 171st Annual Regatta, consider the performance of Elan. Posted on 16 Jun
The Big Bash
Every summer the tournament rolls into town. A short format of the game. Fun and excitement abound. Every summer the tournament rolls into town. Local and international players. A short format of the game, run over a relatively compact six-week season. Posted on 15 Jun
Finn World Masters opens in Medemblik
A bumper entry of 307 helms in The Netherlands The 2025 Finn World Masters has been opened in Medemblik, The Netherlands, on Sunday evening. It is the third time the Dutch Finn class has endeavoured to run the Finn World Masters, with two previous attempts cancelled by the pandemic. Posted on 15 Jun
Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignTrofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025Sea Sure 2025