Recreational infrastructure emphasised - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 1 Apr 08:00 PDT
Senate introduces bipartisan reauthorization of Dingell-Johnson Act © American Sportfishing Association
Last week, NMMA joined the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its member organizations on Capitol Hill to advocate for the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) via the America the Beautiful Act.
During meetings with White House staff, the Department of Interior, and Members of Congress, NMMA stressed the importance of supporting and protecting Americans' access to public waters, and urged Congress and the Administration to prioritize recreation infrastructure.
Also last week, a group of eight bipartisan senators led by Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a bill (S. 4250) to reauthorize the Dingell-Johnson Act through 2031, following similar action in the House from June of last year. Originally passed in 1950, the Dingell-Johnson Act authorized the Sportfish Restoration Fund and the collection of an excise tax on the sale of all fishing equipment and a portion of the motorboat fuel tax, generating more than $12 billion for the conservation and restoration of sport fish species and their habitats. These funds also support connecting people with nature through outdoor recreational opportunities and aquatic resources education programs. Learn more about the Sportfish Restoration Fund here.
With just two months remaining until the inaugural World Sailing Day-28 May, momentum is building across the global sailing and yachting community as clubs, marinas, businesses, and maritime organisations prepare to take part in what is set to become a new annual fixture for the global sailing community. Created as a single, coordinated global moment, World Sailing Day establishes a fixed date each year when the world comes together to celebrate, promote, and experience sailing in all its forms. From yacht clubs and regattas to marina activations, open days, waterfront events, and industry-led initiatives, participation is already spanning multiple countries and sectors, reflecting the breadth and diversity of sailing worldwide.
Freedom Boat Club, the world's largest boat club and a business of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), recently hosted its 2026 Freedom Forum annual franchise conference in Tampa, Florida. This year's event marked a significant milestone for the franchise network bringing together franchise partners from across the globe to celebrate a year of exceptional growth and performance. "The 2026 Freedom Forum represents everything we stand for as a franchise organization - innovation, community, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional on-water experiences," said Scott Ward, Vice President, Freedom Franchise Systems. "Hosting the event in Tampa and expanding our scale reflects the momentum we've built across our global network. Our franchise partners continue to raise the bar every year, and we couldn't be prouder of what they've achieved with our support."
The Newport International Boat Show presented by BankNewport announced that the 55th annual Newport International Boat Show will take place September 17 through 20, 2026, at the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. "We are so excited to announce the dates for our 55th annual Show," said Lisa Knowles, Show Director, Newport International Boat Show. "Every year we add more to the experience for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors and this year, plans are well under way. With well-known companies from across the State and around the world already committed to being a part of our Emerald Anniversary, we are positive that what we have in store will make this year one of the best yet!"
Hinckley has unveiled the Picnic Boat 45, the newest evolution of the iconic design that has defined relaxed elegance on the water for more than three decades. Designed as the social flagship of the line, the Picnic Boat 45 reflects how time on the water has evolved for today's owners. The new model reimagines how guests gather aboard, introducing expanded entertaining spaces and a seamless flow between cockpit, bow, and swim platform. The result pairs Hinckley's timeless design language and the hand-built craftsmanship that defines every Hinckley with purposeful innovations that make hosting, cruising, and time together on the water feel more natural than ever.
Sail-World USA editor David Schmidt, interviews Jay Leon about RTK GPS technology and his new role as CEO of Velocitek. Memories have a way of turning gold with passing decades, but I still clearly remember a starting-line clinic that my sailing instructors gave our group of Laser (sorry, "ILCA") sailors back in the early 1990s. I had (once again) put myself in a sub-optimal position, this time by the pin end, but, as luck would have it, my friends Brian and William, who were both on starboard, were uncharacteristically late. I'm not sure how I applied alchemy to my mistake, but I dip-started the line, on port, and smoked them both. It was hands-down my best start that whole summer. Brian, in particular, always nailed his starts (I'm sure he still does), and served as an early example of how some sailors are just a heck of a lot better at judging speed, time, and distance—while also juggling tactics—than others.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media