President
Dean West
Advocacy & Legislative Committee Chairperson
Ethics Committee Chairperson
Dean A. West rejoins the current Board, having served on & off at various times over the past 30 years, including as president. Dean has served in a number of capacities on the CYBA Board, currently as Vice President, Chair of both the Ethics Committee and of the Advocacy and Legislation Committee. In Dean’s role as the Ethics chairman, he was instrumental in the rewriting and updating of the CYBA’s industry-acclaimed Code of Ethics. Dean writes columns for The CYBA News, delving into individual ethics topics, best practices, and industry pitfalls.
In his role as Advocacy and Legislative Chair, Dean represents the CYBA’s interests on local, state and national fronts, including the American Boating Congress in Washington DC and the California Boating Congress in Sacramento. Dean also serves on the newly energized Boat Show Committee, working to launch the CYBA’s exciting new Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show.
Dean was a founding member of the San Diego Superyacht Association, an early member of the Certification Advisory Council (CAC) of the CPYB program, and one of the first Certified Professional Yacht Brokers (CPYB) in California. Dean sat on the Board of the International Yacht Council (IYC) and has interacted with brokerage and recreational boating groups throughout the US.
Dean is a proud, two-time recipient of the esteemed Merle Parke award, the highest award presented by the CYBA.
Having grown up on the Great Lakes, Dean got his first boat at five years of age, and since then has been involved in numerous facets of recreational boating including construction, captaining, racing, and selling new and used power & sail boats. Over the years he has cruised the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Sea of Cortez, Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, much of the Great Loop, and even the Nile!
Dean is the president of Dean A. West Marine Enterprises. When business allows, Dean and his partner Pamela divide their time between San Diego, their island home in Northern Michigan, and travelling.
Jim is a lifelong boater with a passion for sailing. He grew up in upstate New York where his family had a 48-foot Chris-Craft Roamer and started his boating on the shores of Lake Ontario. After graduating from the State University of New York at Oswego, Jim moved to New York City, and worked in the financial district in Manhattan for 11 years. The weekends were spent on a 19” bowrider on the South Shore of Long Island.
In 1994, Jim was transferred to Southern California and started sailing competitively in earnest in the Wednesday night twilight series in Marina del Rey. After crewing for several successful campaigns, He purchased his first racing sailboat in 2005 whereas it and all future boats would be called Huckleberry.
In 2008 he was bitten by the one design racing bug and purchased a Farr30 and raced in the grand prix one design fleet, culminating with the 2012 World Championships in San Francisco. Jim joined the Farr40 class in 2014 and raced in the world championships in Long Beach and San Francisco.
Since 2016 Jim has been actively involved in the J/70 class and racing an active campaign. He is past president of the US class. He competed in the 2016 World Championships in San Francisco, and 2018 Worlds in Marblehead, MA. As US class president he helped bring the 2021 Worlds to Marina del Rey and was able to compete in Los Angeles.
He is currently an active member of both the California Yacht Club and the King Harbor Yacht Club where he is a Staff Commodore.
Jim became a yacht salesman in 2017 after a 34-year career in sales for the printing industry. The printing industry changed almost overnight, forcing a career change. Yacht sales seemed to be a natural progression. Jim started at JK3 Yachts in San Diego and then moved to Denison Yachting. After 4 years with Denison Jim decided to go out on his own and started Murrell Yachts.
Jim’s sales philosophy begins with his belief in establishing long lasting relationships with customers and strives to do what is best for each customer based on desires, budgets, and goals for boating, be it power or sail. He uses a consultative approach to find out what is driving his clients to either sell their existing boat or purchase a new vessel. He will meet with each customer for a talk on desires, goals, and budgets. Once a deal is complete, Jim will continue to be available for all general support as a resource for answers, training and assistance with all vendors.
Jim is not only a sailor. When Jim is not running Murrell Yachts or out sailing, you can find him on his Silverton 35 Sportfisher cruising to Catalina Island with his wife Diane.
Bill has decades of experience and a vast knowledge of boating and boats of all kinds. His passion for boating and being on the water began at a very young age. He grew up in Ohio where his dad took him on boating excursions and fishing trips, exploring the Great Lakes. He learned to drive and dock a boat when he was just 8 years old. By 19, Bill already had his first boat. He was also an avid water skier and power boat racer. Bill even set a world record in power boat racing in 1972!
In 1983, Bill formed Coastline Yachts. He became the Chris Craft Dealer in San Diego, adding Ocean Yachts, Ocean Alexander, Tollycraft and Blackfin to his product line. He also founded Palmer Yachts, which had an exclusive focus on brokerage (pre-owned) boats, as well as both power and sail. Bill gained a wealth of experience and knowledge while running his own companies.
Another big opportunity landed in Bill’s lap in 2003, when he joined Ardell Yacht & Ship Brokers, a large brokerage firm in Newport Beach that had a national focus. He had 13 very successful years with them. Bill led the team in 2009 as the Top Salesperson of the Year, and again in 2013 as the Top Salesperson of the Year, for the entire company, nationwide.
Bill feels he is at home now at Denison Yachting and in the perfect place to share his passion and knowledge of both power and sail boats, while helping his clients find the perfect fit for them and their lifestyle. Bill’s vast experience should carry over nicely to his role with the CYBA.
Honorably discharged from the USAF, Mik settled in the Bay Area and used his computer training for work until completing his college degree at San Francisco State College in 1972. He then worked with a national corporation, managing 40 independently owned dealer outlets. Following a stint of motivational training to industry, he entered the sales side of the marine industry and has been a licensed salesman and broker for 44 years. During that time, owning his own business and managing others. He has been recognized nationally for his efforts in marine safety and has worked closely for the last twenty years with the California Division of Boating & Waterways & USCG.
Mik is currently working in the Central Delta with Pacific Boat Services, providing full yard service, marina berthing & full brokerage services.
Credentials and/or accomplishments:
- Licensed California Marine Salesperson (Since 1982)
- Certified Professional Yacht Broker Credentials (CPYB)
- Past Licensed Marine Insurance Agent
- Past President & Board Member, Northern California Marine Association
- Past President, Board Member, California Yacht Broker’s Association
- California/Nevada Boating Safety Council (charter member)
- National Association of Boating Safety Administrators Award Recipient
- Host, Clear Channel’s ‘The Boating Show’
Mik has cruised the West Coast to the Sea of Cortez (5 times) and has knowledge in preparing a vessel for ‘offshore’ cruising. Some Caribbean cruising and Bay & Delta since 1954. Mik has sold over 30 million dollars in recreational vessels and to this day has many clients counted as best friends.
Miquel ‘Q’ Corelli proudly rejoins the Board of Directors having served 20 years earlier. Born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, his love for the water, yachting and traditions have carried him throughout his entire maritime career. For the past 24 years, Q has owned and operated Corelli Coastal Yachts, a boutique yacht sales and service company based on the simple philosophy: ‘Passion with Integrity’
He has over 30 years of experience in the marine industry, holds a USCG 200 GRT Master License, is a Certified National Boating and Safety Instructor and has been a member of the CYBA since 2003. Miquel decided to return to the CYBA Board where he could give back and serve the interests of his professional peers, elevate the awareness and value of the CYBA, and work to protect and preserve this industry we all love.
Boating is in my blood. My father owned a 1960’s Tolly Craft in the 1960s and 1970s, & as a Southern CA native, I grew up on the waters of Marina Del Rey, Catalina Island, Castaic Lake, & Mission Bay, fishing & water-skiing with him on his 14′ Bayliner Capri. My affinity for being on the water & fond memories of boating naturally led me to where I am today.
Mentored by the late Bob Senne, a Master of Boat and wood restoration, I embarked on my journey in 2010, creating a business specializing in yacht restoration and brightwork. If you’ve admired the gleaming boats at the San Diego Yacht Club, there’s a good chance I had a hand in making them shine. Over the years, as I watched clients buy and sell the very boats I cared for, I realized my hands-on knowledge of these vessels would be invaluable in helping them navigate the complex process of boat sales & purchases. To better serve the boating community, I obtained my sales license in 2014 and transitioned full-time into yacht sales in 2016. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
I offer a unique blend of experience and passion for the boating world. My deep understanding of boat maintenance, paired with my love for life on the water, makes me a trusted resource for my clients. I pride myself on delivering exceptional customer service, treating every client with the same dedication—whether they’re buying a small trailer boat or a high-end luxury yacht. It’s my mission to ensure that each client feels valued, no matter the size or price of the vessel.
I am committed to making the buying or selling process seamless & stress-free. My extensive relationships in the marine industry—with marine technicians, boatyards, insurance companies, and financiers—allow me to streamline surveys & services for my clients. I’m also involved in key industry organizations like the CYBA, GEO, and Women’s Yacht Professional Group, helping me stay connected and continue growing in this dynamic field. My presence on social media has expanded my reach, giving me a national & even global audience.
This journey has been an incredible adventure. Sales & customer service are challenging, but add the technical intricacies of floating machinery, & it becomes even more demanding. As a woman in an industry where that’s still not the norm, the waters can be rough. However, I’m proud to have carved out my place, transitioning from a hands-on yacht restoration business owner to a yacht saleswoman and broker. I’m grateful for the support and inspiration I’ve received along the way and feel fortunate to do what I love every day.
Director
Nick Friedman
CPYB
Forms Committee Chairperson
Office: 310.547.4416
Cell: 310.748.5409
yachtbroker@pacbell.net
Nick is president of the Shoreline Yacht Group, comprised of San Pedro Yachts in San Pedro and Pacific Sailing and Motor Yacht Sales in Long Beach. Nick learned to sail in the Sea Scouts in San Francisco as a boy and has enjoyed boating for much of his life.
He began his career selling boats in 1995 and in 1998 purchased San Pedro Yachts. He and his staff have dedicated themselves to helping each of their client’s dreams of boating come true.
Nick has been a CYBA member since 1999 and joined the board of directors in 2006. He was president of the CYBA in 2008 and is proud to have been the 2011 recipient of the Merle Parks award for dedicated service to the California yacht industry, the highest award given by the CYBA.
With 30 years of experience in the marine industry, and 25 years of experience as a broker in California, plus a Florida sales license, Chirs has faced a lot of the challenges everyone faces firsthand.
Owner and Broker of Record of West Coast Yachts in Newport Beach, Chris also has the experience of a new boat dealer and running a yacht services company.
This is his career, and he wants to make sure it stays strong, vibrant, and sustainable for the future. Some of the concerns Chris feels are impacting the industry in its ability to grow and be successful are the aging of people in the business, as well as the shortage of new skilled labor, from mechanics to surveyors. He also believes it’s important to support smaller brokerages, especially as larger companies start to dominate the market.
Chris hopes his position on the Board of Directors will put him in a position to be a part of the solution in solving issues faced today in the brokerage community and feels it’s time to give a little back to the industry that has given so much to him so that it can remain successful for years to come.
Leilani Anne Wales, CPYB, is a yacht sales professional, a woman business owner, and a respected leader within the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA). She is the owner of AGL Yacht Sales, where she brings a client-focused, ethical, and service-driven approach to yacht brokerage and representation.
Leilani previously served as Chairperson of the CYBA–GEO, Chairperson of the CYBA Board of Directors, and Chairperson of the CYBA Annual Dinner, holding leadership roles within the organization for a combined total of six years. She stepped down from her position on the Board of Directors in 2025. In recognition of her continued dedication, experience, and impact, she was invited to return and proudly accepted a position as a CYBA Board of Directors member for 2026.
A passionate advocate for women in the marine industry, Leilani founded the CYBA–GEO Women of the Waterfront initiative to celebrate, elevate, and connect women professionals across the waterfront. She is also the creator and host of the podcast “Women of the Waterfront,” which highlights industry leaders, shares professional insight, and amplifies women’s voices throughout the yachting community.
Her leadership and service have earned her consistent peer recognition, including being voted a nominee three times for the CYBA–GEO Women of the Waterfront Award.
Executive Director
Past President
Mark P. White
310.968.9376
markpwhite@cyba.info
Mailing Address
California Yacht Brokers Association
PO Box 4129
Oceanside, CA 92052
With over 30 years of experience in the marine industry, Mark is a licensed and bonded yacht broker in California and serves as the National Sales Manager and Broker of Record for WS Yacht Brokes. He has put thousands of happy families into boats and yachts and has worked in different capacities, including as the Finance Manager for Silver Seas Yachts and the Financial Services Manager for Alexander Marine USA. Most recently, Mark was the West Coast Sales Manager for Denison Yachting.
Born and raised in Wyoming, Mark and his family had a small boat dealership that sold and serviced lake and river boats. While attending the University of Wyoming, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, Mark remained in the marine industry by working as an independent representative for several water-sport companies such as Hydrodyne Boats, HO Water Skis, and Eagle Wetsuits. During his time at Olympic Boat Centers, Mark worked his way up from a single store General Manager to the Regional Manager overseeing all operations for the 6 Southern California boat and yacht dealerships. He was also on the board of directors for the Southern California Marine Association.