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Charting New Courses: Welcoming CYBA’s Newest Members for June 2026

Charting New Courses: Welcoming CYBA’s Newest Members for June 2026

Posted on by Erin (Every Media)

The West Coast boating community is only as strong as the professionals who guide it. For over 50 years, the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) has been the gold standard for ethics, professionalism, and consumer protection on the water.

This June, we are thrilled to welcome a fresh wave of talent, expertise, and passion to our ranks. From seasoned professionals achieving Master Broker status to rising stars in yacht sales and critical shoreside marine support, please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest members of the CYBA family!

⚓ Master Broker Membership

Achieving Master Broker status reflects an exceptional level of experience, a flawless reputation, and a deep dedication to the CYBA Code of Ethics. These individuals represent the pinnacle of professionalism on the docks.

  • Ethan Hirschfeld – Sausalito Yacht Group
  • Johne Bohne – Pacific Yacht Partners

⛵ Associate Salesperson Membership

The future of yachting rests in the hands of dedicated sales professionals. These new associate members are hitting the ground running with some of the most respected brokerages on the West Coast.

  • Leanne McNally – Pacific Yacht Partners
  • Michael T. Coleman – Seattle Yachts
  • Jeff Howard – Infinity Yacht Sales
  • Robert Lovejoy – South Coast Yachts

🏢 Affiliate Membership

A smooth day on the water requires a massive ecosystem of support beyond just buying and selling boats. Our affiliate members provide the vital infrastructure and services that keep our clients safe, happy, and tied up securely.

  • Cameron Gamble – Suntex Marinas
  • Jacobus Stofberg – West Coast Yacht Support

Why CYBA Membership Matters

When a broker or marine professional displays the CYBA logo, it isn’t just decoration. It signals to the boating public that they are working with someone who is bonded, licensed (where required), and committed to strict ethical standards and mandatory dispute resolution.

To our newest members: thank you for committing to elevate the standards of our industry. We look forward to working alongside you on the docks, at the boat shows, and out on the water.

Are you a maritime professional looking to elevate your career and join a network of elite West Coast brokers? Visit our membership page to learn more about the benefits of joining the CYBA.

The Post-Closing Checklist:

The Post-Closing Checklist:

Posted on by Erin (Every Media)

How (and Why) to Assist Your Clients with the California Boater Card Requirement

As a CYBA yacht broker, your relationship with a client doesn’t end when the documents are signed and the keys are handed over. True value lies in helping them navigate the realities of ownership especially for clients moving up in vessel size, transitioning from sail to power, or purchasing their very first boat.

One of the easiest ways to provide exceptional post-sale service is ensuring your buyers are legally compliant on California waters.

As of January 1, 2025, California’s multi-year phase-in law is fully implemented: now, all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, must carry a California Boater Card.

To help your clients get legal and gain confidence without breaking the bank, the BoatUS Foundation offers the only completely free online boating safety course approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW).

Below is a client-ready article you can copy, paste, and share directly with your network to help them protect their investment and their passengers.

Feel free to share the text below with your clients:

Smooth Sailing: Getting Your California Boater Card for Free

Congratulations on your new vessel! While you are eager to get out on the water and enjoy the California coastline, make sure you have your legal bases covered.

California law now requires all operators of motorized vessels to carry a California Boater Card. Operating without one can result in costly fines that quickly put a damper on your weekend plans.

If you are new to boating or just need to brush up on local regulations, the BoatUS Foundation offers an interactive, state-approved online safety course that is completely free. It’s the perfect way to build your confidence and ensure a safe environment for your friends and family.

Course at a Glance

  • Time Commitment: 3 to 5 hours (fully self-paced—log in and out as you please).
  • Format: 5 interactive modules with videos and short knowledge checks.
  • Final Exam: 60 questions.
  • The Cost: The educational course is 100% free. (Note: The State of California charges a separate $10 fee directly for the physical, lifetime plastic card).

Step-by-Step Registration Guide

To ensure your course completion links up seamlessly with the state registry, follow these steps in order:

1.Get Your State Boater ID:Step 1.

Visit www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com and apply for your unique California Boater ID number.

2.Enroll in the BoatUS Course:Step 2.

Head to the BoatUS Foundation website and sign up for the Free California Boating Safety Course, entering your new State ID number during registration.

3.Pass the Exam:Step 3.

Complete the 5 interactive modules covering right-of-way rules, local ecosystems, and emergency procedures. Pass the final exam to instantly get a printable temporary certificate.

4.Receive Your Card:Step 4.

BoatUS will automatically send your data to the state, and your physical, lifetime card will arrive in the mail within 60 days.

Why This Matters for New Boat Owners

Even if you are an experienced operator, taking a structured look at California-specific laws is highly beneficial. The course covers critical modern updates, including:

  • Vessel Right-of-Way: Crucial for crowded areas like San Francisco Bay, Newport Harbor, or the Sacramento Delta.
  • Environmental Protocols: Understanding California’s strict laws regarding marine sanitation devices and preventing the spread of invasive species.
  • Required Safety Gear: A breakdown of Coast Guard-approved equipment tailored to your specific hull length.

Taking care of this paperwork early means nothing stands between you and the open ocean. Welcome to the California boating community—see you on the water!

The Annual Dinner will be held at Sea.

The Annual Dinner will be held at Sea.

Posted on by Erin (Every Media)

Set Sail for History: The 2027 CYBA Annual Dinner is Going to Sea!

Set Sail with The CYBA. Annual Dinner at Sea. Save the date and Join the CYBA for an unforgettable evening on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas cruise ship.

For decades, the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) has anchored the maritime industry, protecting the gold standard of yacht transactions across the West Coast. But for our next landmark gathering, we are doing something that has never been done in the history of the association.

We are leaving dry land behind.

Save the Date: The 2027 CYBA Annual Dinner is officially heading to sea! We invite our CYBA members, and maritime affiliates to join us for an unforgettable three-day coastal cruise that blends world-class luxury with unparalleled industry connection.

The Voyage at a Glance

  • The Vessel: Royal Caribbean’s magnificent Serenade of the Seas
  • Departure Hub: San Diego, California
  • Sail Date: January 21, 2027
  • The Itinerary: A spectacular 3-night coastal cruise featuring an exclusive destination stop in Ensenada, Mexico.

What to Expect Aboard the Serenade of the Seas

This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a weekend-long celebration of the professionals who drive the California maritime industry forward. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience of elegance, oceanfront luxury, and elite networking:

  • 🥂 Sophisticated Dining & Premium Cocktails: Indulge in gourmet culinary creations and top-shelf pairings as we host our official annual meeting over the Pacific.
  • 🌅 Stunned Ocean Views at Sunset: Experience the ultimate backdrop for the maritime community—golden hour on the open ocean.
  • 🤝 Elite Industry Networking: Connect with top-tier brokers, principals, and affiliates from San Diego to the Pacific Northwest in a relaxed, luxurious setting.
  • 🍷 A Refined Celebration in Valle de Guadalupe: When we drop anchor in Mexico, join us for an exclusive excursion into the stunning Guadalupe Valley for a premium wine-tasting experience.

Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open

An event of this magnitude offers unprecedented exposure for businesses looking to get in front of the West Coast’s leading maritime professionals. Align your brand with the industry’s gold standard by securing one of our premier sponsorship packages:

  • 🍇 Wine Tasting in Guadalupe Valley & Tour Sponsor
  • 🚢 Onboard Reception Sponsor
  • …and many more bespoke branding opportunities!

Coming Soon: Official Registration

We are currently finalizing the exclusive cruise details, cabin boarding packages, and special member pricing.

For now, block out January 21, 2027, on your calendar. This historic event will have limited capacity, and staterooms will be secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Official registration and booking information will be launching very soon.

Get ready to elevate your business connections and celebrate our industry in style. We can’t wait to set sail with you!

Want to secure a sponsorship before they open to the public? Position your brand at the forefront of the 2027 cruise and get early access to our corporate partnership packages. Contact Mark P. White for more information. markpwhite@cyba.info

From the Helm: Why CYBA Leadership Just Dropped Anchor at Shelter Island

From the Helm: Why CYBA Leadership Just Dropped Anchor at Shelter Island

Posted on by Erin (Every Media)

Visiting with Aaron Dezell of Yacht Coast.

There is nothing quite like the energy of Shelter Island. As the beating heart of San Diego’s maritime community, it represents everything vibrant about the California boating lifestyle. So, when the leadership team at the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) decided to hand-deliver the grand prize from our recent statewide survey, we knew exactly where we had to go. Our destination? The brand-new Shelter Island office of Yacht Coast, to surprise Aaron Dezell, the official raffle winner drawn straight from the participants of “The California Yacht Broker Survey for 2026”. The visit wasn’t just about delivering a $300 gift card, it was a powerful moment of connection between CYBA leadership and an elite professional who represents the next generation of the maritime “gold standard.”

Strengthening the Sails: A Meeting of the Minds on the Island

When CYBA leaders stepped into Aaron’s new office, the conversation immediately turned to the future of our industry. For an independent brokerage like Yacht Coast, having the association’s leadership personally drop anchor at a new location highlights what makes the CYBA unique: we are a community of peers defending one another.

Steering a brokerage requires clear sightlines. Aaron understands that unified leadership is what keeps the West Coast boating industry safe, professional and prosperous. By taking the time to participate in our landmark survey, professionals like Aaron ensure that the CYBA can continue to champion the needs of licensed and bonded yacht brokers from San Diego and all the way up the coast.

The Statistics of Success: What We Discovered

The insights we discussed on the docks and extracted from the data in “The California Yacht Broker Survey for 2026.” 

reveal a clear consensus on where the California market is heading:

  • The Ironclad Standard: A massive 72% of respondents reported that they utilize CYBA professional forms exclusively for their transactions. This confirms that our contracts remain the undisputed legal anchor for maritime sales in California.
  • The Hybrid Revolution: The “office” is evolving. Nearly half of all brokers (49%) are now operating in a hybrid capacity, balancing traditional office time with remote flexibility. Aaron’s investment in a physical Shelter Island footprint, combined with digital agility, puts him at the forefront of this trend.
  • A Hunger for Expertise: The demand for professional growth is undeniable. Roughly 75% of the industry expressed a direct interest in attending upcoming CYBA webinars. We are already hard at work developing these sessions to cover the high-stakes legal and liability topics our members requested.
  • Local Impact Over National Noise: When it comes to moving inventory, local expertise wins. Nearly 74% of participants cited Local In-Water Shows as their most valuable sales events, significantly outperforming major national shows.

Guarding the Gold Standard Together

When a client walks into a brokerage on Shelter Island or anywhere else along our beautiful coast and sees the CYBA emblem, they know they are protected by a professional who operates under a strict Code of Ethics and state-approved standards.

Congratulations again to Aaron Dezell on his raffle win and his beautiful new office location! We are honored to have leaders like Aaron helping us guide the tides of the California maritime market.