Advocacy & Legislation Committee
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.
Advocacy & Legislation Committee
Michael (Mik) Maguire
Cell: 510-552-7272
Email: yachtsmanmik@gmail.com
Mik’s desire to return to the CYBA Board was driven by the problems our industry is facing today and is hoping to be a part of a new approach to presenting our services to an emerging young demographic of excited recreational boating families.
Discharged from the USAF, Mik used his computer training for work until completing his college degree at San Francisco State College, 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 42 years. During that time, owning his own business and managing others.
Currently Mik is a Broker serving as a salesperson for Richard Boland Yachts in Northern California.
He has been recognized nationally for his efforts in marine safety and has worked closely with the California Division of Boating & Waterways & USCG.
Advocacy & Legislation Committee
Tony Faso
Office: 209-463-0384
Fax: 209-463-0387
Tony Faso is an experienced yacht sales professional based in Stockton, CA. Since joining Delta Marine Sales in 2012, he has helped clients purchase and sell recreational yachts – focusing exclusively on domestic-flagged vessels – while adhering to high ethical standards
As an active CYBA member, Tony contributes to the Legislative Committee, working to advance regulatory frameworks that benefit the California boating community – addressing issues like consumer protections, fair broker practices, and appropriate state-level licensing. He collaborates closely with fellow committee members and leadership, including Advocacy & Legislation Chair Dean West, to influence policies that support a healthy, thriving recreational marine industry
Tony is committed to upholding CYBA’s Code of Ethics – emphasizing transparency, fiduciary duty, and fair representation – which aligns with the Association’s legacy of consumer protection and professional integrity.
Annual Dinner Chairperson
CYBA GEO (Growth Outreach Expansion) Chairperson
Leilani Wales
Office: 360-621-4682
Cell: 360-621-4682
leilani@aglyachtsales.com
Arbitration Chairman
Dennis Moran
Boat Show Chairman
Rob Newman
Cell: 415-342-2447
Email: rob@mrnyachtsales.com
Rob Newman was appointed unanimously by the CYBA BoD to serve out the remainder of the term left vacant by the departure of director Wayne Goldman.
Rob’s experience spans two continents where prior to his arrival in the U.S. he was well versed in the marine industry in various positions as well as new boat sales. Upon settling in the Midwest and enjoying a lakeside boating lifestyle, Rob eventually made his way to the Bay Area over a decade ago. There, he applied his expertise in various roles within a leading new boat dealership, encompassing sales consultancy, management, and operations development. Throughout his tenure, either directly or in a leadership capacity, Rob facilitated the sale, commissioning, and delivery of numerous new luxury yachts to clients across the Bay Area and West Coast. His extensive experience navigating the waters of the West Coast and beyond underscores his proficiency as a boat handler and operator.
A resident of Tiburon, CA, since his arrival in San Francisco, Rob takes pride in his membership with the CYBA and the San Francisco Yacht Club, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the maritime community.
CYBA Newsletter Editor
Michael (Mik) Maguire
Cell: 510-552-7272
Email: yachtsmanmik@gmail.com
Mik’s desire to return to the CYBA Board was driven by the problems our industry is facing today and is hoping to be a part of a new approach to presenting our services to an emerging young demographic of excited recreational boating families.
Discharged from the USAF, Mik used his computer training for work until completing his college degree at San Francisco State College, 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 42 years. During that time, owning his own business and managing others.
Currently Mik is a Broker serving as a salesperson for Richard Boland Yachts in Northern California.
He has been recognized nationally for his efforts in marine safety and has worked closely with the California Division of Boating & Waterways & USCG.
Ethics Committee
Ethics Chairman
Dean West
Cell: 619-417-9378
dean_west@yahoo.com
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.
Ethics Committee
Chris Herman
Cell: 714-329-4138
Email: chris@wcyachts.com
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.
Forms Committee
Forms Chairman
Nick Friedman
Office: 310-547-4415
Cell: 310-748-5409
yachtbroker@pacbell.net
As a CYBA Member for 26, Nick has served the CYBA BoD both as a Director and a Past President. Nick is well versed in the workings of the CYBA Forms and has proudly put together a committee that is knowledgeable and dedicated to making the necessary adjustments in keeping the forms current and user friendly for the CYBA Members’ use.
Forms Committee
Russ Carrington
Cell: 310-991-2628
Email: russ@seattleyachts.com
Russ’s lifelong passion for the sea is evident in his extensive involvement in the boating community. From his early days of sailing, surfing, and diving along the picturesque coast of Southern California, to his current endeavors, he has always been driven by a desire to share the aquatic lifestyle with others. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Action Watersports, a name synonymous with quality and expertise in the local surf scene. As a co-founder of Marinafest, a boat show in Marina del Rey, Russ has been instrumental in bringing together boating enthusiasts to celebrate the joy of maritime activities. His commitment to the industry is further demonstrated through his association with Seattle Yachts, where he dedicates himself to guiding clients in the selection and enjoyment of premium yachts. His contact information indicates his readiness to connect with fellow water sports aficionados and prospective clients, offering a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to the boating experience.
Forms Committee
Alexander T. Gruft
Office: 619-347-3308
Email: agruft@gruftlaw.com
Alex Gruft is the principal at Law Office of Alexander T Gruft located in Pacific Palisades. He graduated with a history degree from Sonoma State University (1999) and received his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law (2002). After an initial stint in maritime litigation, Mr. Gruft opted to focus his work on handling transactional matters for his clients. Working closely with private yacht clients Mr. Gruft advises on all aspects of maritime transactions including new construction, ownership, flagging, and management. On the commercial side he has worked closely to partner with his business clients on all aspects of their various marine businesses including commercial vessel ownership, operation, management, regulatory compliance, risk management and charters. Mr. Gruft also works with lenders to assist them with evaluating and documenting their marine portfolios. Mr. Gruft is licensed to practice in California and Washington.
Forms Committee
Shelley Shea
Office: 562-684-6122
Email: sshea@galatiyachts.com
With several years of experience in the marine industry, Shelley Shea serves as a dedicated Closing Coordinator at Galati Yacht Sales in California. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Shelley plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth, successful transactions for both buyers and sellers across a wide range of transactions.
Shelley is known for her exceptional customer service, consistently delivering seamless experiences and fostering strong relationships with clients. Her expertise in navigating complex closing processes and her deep understanding of the intricacies of yacht sales make her an invaluable asset to both the Galati Yacht Sales team and its clients.
Legal Seminar Chairman
Peter Zaleski
Office: 619-857-2349
Cell: 619-857-2349
PeterZaleski@gmail.com
Peter was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. He was 5 years old when his father, godfather and their best friend purchased a 1907 Friendship Sloop. He joined the crew cruising up into Canada as an 8-year-old and has been a boater ever since.
Peter moved to California and continued sailing on San Francisco Bay. In 1986 Peter joined Jack Barr Yachts as sales manager, representing Choy Lee & Hylas sailboats and and an active brokerage fleet of power and sailboats.
The following year he was enticed by Michael Han, Manager of Sea Ray Boats of San Diego to move to Southern California. He sold five new Sea Rays his first day on the job and was soon named brokerage Manager. Peter has managed offices for some of the biggest companies in the business and recently opened San Diego Yacht Sales.
As Past President, Peter serves as the Treasurer and is also involved with the Boat Show Committee. Peter supports building our Association and working with the Show Promoters to bring better experiences to our Members and Customers.
One of Peter’s goals is to get more people out on the water and encourage current owners to use their boats more often.
Membership Committee Chairman
Peter Zaleski
Office: 619-857-2349
Cell: 619-857-2349
PeterZaleski@gmail.com
Peter was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. He was 5 years old when his father, godfather and their best friend purchased a 1907 Friendship Sloop. He joined the crew cruising up into Canada as an 8-year-old and has been a boater ever since.
Peter moved to California and continued sailing on San Francisco Bay. In 1986 Peter joined Jack Barr Yachts as sales manager, representing Choy Lee & Hylas sailboats and and an active brokerage fleet of power and sailboats.
The following year he was enticed by Michael Han, Manager of Sea Ray Boats of San Diego to move to Southern California. He sold five new Sea Rays his first day on the job and was soon named brokerage Manager. Peter has managed offices for some of the biggest companies in the business and recently opened San Diego Yacht Sales.
As Past President, Peter serves as the Treasurer and is also involved with the Boat Show Committee. Peter supports building our Association and working with the Show Promoters to bring better experiences to our Members and Customers.
One of Peter’s goals is to get more people out on the water and encourage current owners to use their boats more often.
Membership Committee
Chris Herman
Cell: 714-329-4138
Email: chris@wcyachts.com
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.
Sponsorship Chairman
Jeff Merrill
Office/Cell: 949-355-4950
Jeff@JMYS.com
