In Remembrance: Honoring Jerry Wayne Hall (1945–2026)
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jerry Wayne Hall, a beloved, multi-decade member of our association. Jerry passed away peacefully on June 23 with his wife, Lydia Raynoha Hall, by his side after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer.
Known affectionately as a true local legend, Jerry epitomized San Diego’s boating community with his warmth, wit, style, and generosity.
A Life Driven by Passion and Precision
Born in Blytheville, Arkansas, on May 8, 1945—a day globally celebrated as Victory in Europe Day—Jerry spent his early childhood in Arkansas and Tennessee before his family relocated to San Diego. He brought with him a lifelong love of mechanics and speed.
The Racer: In his youth, Jerry competed as a professional motorcycle racer. Even after a career-ending crash, his love for two wheels never faded, and he spent decades touring across the U.S. and Europe on his prized 1992 Harley-Davidson FX.
The Craftsman: Jerry’s talent for mechanics transitioned into custom auto body design in downtown San Diego, where he crafted custom cars. His exceptional work earned him the “Man of the Year” honor from San Diego’s chapter of the California Autobody Association in the 1980s.
Setting Sail in Yacht Brokerage
When his body shop location was acquired to build Petco Park, Jerry turned his talents to the water. After gaining experience with several brokerages—including Mason Yachts—he founded J.W. Hall Yacht & Ship Brokerage in 2009. For 17 years, Jerry managed, serviced, and sold vessels while building deep connections across the industry.
“I know you have been fighting a hell of a battle and throughout you’ve done it all with class and dignity. You’ve been such a wonderful addition to this industry… I’ve always admired your steadfast participation and support.” — Dean A. West, CYBA President.
Jerry was a staple at every forum, industry gathering, and holiday celebration, almost always recognized by his iconic, extensive hat collection.
Jerry is survived by his wife and life partner, Lydia, as well as a vast network of colleagues and friends who will deeply miss his steadfast presence on the water. The family will hold a private service. We invite our members to keep Lydia and Jerry’s loved ones in their thoughts as we remember a true icon of our community.
As the California Yacht Brokers Association proudly celebrates 50 + years of setting higher standards (1975–2025), we are excited to expand our community with the addition of our newest professionals joining us this August.
Associate Salesperson Membership
David Brotherton – NAOS Yachts
Robert Lovejoy – South Coast Yachts
Kevin Bohannon – Galati Yacht Sales
Pete McCormick – Jeff Brown Yachts
Affiliate Membership
Elizabeth McPhall – Galati Yacht Sales
Christy Kempski – Galati Yacht Sales
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to all of our new members as we continue driving excellence and integrity throughout the California yacht brokerage industry.
Jeff Merrill, CPYB, is well known to CYBA members as a long-serving Board of Directors member and President of our association in 2015 and 2016.
Jeff is one of the few California brokers who is also a CPYB (Certified Professional Yacht Broker), and he has spent the last five years as a volunteer on the national governing board for CPYB, known as the CAC (Certificate Advisory Council). The CPYB program is managed by YBAA (Yacht Broker Association of America), which just held its annual YBAAU Yacht Broker University at the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island.
As the yacht brokerage business changes and evolves, traveling is becoming more common, and networking with other brokers is now even more important.
Jeff, along with 80 other brokers, attended and enjoyed the various presentations, similar in spirit to the CYBA legal seminar, but covering many different topics, including ABYC standards, a market report, a yacht designer panel, and an overview of how AI is changing our business.
At the end of the program, the final portion recognized two individuals for their leadership and commitment to the brokerage world.
Don Finkle, CPYB, of RCR Yachts in New York, was presented the Vin Petrella Award for Excellence, and Jeff Merrill, CPYB, was presented a special Dedicated Service Award for his contributions.
On behalf of the CYBA, we want to congratulate Jeff for his individual award, for keeping our association front of mind among his peers, and for his overall body of work. Jeff is a dedicated yacht broker and a successful professional, and the CYBA is pleased to share this recognition with our members.
The California Yacht Broker’s Association is thrilled to officially introduce our new Digital Correspondent, Shelby Mount!
If you’ve been following the CYBA on social media lately, you’ve undoubtedly seen Shelby’s high-energy, insightful coverage. A licensed yacht broker withYacht Coast and a proud CYBA member, Shelby represents the exciting future of our industry. Not long ago, she was a newcomer navigating the complexities of the maritime business. Today, she is using her incredible knack for storytelling and social media to take thousands of followers and industry professionals along on her journey.
From Southern California to Venice Italy: Content Gone Viral
Shelby’s ability to connect with audiences has already reached international shores. Most recently, she brought her followers along to the San Diego International Boat Show, but it was her stunning, behind-the-scenes coverage of the Venice Boat Show in Italy that recently went viral.
By showcasing spectacular vessels and the unique culture of international yachting, Shelby is doing something vital for our community: she is successfully shepherding a younger audience into the world of yacht brokerage and introducing them to the value of the CYBA.
A Modern Partnership for a Digital Age
This exciting new chapter is the result of a fresh, cohesive partnership spearheaded by CYBA’s Media Director, Erin Alls of Every Media Productions. Recognizing the power of digital-first storytelling, Erin and the CYBA team have partnered with Shelby to elevate the association’s online presence and bring real-time industry value straight to your feed.
The “Broker Tip of the Day”
Shelby has already been delivering incredible insights, most notably through her popular “Broker Tip of the Day” series.
In these segments, Shelby interviews fellow CYBA members, giving them a platform to share their expert knowledge and industry secrets. These collaborative featurettes are shared across Shelby’s personal handle, the official CYBA accounts, and the participating broker’s pages—creating a massive win-win for networking, visibility, and education within our community.
Stay Connected
The CYBA is incredibly honored to have Shelby on board as she helps us bridge the gap between traditional brokerage expertise and the fast-paced digital world.
If you aren’t doing so already, make sure to follow us on Instagram at [@cyba.cayachtbrokerassociation] (and follow Shelby at [@YachtCoast] / [@ShelbyMount]) to stay tuned for exclusive updates, boat show highlights, and the next Broker Tip of the Day!
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.
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:
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!
Welcoming Suntex Marinas: CYBA’s Newest Gold Sponsor is Making Waves Across California
The California Yacht Brokers Association is thrilled to introduce our newest Gold Sponsor —Suntex Marinas. As yacht brokers, our success relies entirely on having top tier, reliable infrastructure at which to place our clients’ vessels. To help our members get to know the team behind a marina platform with a rapidly growing footprint in our local waters, we sat down with Hampus Idsater, Director of Investments at Suntex Marinas, to discuss their operational philosophy, massive West Coast expansion, and new opportunities for collaboration with the CYBA brokerage community.
From Coast to Inland Waters: A Rapidly Expanding Footprint
Suntex Marinas is currently the largest owner, operator, and developer of recreational marinas in the United States, operating over 100 marinas across 16 states.
In just three and a half years, Suntex has expanded its California portfolio from three lake-based properties to a total of 25 owned and operated marinas spanning from Northern California down to Orange County.
“The California boating market is incredibly diverse,” Idsater noted during our conversation. “Boating varies significantly by region — from the concentrated sailboat fleets alongside powerboats in Ventura County to high-powered wakeboard boats in Lake Tahoe. We are building a portfolio that respects and accommodates those unique regional boating cultures while at the same time ensuring a consistent first-class customer experience at all of our marinas.”
The Suntex California Portfolio at a Glance
To give our members a clear picture of where Suntex is investing, here is a breakdown of their current regional properties:
Region
Examples of Suntex Marina Properties
Northern & Central CA
Tahoe Keys Marina (currently undergoing a major rebuild), Pleasure Cove Marina (Napa), Discovery Bay Marina (full-service with on-site dining), and four additional properties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Sierras
Lake Don Pedro Marina and Moccasin Point Marina.
Ventura County
Kinship Marina and seven properties in Channel Islands Harbor, including Marine Emporium Landing, Bahia Marina, Peninsula Yacht Marina, Channel Islands Harbor Marina, and Vintage Marina.
Southern California
Marina Del Rey Marina (309 slips with modern concrete/fiberglass docks), Peter’s Landing Marina in Huntington Beach (325 slips), and Cabrillo Way Marina at the Port of Los Angeles (managed by Suntex).
The “Suntex Experience”: Respecting Legacy While Investing Heavily
For many yacht brokers, corporate acquisitions of local marinas can trigger anxieties about changing cultures and staff turnover. However, Idsater emphasizes that Suntex operates under a wildly different philosophy.
Suntex leverages its financial stability, effectively acting as an all-cash buyer with no financing contingencies thanks to institutional backing, to execute seamless transitions. Once the ink dries on a deed, their priority turns to building on the existing strengths of the acquired marina:
Retaining Local Talent: Suntex prioritizes keeping the original marina staff on board, providing them with career opportunities as part of Suntex. In fact, approximately 50% of Suntex’s regional vice presidents originally came from acquired properties.
Preserving Legacy: They intentionally maintain the historical names of the properties they buy, simply adding the tag “a Suntex experience” to indicate their standard of operational excellence.
Heavy Redevelopment: Suntex is vertically integrated, meaning they have their own in-house design, construction, and development teams. Members visiting Channel Islands Harbor can already see this in action, where Suntex is actively redeveloping three marinas (Bahia Marina, Peninsula Yacht Marina, and Vintage Marina) to upgrade infrastructure for a harbor that sees up to one million visitors annually.
Advocacy, Leadership, and Shaking Hands with Brokers
Suntex isn’t just investing capital into California; they are investing leadership. A passionate boater himself who loves navigating Marina del Rey, Santa Monica Bay, and the Channel Islands, Idsater walks the walk. He serves on the Boards of the Marine Recreation Association (MRA) and the Marina del Rey Lessees Association. Furthermore, he was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom and confirmed by the State Senate to serve on the California Boating and Waterways Commission.
When asked about legislative hurdles such as federal approval delays surrounding live scans for broker licensing, Idsater noted that industry groups like the MRA and CYBA are exactly the forums needed to bring together key stakeholders and educate policymakers.
A Direct Invitation to CYBA Brokers
Most importantly for our membership, Suntex wants to build a transparent, collaborative bridge with yacht brokers. They understand that a broker’s ultimate goal is finding a safe, premium home for a client’s new vessel.
Suntex openly welcomes CYBA brokers to reach out directly through the Suntex website and local marina offices to discuss partnership opportunities, slip availability, and creative ways to collaborate.
What’s Next?
As our newest Gold Sponsor, Suntex Marinas is showing a deep commitment to the health and future of the California boating industry. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure our members and their clients enjoy premier access to our state’s beautiful coastal and inland waterways.
Why ‘The Log’ Remains an Industry Standard for California Yacht Brokers.
In an era dominated by hyper-speed digital feeds and fleeting social media algorithms, finding a marketing pillar with true staying power is rare. For California’s maritime community, that pillar has a name: The Log.
For over 50 years, The Log has served as California’s premier boating and marine sports news source, establishing an ironclad reputation as a trusted voice on the water. Today, the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) is proud to spotlight The Log not just as a foundational industry publication, but as a valued CYBA Bronze Sponsor dedicated to protecting the gold standard of our industry.
Proven by the Data: A Top 10 Advertising Powerhouse
We don’t just rely on tradition; we rely on facts. In our landmark digital assessment compiled in “The California Yacht Broker Survey for 2026”, we asked the state’s elite brokerage professionals exactly where they invest their marketing dollars to list and market their active inventory.
The results spoke volumes. Out of all the advertising vehicles available in the modern maritime landscape, The Log officially ranks as one of the Top 10 most utilized marketing platforms by California Yacht Brokers.
In a competitive market stretching from the pristine slips of San Diego up to the rugged northern coast, yacht brokers need their listings seen by serious, qualified buyers. The data proves that even in 2026, The Log delivers that exact audience.
Why The Log Continues to Set the Standard
So, how does a publication maintain its edge for over half a century? By evolving alongside the captains, brokers, and boaters it serves.
Hyper-Local Relevance: From local slips and harbor master updates to major legislative shifts in Sacramento, The Log provides the foundational news that keeps California boaters informed and safe.
Targeted Distribution: Print isn’t dead on the water. Walk down any dock, marina office, or yacht club from Newport Beach to Santa Barbara, and you will find The Log in the hands of active buyers and sellers.
Championing the Brokerage Community: As a CYBA Bronze Sponsor, The Log invests directly back into our community. They don’t just print the news—they actively support the legal protections, ethical standards, and continuing education that keep our industry secure.
The Sport Fishing section of The Log (fondly known as the “Fish Rap” department) serves as an essential hub for Southern California anglers and coastal communities. Since 1971, this dedicated space has offered a mix of seasonal updates, regional fishing reports (like local Dana Wharf catches) and crucial coverage of changing environmental policies, including El Niño conditions and marine protected area updates.
Sailing Forward Together
A successful transaction requires the right tools, the right legal forms, and the right visibility. By aligning with CYBA and utilizing trusted, proven platforms like The Log, California’s brokerage community ensures they are operating at the absolute peak of professionalism.
We want to extend a massive thank you to The Log for their over 50 years of editorial excellence and their continued corporate sponsorship of the CYBA. Together, we are keeping the California maritime industry steady, secure, and moving forward.
Looking to maximize your inventory’s reach? Discover why the state’s top brokers rely on this industry icon. https://thelogclassifieds.com/ or visit them directly at thelog.com to catch up on the latest coastal news.
Set Sail for History: The 2027 CYBA Annual Dinner is Going to Sea!
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
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.
