Vincent J. Petrella Chairman's Award

About Vincent J. Petrella Vin, as he’s known to those in the boating world, became active in the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) in the mid-1980s.  He served on the Board and as YBAA President for two consecutive terms.  In 1999, he proposed and the YBAA Board approved the CPYB concept.  As the first chairman of the Certification Advisory Council, Vin and representatives from six partner associations began the daunting task of determining the skills required of a professional yacht broker.

The program took several years to develop, creating a body of knowledge that brokers should know—as well as setting up the testing process. In 2002, the first broker was certified. There are now 479 Certified Professional Yacht Brokers in the United States and Canada.

In late 2010, YBAA offered Vin the Executive Director position.  In that role, which he relinquished in 2019, Vin worked tirelessly to raise funds for YBAA and the CPYB program through sponsorships and scholarships, promoted the industry through the adoption of high business standards, a strict code of conduct, and ensured brokers had access to quality continuing education.  

We are asking for your assistance in identifying and nominating individuals who you feel meet these criteria:

• A CPYB in good standing
• Actively engaged in boating/sailing activities on a local, regional and/or national level
• Exemplify the professionalism, ethical behavior, and business practices that are the trademark of the CPYB certification
• Actively promote the CPYB program as a way for industry professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and professionalism

The recipient will be chosen based on evidence provided by the nominator as part of the application. The award is made in January of each year.

Nominations for the 2024 Vin Petrella Award have closed.

Nominations for the 2025 Award will open in Fall 2025. 

Recipients