On a warm July morning in Annapolis, Maryland, more than 50 yacht brokers and industry professionals from 20 different companies gathered at the Hornor Maritime Center, home to the American Boat and Yacht Council. The location itself set the tone for the day—a spectacular waterfront venue where gleaming yachts bobbed gently at the dock, a fitting backdrop for an event dedicated to navigating the future of yacht brokerage.
YBAA University 2025 promised to deliver cutting-edge insights into the technologies and regulations reshaping the industry. For YBAA President Bill Bolin, CPYB, the timing couldn't have been more critical. "After a lot of market uncertainty in the first half of 2026, it was great to hear from an excellent slate of speakers that focused their remarks on market opportunities, legal/compliance and technical information," he reflected.
The day began with a jolt of energy from keynote speaker Josh Valoes, Founder of VALOES Yachting Advisors. Drawing from his extensive tenure at Denison Yachting and YATCO, Valoes didn't just talk about artificial intelligence—he demonstrated it. What could have been another theoretical discussion about technology instead became a revelation about practical applications already transforming the industry.
"AI isn't here to replace brokers," Valoes emphasized, "it's here to augment your expertise." He walked attendees through the distinction between Conversational AI—the chatbots that can capture leads 24/7—and Agentic AI, which can automate entire workflows. The numbers spoke for themselves: brokers using AI-powered dynamic video tours were seeing lead generation increases of up to 80%.
For JP Skov, YBAA Executive Director, the session was transformative. "This event featured an outstanding program. The keynote with Josh Valoes opened my eyes to the power of AI and how brokers can take advantage of it with basic functions to start," he said.
Beyond the immediate applications—AI-generated listing descriptions, automated follow-up communications, contract summaries—Valoes introduced the concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), positioning it as the next evolution beyond traditional SEO. As AI-powered search engines become the norm, brokers need to adapt their strategies accordingly.
After a brief networking break overlooking the marina, Jesse Dayton, Yamaha Outboard District Service Manager, brought 18 years of marine industry expertise to bear on the latest propulsion technologies. The evolution from 2-stroke to 4-stroke engines with Gasoline Direct Injection represented more than just environmental progress—it meant better performance and efficiency for clients.
But it was Yamaha's Helm Master EX system, launched in 2020, that captured the room's attention. The revolutionary boat control system with its intuitive joystick operation promised to eliminate the docking anxiety that kept many potential buyers on the sidelines. For brokers, understanding these technologies meant better conversations with clients.
Dayton also highlighted Yamaha's commitment to sustainable boating, from their Siren Marine integration for comprehensive vessel monitoring to their groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell concepts developed in partnership with Regulator Boats and Roush Industries. The message was clear: the future of yachting is being written now.
As lunch concluded, the afternoon sessions shifted to the complex regulatory landscape that can make or break yacht transactions. Eugene Samarin from Lochner Law Firm, along with Jay Reynolds and Leslie Linfernal from JP Reynolds Company, tackled the thorny issues of tariffs, duties, and the Lacey Act.
The April 2025 import tariffs on boats remained a hot topic, with the pending U.S. Court of International Trade ruling adding uncertainty to an already complicated situation. But it was the Lacey Act discussion that commanded the most attention. The strict liability standards for vessels containing exotic materials like teak meant that brokers needed to maintain meticulous documentation chains. A single missing document could result in civil fines, criminal penalties, or even vessel seizures.
"The afternoon sessions on Understanding Tariffs, Duties and Lacey Act and BoatDox complemented each other well by educating attendees on how to list boats and understanding current legislation," Skov noted, highlighting the careful program curation.
Brian Goodwin, Technical Director of the American Boat and Yacht Council, provided an authoritative overview of current safety standards and certification requirements. In a venue owned by ABYC itself, the presentation carried particular weight—these weren't abstract guidelines but the living standards shaping yacht construction and maintenance across the industry.
The day concluded with hands-on BoatDox training led by Skov alongside Amanda Prevosk and Hal Slater of Brewer Yacht Sales, and YBAA President Eric Smith. The session transformed compliance requirements from abstract regulations into practical tools for better client service and transaction management.
As the reception began and prize drawings added excitement to the networking, the broader significance of YBAA University became clear. The association continues to attract high quality education that can be applied for all brokers.
The success of the program reflected more than just excellent content—it demonstrated the strength of the YBAA community. From Admiral Sponsor Total Marine to a comprehensive roster of Captain, Commander, and Crew sponsors including Northrop & Johnson, Brewer Yacht Sales, Denison Yachting, Safe Harbor Marinas, and numerous specialized service providers, the industry had rallied around professional development.
As attendees departed from the waterfront venue, boarding yachts and heading back to their offices across 20 different companies, they carried with them more than just information. They had gained practical tools for navigating an uncertain market, insights into transformative technologies, and the assurance that they weren't facing the industry's challenges alone. In a year marked by market volatility and regulatory complexity, YBAA University 2025 had delivered exactly what the industry needed: clarity, community, and a roadmap for the future.
The success of YBAA University 2025 was made possible through the generous support of our industry partners, whose commitment strengthens the entire yacht sales profession.
Total Marine - Premier partner supporting excellence in yacht brokerage education
Our foundation supporters ensuring comprehensive industry education:
YBAA extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for their ongoing commitment to advancing professional standards and education in yacht brokerage.