Fort Lauderdale
USA
“Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) is a non-profit organization, that was formed in 2009 to support continuing education within the industry, promote ethical business practice and ultimately facilitate success for young professionals within the worldwide yachting business community.”
Samantha Weiler – YPY USA President
Our Chapter
The U.S.A. chapter, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, holds one official meeting every month that typically features a key speaker, consist of sharing industry news and hosting professional development seminars. We allow members to share any industry news or updates for discussions, and encourage new ideas and member collaboration. The association also hosts sponsored social events for networking opportunities on a monthly basis, such as an elegant Summer Soiree, catamaran cruise and our annual YPY Banquet.
Since its inception, YPY U.S.A. has amassed more than 150 members from diverse fields and many influential companies in the marine industry of South Florida. Some notable companies represented in our membership pool include but are not limited to, Northrop & Johnson, Burgess, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, Merle Wood & Associates, Catepillar Inc., Fraser, Informa/Show Management, Pantropic Power, National Marine Suppliers, Lürssen and many more.
Board Members
Meet the board of YPY USA
Partner of Loom Luxury Linens, she enjoys helping her clients and industry peers learn the import role yacht interiors and their amenities play in the boater's onboard experience. Since starting in this industry she has been a member of Young Professionals in Yachting to which she credits much of her success.
Samantha Weiler
President
Amy has been active in the yachting industry for over 4 years now, working as the Director of Sales & Marketing for Zeidel & Co Yachting Essentials. She is currently also member of U.S. Superyacht Association and on the Judges Committee for the Winterfest Boat Parade. She is passionate about the marine industry and looks forward to helping YPY grow over the next few years.
Amy Knowles
Vice-President
Born and raised in Wisconsin, summertime was always a time to be at the lake house. Daniel moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2005, where he later was introduced to the yachting community through a well known provisioning company, Grateful Palate Yacht Provisions. He soon transferred into a Financial Controller position. With a financial background, the role as Treasurer of Young Professionals in Yachting in 2017, has been a growing experience. Daniel is also a volunteer mentor at Take Stock In Children-Broward County, a member of Emerge Broward and a member of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
Daniel Driebel
Treasurer
Darina is passionate about the sea and boating. After several years of work in business, marketing and onboard yachts, Darina started a website called Marine White List. Originally from Russia, Darina immigrated to the US with her family in 1994. She graduated from Penn State University with a dual degree in Business and International Relations. She is equally at home in the office and in the jungle, and passionately pursues her love of animal rescue, outdoor sports, and hanging out with her husband and four-legged children.
Darina Weitzmann
Membership Coordinator
Daniel Grant is Vice President of Pierson Grant Public Relations, a South Florida-based PR firm founded in 1995. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Florida Atlantic University's School of Communication and Multimedia Studies. He serves YPY as the public relations chairman and is a member of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and the US Superyacht Association.
Daniel Grant
Public Relations Chairman
Andrew High handles both transactional and litigation matters focused mainly in the area of Pleasure Boating & Yachting. Mr. High has worked on a wide range of maritime matters. Mr. High is involved in a number of professional organizations, including the Florida Yacht Broker's Association, the Fort Lauderdale Mariner's Club, Young Professionals in Yachting, and others. He also serves on the Board of Directors for AMIKids Greater Ft. Lauderdale, serving to better the education of troubled youths in part through teaching the principles of boating and seamanship.
Andrew High
Legal Counsel
Sarah was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and spent many weekends on the water with friends and family. Whether it be fishing, water sports or cruising, Sarah quickly realized the yachting and boating industry in Fort Lauderdale was enormous. With a strong interest in Event Planning and Management, she joined the Show Management team as the Marketing Coordinator. Sarah joined YPY in 2016 and quickly immersed herself, which guided to her election into the YPY Board of Directors in 2017.
Sarah Sibley
Marketing Director
Mark Theissen is currently Director Yachting Americas for Marlink, Inc. He is a Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate and has an international business & sailing background that he has been marrying with his passion for technology. Having lived in Germany/Croatia & USA, he loves bringing the world closer together whether in person, through industry efforts or technology. He has been an avid industry advocate holding board, committee and advisory positions with MIASF and YPY. As director of yachting Americas he is responsible for all aspects of communication solutions and digital services to enable vessel owners to sail with a peace of mind whether for pleasure or business. He also has an extensive background in Bridge and Automation systems which are also offered by Marlink Group. He loves spending his free time with family and friends on the water or in the mountains.
Mark Theissen
USA International Liaison Officer
Committee Chairs
Stephanie Pittington is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Ice Marine, a South Florida based marine air conditioning and refrigeration company. Growing up around boats and with family members in the yachting industry, Stephanie has had an interest in the industry long before beginning her career in it. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and International Business from FAU. As the Volunteer Chair for YPY, Stephanie coordinates with other marine organizations in the South Florida area to keep our members involved in the community and the rest of the marine industry.
Stephanie Pittington
Volunteer
A Fort Lauderdale native, Chris has spent the majority of his summers on the coastline. He attended UF in Gainesville, FL and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications. Chris was recently brought on board to help open a commercial marine division of Oversea Yacht Insurance, where he has used his years of customer service and networking experience to help his clients. Chris joined YPY in 2017 and is currently also a member of IYBA and MIASF.
Chris Coleman
Events
Kate Murphy has been an active member of YPY since 2014. As a Rhode Island native, she has loved boating all her life and being near the ocean. Graduating from Miami University of Ohio, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she moved to Boston where she worked for several years in the engineering and higher education markets. She began working in the marine insurance industry at Alliance Marine Risk Managers. She is also a member of the IYBA and the Ft. Lauderdale Mariner's Club.
Kate Murphy
Mentor Program
Membership
Becoming a member of Young Professionals in Yachting has unique benefits which include: monthly meetings, networking opportunities, professional development, members-only access to job postings, professional mentoring program, meaningful volunteer opportunities, admission to our annual gala and so much more.
Join Now
We will review your application and email you back further membership details.
Our Speakers
Corporate Sponsors & Event Sponsors
Underwater Lights Limited
Zack Savage
Manufacturers of the Original Underwater Lights TM brand since 1991, Underwater Lights Limited is the Worlds leading manufacturer of Marine Lighting products.
www.underwaterlights.com
Yachtsign
Andrew Cohen
YACHTSIGN combines American service standards with German engineering to deliver breathtaking, illuminated luxury yacht signage.
http://www.yachtsign.com
RMK Merrill-Stevens
Aaron Leatherwood
RMK Merrill-Stevens is a full-service shipyard dedicated to the refit and repair of the world’s finest yachts and vessels. Work is of the highest international standards and meets Classification Societies requirements, including ABS, Lloyds, and US Coast Guard Regulations.
https://www.rmkmerrill-stevens.com
Yachts International
William Smith
YACHTS INTERNATIONAL IS THE WORLDWIDE LEADER IN THE SUPERYACHT CATEGORY with its sophisticated global editorial reach, superior distribution, high-profile events, online community network and exclusive partnerships with the industry’s leading boat shows. The magazine offers an insider’s view of the luxury yachting experience with a dynamic mix of quintessential print media, advanced digital platforms, and exclusive yacht owner’s clubs at boat shows.
https://www.yachtsinternational.com
Grateful Palate/ Shooters Waterfront
Daniel Driebel
Featuring the renowned Grateful Palate’s culinary expertise and Fort Lauderdale’s celebrated waterfront views, Grateful Palate Catering & Events provides a unique special event venue with superb food and service, event planning and a waterfront location. At Grateful Palate Catering & Events, our expertise comes from years of experience in creating inspired menus of fresh offerings, presented with the most professional service.
https://www.thegratefulpalate.com
Shooters Waterfront has anchored Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway since 1982. As the city began to outgrow its reputation as a haven for spring breakers, Shooters revitalized the landmark restaurant into a relaxed yet elegant dining destination. We believe a restaurant’s atmosphere sets the stage and its seasoned staff delivers the experience. The clinking of glassware and cutlery plays through the house like a well-orchestrated symphony thanks to new ownership. With a carefully crafted menu of fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails set against a breathtaking backdrop of Florida’s boating lifestyle, Shooters Waterfront Fort Lauderdale restaurant remains rich in history.
https://shooterswaterfront.com
U.S. Superyacht Association
Kitty McGowan
The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) is a trade association, representing hundreds of business and thousands of individuals, whose mission is “To promote and support the U.S. Superyacht industry and its members worldwide through advocacy, marketing and education.”
http://www.ussuperyacht.com
Marine Industry of South Florida
Sean Smith
The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) is the largest marine trade organization in the Southeast United States dedicated to promoting, protecting, and growing the 110,000 middle class jobs in Broward County and 136,000 jobs regionally in marine businesses promoting boating lifestyles from family cruising and fishing to yachts and the goods and services that sustain them, driving the economic output to $8.8 billion in Broward County and $11.5 billion regionally.
http://www.miasf.org
Payments
Please use the link below to pay your Membership Dues
Contact us
info@youngprofessionalsinyachting.com
Young Professionals in Yachting USA
Join us at our next meeting
Regular Monthly Meetings
Please check our events calendar for more details