News

The latest ABBRA news and press releases.

  • We are YOUR Association – Help us help you.

    I’ve been thinking recently about what it means to be a part of an Association. Each of us perhaps has a different definition, but I found this one today which I think sums up how I feel about ‘OUR’ Association. “An Association is a group of people (called Members) who come together for a common… Continue reading


  • ABBRA Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards

    The American Boat Builders and Repairers Association (ABBRA) has convened its Awards Committee to consider nominations for its annual awards which recognizes significant contributions to the marine industry and excellence.  Honorees will be announced at the Annual Awards ceremony to be held during the 2016 ABBRA Annual Meeting & Summer Symposium Conference on June 26th at… Continue reading


  • Understanding Electric Shock Drowning by Kellie Crete

    Soon boats will be launched, kids will be swimming, sailing programs will start, and marinas will be in full operation. With this in mind, now is a good time to increase your knowledge of Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). Many people have never heard of ESD, and those that have, typically don’t realize the common situations… Continue reading


  • Industry Executives Speak Out at White House

    Pamela Lendzion, Executive Director of the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association and Susan Swanton, Executive Director of the Maine Marine Trades Association joined a group of colleagues in Washington DC to discuss their proposals designed to remove barriers to work-based learning for small businesses in the recreational marine industry. In early February, as part… Continue reading


  • Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, ME signs deal with Norwegian builder.

      Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, Maine, is partnering with Brødrene Aa in Hyen, Norway, to market, sell and build carbon-fiber ferries throughout the United States under the new company name Arcadia Alliance. Working in conjunction with the Maine Composites Alliance and Martin Grimnes, a Norwegian composites expert who lives in Maine, Arcadia Alliance is… Continue reading


  • Sailors Wharf Yacht Yards’ Jopie Helsen awarded 2015 Member of the Year by SWFMIA

    Our fearless leader, Jopie Helsen, was awarded the 2015 Member of the Year by SWFMIA. Jopie received the award for outstanding service to the marine industry. Hans Wilson, president of SWFMIA and also president of the State Association and Kevin Carlan, president of Mastry Engine Center, chairman of the Tampa Bay Section presented the award.… Continue reading


  • Chicago Yacht Works signs with PierVantage

    Chicago Yacht Yard signs with PierVantage – News Release Continue reading


  • Brewer Yacht Yards signs on for MyTaskit Module Test

    MyTaskit, which provides a service coordination and boat management platform, said Brewer Yacht Yards will begin a trial of MyTaskit Pro’s Coordination module as a first step in a plan to adopt the new tool across its network of 23 boatyards. MyTaskit, which provides a service coordination and boat management platform, said Brewer Yacht Yards… Continue reading


  • ABBRA Names New Executive Director and Administrative Manager, Head Office to Move to Newport, RI

    Newport, RI – July 15, 2015 – ABBRA, the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association announced today it has appointed Pamela Lendzion as the Interim Executive Director and Meg Toppa the Administrative Manager and has moved its office to the Newport Shipyard. Ron Helbig, President of ABBRA said, “We are pleased to have Pam at… Continue reading


  • IBEX Super Session Press Release

                       Newport, RI July 31, 2015               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   IBEX Super Session September 14, 2015 from 9:00am to 5:00pm: Educating Employers on Hiring, Training & Upskilling Technically Skilled Workers ABBRA (American Boat Builders and Repairers Association) is currently coordinating a workforce development survey designed to gather information needed by all state… Continue reading