Boats and Yachts 
Trade and Professional Associations
For Boat and Yacht Owners in California

Boat and Yacht Trade and Professional Associations provide a variety of information, training and education courses to boat and yacht owners. There is a strong emphasis on boating safety, education, seamanship training and navigation training for both sailboat and powerboat owners. In addition they provide skills certification and instructional materials ranging from "How to Buy a Boat" to sailing lessons and certified sailing schools.

American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) - This is a not-for-profit organization that's been developing and updating safety standards for boat building and repair for over 50 years. It is a leader in education for the marine industry and has certification programs for marine technicians.         

American Sailing Association - This is  the leading authority on sailing instruction and sailing schools in the US. They offer classes that go from basic sailing lessons to advanced sailing courses.

Boat Owners Association of the United States - Founded in 1966 this organization provides savings, service and representation to millions of boat owners nationwide.  They offer free, no-obligation insurance quotes. We highly recommend them for both Boat Insurance and Personal Watercraft Insurance.   

California Yacht Brokers Association - Founded in 1975, this is a nonprofit organization of brokers and sales people that provides services to the industry, as well as protects California boat buyers and sellers. New members must be sponsored by two broker members, reviewed by the membership committee and approved by the board of directors.

California Association of Harbor Masters - This organization provides services to Harbor Masters and Port Captains. Exchanges of information occur at its Regional meetings and Annual Training Conference where members contribute to proposed legislation. 

Charter Yacht Brokers Association - This group consists of yacht brokers around the world who have banded together to promote the highest ethical standards and fiscal responsibility within their ranks. 

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators - Since 1958, NASBLA has developed a wide range of recreational boating safety public policy.  Their resolutions, model acts, model procedures and other documents have helped make boating safer on our nation's waterways.  They are heavily focused on education, training and safety.

National Safe Boating Council - The mission of the Council is to enhance the safety of the recreational boating experience through membership and industry support, involvement, and participation; and through NSBC education, training, marketing, and outreach programs.

National Water Safety Congress - The Congress is committed to promoting education for the safety of recreational water activities throughout the U.S. by addressing water related recreation accidents and drowning throughout the nation.

Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association - On their site, you'll find an interactive calendar of Northern California boating activities, news and information relating to Bay Area, Delta and Coastal yachting, as well as access to other Yacht, Sailing and Boating Clubs.

United Safe Boating Institute - USBI is a group comprised of not-for-profit organizations recognized for their quality efforts in boating safety research and safety expertise and development potential. Since 1986, they have been involved in safe boating education and programs to exchange ideas with others involved in similar activities.

United States Sailing Association - US SAILING has created the definitive national standards for sailing instruction.  It also supports public access programs; creates high-quality instructional and reference materials for race officials; and fields successful Olympic and Pan American Games teams.

United States Power Squadrons - This is a non profit organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Its members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating. With 45,000 members, it is America's largest non-profit boating organization.

Yacht Brokers Association of America - Founded in 1920, YBAA's purpose is to unite yacht brokers to: Establish, promote and enforce high standards of professional competence and ethical conduct; Foster public recognition and support for YBAA and its member brokers; and, Facilitate cooperation among its members.