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Standards Week Debut: Recognizing the Architects of Modern Boating Reliability
The Annual Gathering in Charleston
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recently descended upon Charleston, S.C., to open its annual Standards Week with a serious look at the year’s most significant safety advances. This isn’t just a meeting of volunteers; it is a tactical assembly of the minds responsible for the design, construction, and repair standards that govern the global recreational boating market. On January 12, the organization took a moment to step away from the technical manuals to recognize the individuals who have dedicated their lives to maritime reliability.
Transforming the Field of Marine Trades
The C.T. “Skip” Moyer Leadership Award was presented to Ed Sherman, a name synonymous with professional marine education. Sherman’s influence on the sector is difficult to overstate; as a former education director and author, he was instrumental in developing the first marine technician certification program in the United States. According to industry experts, the current landscape of marine trade education was essentially built on the foundation Sherman laid, making him a rare, transformative figure in the field.
The Digital Architecture of Compliance
In a market defined by complex regulations, Kimberly Horn has emerged as a cornerstone of the compliance culture. Honored with the Bolling Fortson Douglas Award, Horn—a senior specialist at Boston Whaler—has spent her career translating dense regulatory requirements into practical, digital workflows. Her work ensures that major manufacturers meet the rigorous demands of the U.S. Coast Guard, ISO, and NMMA. By lifting the quality of boat brands through clearer processes, she is directly responsible for the tangible safety of modern vessels.
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Water
The Augusto “Kiko” Villalon Lifetime Achievement Award took a departure from tradition this year, recognizing the inseparable duo of Bob and Sandy MacNeill. Bob MacNeill’s career reads like a registry of iconic brands, with executive roles at Chris-Craft, Viking, and Carver. Alongside Sandy, he has spent decades influencing standards at the technical board level. An avid boater himself, MacNeill’s professional life has been a relentless pursuit of bettering safety through technical observation and board-level discussion.
Building a Stable Foundation for 2026
The meeting in Charleston highlights a critical reality for the boating world: safety is an evolving target. As new technologies enter the water, the work of these volunteers becomes the stable foundation that allows manufacturers to innovate with confidence. By recognizing leaders who have sacrificed personal time for the advancement of the industry, ABYC ensures that the passion for the sea remains paired with an uncompromising commitment to keeping people safe while they enjoy it.
