08/14/2013

Brakenhoff Honored With 2013 Bennett Award

The Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) recently bestowed their highest professional honor, posthumously, to former association president and industry veteran, Bruce Brakenhoff, Sr. The 2013 Paul W. Bennett Award was presented to his widow, Noel Brakenhoff and his son, Bruce Brakenhoff, Jr. at a recent Yacht Broker University event held in Providence, RI.

In honor of the memory of a visionary industry leader, consummate yacht brokerage professional and dedicated YBAA board member, officer and president, the Paul W. Bennett III Memorial Award is bestowed upon qualified and deserving professionals who best exemplify Mr. Bennett’s commitments to Strategic Mindedness; International, Industry-Wide Focus; Selflessness; Mission-Driven Purpose; Thirst for Knowledge; Commitment to Professionalism; and, Active Contributor to Community and Industry.

Nominations for the Bennett Award are accepted at any time. Letters of nomination may be emailed to the YBAA Office, describing the nominee, noting in particular how the nominee best exemplifies the characteristics of Mr. Bennett, as noted above.

2013 Award Recipient – Bruce Brakenhoff, Bartram & Brakenhoff - Newport, RI

Having served over 60 years in the industry prior to his death in 2012, Bruce Brakenhoff Sr. clearly exemplified the respected, successful, and honest broker, having set the standard to which the brokerage world continues to aspire. 

After starting Oriental Marine and then opening Northrup & Johnson’s first branch office in Stamford, CT, Bruce, along with his longtime friend and sidekick Joe Bartram created Bartram and Brakenhoff in 1967.  Bruce served on the YBAA Board as President in the 1970’s, and chaired or co-chaired the YBAA Ethics Committee for 25 years.  During his tenure on the Ethics Committee, he helped rewrite and update YBAA’s Code of Ethics & Business Practices.

Bruce was committed in many areas of the marine industry as a past Commodore of the Conanicut Yacht Club, a member of the Storm Trysail Club, and a former member of the Larchmont Yacht Club and the New York Yacht Club.  He also was involved in the American Yacht Charter Association creating some of their original charter contracts, establishing regulations & practices and acting as treasurer.

Bruce Brakenhoff led by example; his policies, business practices and ethics continue to guide and inspire yacht sales professionals and boating enthusiasts.

More information about YBAA and the Bennett Award is available at YBAA.com.