YBAA University 2025 (YBAA U)

Early Bird

(on or before 6/6)  

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Keynote Speaker 

Josh Valoes, VALOES Yachting Advisors

Josh Valoes is a seasoned marketing executive and entrepreneur with deep roots in the yachting and luxury sectors. He’s held senior roles at top industry names like Denison Yachting, YATCO, and Rybovich Superyacht Marina.

Josh launched a boutique marketing agency in 2014, which was acquired by YATCO in 2023. He’s best known for his five years leading marketing at Denison Yachting, where his efforts helped drive over $2.3 billion in yacht sales.

He later served as VP and CMO at YATCO, helping to shape the future of digital yachting marketing. In 2024, he founded VALOES Yachting Advisors, a consultancy for luxury and yachting brands. Josh continues to raise the bar for marketing in the global luxury space.

Beyond the Hype: Yacht Sales in the Age of AI explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the modern brokerage landscape. In this keynote, Josh Valoes, founder of VALOES Yachting Advisors, cuts through the noise surrounding AI to deliver a clear, grounded perspective on how these technologies are impacting the way brokers market, sell, and serve clients. Attendees will gain an understanding of key AI concepts—such as the difference between conversational and agentic AI—and how these tools can enhance, not replace, the broker’s role.

This session offers a strategic look at how AI can help brokerages streamline operations, deliver personalized marketing, and maintain a luxury client experience in an increasingly digital environment. Without diving into trends or gimmicks, this talk focuses on what matters: using AI to support real business goals, improve client relationships, and keep brokers ahead of the curve in a fast-changing marketplace.

10:45 am - 11:00 am

Break

Session #1

Yamaha Outboards & Marine Engine Systems

Yamaha continues to shape the future of marine propulsion with innovative technology that delivers performance, control, and a better boating experience. This technical session offers yacht brokers and marine professionals a clear, practical look at Yamaha’s Outboard Division and its latest engine systems.

Whether you're helping clients choose a new vessel or repower an existing one, this session will give you the insights you need to speak confidently about Yamaha’s offerings—now and into the future.

Lunch

Session #2

Understanding Tariffs, Duties and Lacey Act

Jay Reynolds is a licensed Customs Broker and President of JP Reynolds Company Inc., a leading Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarding firm based in Fort Lauderdale.

A lifelong Floridian, Jay has been a dedicated leader in the marine industry, serving as President of MIASF (2003–2005), longtime Boat Show Committee Chair, and recipient of the Marine Industry Award of Excellence. He has also held leadership roles with the Port Everglades Association, Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, and the World Trade Center, and remains active in IYBA, USSA, and other trade groups.

Jay played a key role in launching the Boat Show Bond and Marine Foreign Trade Zone initiatives and is currently working on securing approval for a tenth Marine FTZ.

Leslie Linfernal is a licensed Customs Broker with JP Reynolds Company Inc., a leading international logistics and customs brokerage firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

She leads the Marine Development division, helping manufacturers, dealers, yacht brokers, and owners navigate the complexities of marine import, export, and U.S. Customs regulations.

With over 18 years of experience, Leslie has built strong relationships with Customs and government agencies across U.S. ports, offering clients trusted, personalized service. She is an active member of the Marine Industry Association of South Florida, IYBA, USSA, and the International Superyacht Society.

JP Reynolds Company Inc. is among the first nationally licensed Customs Brokers, serving clients throughout the U.S.

Eugene Samarin, Lochner Law Group

Eugene Samarin is an Admiralty Attorney with Lochner Law Firm, P.C. out of Annapolis, Maryland. Mr. Samarin and Lochner Law Firm, P.C. worked with YBAA on the new contract revisions and supervised the creation of the new mediator list for YBAA dispute resolution.

As the technical director at the American Boat and Yacht Council, Brian Goodwin is responsible for managing the review and publication of over 80 standards. He also insures the execution of numerous grants awarded to the ABYC Technical Department.  Brian also actively liaisons with other groups including NMMA, NASBLA, SAMS®, NAMS, NFPA and SAE.   Prior to assuming role of technical director in 2012, he was the technical standards manager at ABYC.

In addition to having a dual degree in Biology/Marine Environmental Science, Brian has a broad range of marine industry experience including roles as a captain, dockmaster and navigation officer on a hydrographic survey vessel.

Regulations, standards, and opinions. This presentation will layout the compliance landscape related to design, construction and repair requirements for boat and yachts. Additionally, it will address common misconceptions and myths floating around the industry.

Session #3

BoatDox Training 

JP Skov, CPYB 

For the past 25 years, JP has been passionate about yacht sales. His experience includes yacht brokerage and dealership management as well as marina management. Within the marine industry, he continues to drive business development through excellence and collaboration.

Join us for a hands-on BoatDox training session designed to guide YBAA members through the full listing and deal process using the industry-owned platforms at your fingertips. Learn step-by-step how to maximize these tools to streamline your workflow and manage deals with confidence and efficiency.

Amanda Prevosk, CPYB

Amanda Prevosk is a seasoned marine industry professional with a strong background in yacht brokerage, marketing and sales operations. She specializes in sales enablement, providing strategic tools, process optimization, and customer experience initiatives. Her work supports seamless transactions and helps more people get on the water.