A Winning Visit: CYBA Leadership Drops by Shelter Island to Talk Shop (and History!)

There’s nothing like a day that starts with an award and a walk down memory lane. I was recently honored to have Dean West, President of the California Yacht Broker’s Association (CYBA), and Executive Director Mark White stop by our Yacht Coast Yacht Sales office for a very special occasion.

The First of Its Kind: The CYBA Survey Award

The primary reason for their visit was to catch up on the results of the recent CYBA survey. This was the first initiative of its kind for the association, a deep dive into the data and "boots-on-the-ground" reality of the brokerage world.

I’m thrilled to share that, thanks to my participation and the insights I provided regarding the current state of Yacht Sales, I was selected as an award winner! Having the leadership team drive down to Shelter Island to personally recognize Yacht Coast Yacht Sales for our contribution to the industry's future was a proud moment for the whole team.

If These Walls Could Talk...

As I was showing Dean and Mark around our new headquarters, we hit a nostalgic "full circle" moment. It turns out, Mark White knew exactly where everything was because years ago, he worked out of this exact same office space as a manager for another brokerage!

We spent a good chunk of time reminiscing about the history of this building. Hearing Mark share stories about his time operating in the very same rooms where the Yacht Coast Yacht Sales family now works was incredible. It’s a reminder that while the technology in Yacht Sales changes, the legacy of the Shelter Island maritime community runs deep.

The Road Ahead: What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Once the nostalgia settled, we got into the "real talk." We spent a good hour discussing:

• The Boat Show Shake-up: What’s actually working with local shows and how we can make them better for buyers.

• Current Sales Climate: A candid look at the inventory shifts we’re seeing in 2026.

• The CYBA Vision: Dean and Mark shared their roadmap for the California Yacht Broker’s Association, focusing on transparency and elevating the profession to protect clients.

Looking Forward

I’m more energized than ever about where our industry is headed. Receiving this award and hearing the CYBA’s vision for the future reinforces why we do what we do here at Yacht Coast Yacht Sales. We aren't just selling boats; we’re part of a long-standing tradition of excellence on the California coast.

Huge thanks to Dean and Mark for the visit, the award, and the great stories. If you’re around Shelter Island, stop by the office—I’d love to show you the award and talk about how these new industry insights can help you find your next boat!

See you on the water,

Aaron Delzell

Owner, Yacht Coast Yacht Sales