August 1, 2006, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and it's educational affiliate, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology held their Grand Opening Ceremony of their new headquarters with a gala ribbon cutting on July 25, 2006. Enthusiastic members, community neighbors, and government and industry officials gathered in the street in front of the new headquarters located at 613 Third Street in Annapolis for the celebration.

The Grand Opening Ceremony was held on the front steps of the three story, newly named "ABYC Bunzl Maritime Trades Building." The building was dedicated to honor ABYC Foundation's largest benefactor, Mr. Richard Bunzl who has been a long-time financial supporter to ABYC and member of the USCG Auxiliary. Mr. Bunzl sat along side Bolling Douglas, ABYC Foundation Chair, Dennis Graham, ABYC Board of Directors Chair and local dignitaries, supporting ABYC and Westlawn Institute at the Grand Opening. "It is because of Richard Bunzl's generosity and love of boating safety that ABYC was able to make this smart move to Eastport, and for that we thank him and are eternally grateful," stated Skip Burdon, President, ABYC.

Burdon, who played an integral part in deciding to relocate ABYC on the water in the maritime-rich community of Eastport, just a stones throw from downtown historic Annapolis, Maryland, also served as Master of Ceremonies, and remarked, "It is a special day in ABYC's history, as I hope it is for the community of Eastport. We truly feel that ABYC's move to Eastport stands as a testament to ABYC's influence and significance as an industry leader in providing safe boating standards and technical education and training." "We have received warm welcomes from our fellow Third Street residents and I am happy many of them were able to join us for the event," said Burdon.

Local and Federal Dignitaries, Jeff Hoedt, USCG, Chief, Office of Boating Safety, Dennis Castleman, Assistant Secretary, Department of Business and Economic Development, Michael E. Busch, Maryland House Speaker, Janet S. Owens, Anne Arundel County Executive, Bob Burdon, President, Anne Arundel and Annapolis Chamber of Commerce, and Ellen O. Moyer, Mayor of Annapolis came to speak in support of ABYC in their mission of boating safety and safety-based education. All gave praise to ABYC for joining the rich maritime community and Sailing Capital of America—Annapolis.

Russell Bowler, President, Farr Yacht Design (FYD), also spoke in recognition of the new headquarters said, "We could not have asked for a better group to share our patch than Skip and his team. We wish them prosperity and are pleased to share the address with ABYC. Welcome to 613 Third Street." ABYC owns the new building while on the upper floor resides the well renowned sail boat design group, Farr Yacht Design. ABYC and FYD are both delighted to share the residence as Russ explains, "both organizations are in the business of setting standards but in different sectors of the marine industry."

After the congratulatory remarks Skip Burdon, honored guests and dignitaries lined up to participate in the ribbon cutting, and anxious guests were then welcomed to explore ABYC's newly renovated quarters. Guests also had the chance to visit the Farr Yacht Design office on level two. FYD is and has been a key player in both the Volvo Race and America's Cup campaigns for over 20 years. Guests were also invited to join the reception and enjoy the views of the Back Creek on the newly designated "Aloha Deck."

A number of companies also became "Plank Owners" of the new building. As part of a fundraising initiative by the non-profit organization individuals and companies have the opportunity to sponsor a part of the new building, as well as offices, which are acting as parts of a ship that will be placed in commission. For example, certain "crew's quarters," "galley," or even "heads" can be claimed. In return for a donation to the ABYC Foundation, those who donate can become "Plank Owners" and receive an official certificate issued by none-other than Davy Jones. Different donation levels have been created to satisfy the giving spirit of all potential donors. Recent "Plank Owners" include Boatswain's Locker, Inc., Charles Industries, International Marine Consulting Associates (IMCA), Ken Cook Co., Kenyon International, Inc., Perko, Inc, Professional Mariner, LLC, Raritan, Regulator Marine, Inc, S2 Yachts, Inc, and Taylor Made Group, Inc. Those interested in becoming a "Plank Owner" can contact Caroline Chetelat by phone at (410) 990-4460 x22 or e-mail cchetelat@abycinc.org.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.

Founded in 1930, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is the only nationally accredited and state certified distance-learning school of small-craft design in the United States. As the not-for-profit educational affiliate of the American Boat and Yacht Council, The mission of the Westlawn Institute of Technology is threefold:

• To provide our students with the skills knowledge required to build a rewarding career in the profession of yacht and small-craft naval architecture.
• To support continued growth of the recreational and small-craft marine community through the development of well-trained, safety oriented, boat designers developing better products for the benefit of the boating public.
• To provide continuing education to marine industry professionals.

To learn more about Westlawn, please call (410) 956-7100 or visit the Westlawn website at www.westlawn.edu.

Editor's Note: High-resolution images of the above photos, as well as other speaker and ceremonial photos are available in electric format. Contact Caroline Chetelat.