Annapolis yacht broker Nancy Cann has achieved a number of milestones in her marine trades career, and now has broken new ground, as the 75-year-old Yacht Architects and Brokers Association's first woman president.
Cann, president of Crusader Yacht Sales in Annapolis, has been active in the association for some time, serving on its nine-member executive board for nine years and most recently as its vice president the past two years. She also was YABA's membership chairman during a period of intensive growth for the organization.
"It is an exciting time to be leading YABA," Cann said. "There are many pressing national issues, including the continued ability of brokers to sell boats freely in all states. Our executive board intends to make this the most productive [year] in YABA history."
Cann and her husband Jerry founded Crusader Yacht Sales in 1982, first operating out of a tiny building on Eastern Avenue at Back Creek in Eastport. In those early days, Jerry Cann was actively involved in the bicycle business, while Nancy ran the daily operations of the yacht brokerage, a position that was, at the time, a relatively uncommon one for a woman in the marine trades.
Today, Crusader is a greatly expanded operation, headquartered Port Annapolis Marina, and is the regional dealer for a number of new racing and cruising sailboats including Melges 24, Tartan, Pacific Seacraft and the Nonsuch/Niagara lines.
Several years ago, Jerry Cann joined the operation on a full-time basis, managing new boat operations of the dealership, while Nancy continues to oversee brokerage of used boats.
Another Annapolis broker, Frank Gary, vice president of Bristol Yachts, was elected YABA's vice president, having previously served as its secretary/treasurer. He and Nancy Cann will serve terms of two years.
Now headquartered in Annapolis, YABA was founded in 1920, and during its early history it served yacht brokers in New England. The association today has more than 200 members in 20 states.
Winter seminars
West River Sailing Club's next offering in its Winter Seminar series is an insider's look at designing the Whitbread Round-the-World racers by Jim Donovan of Bruce Farr & Associates. The talk is set for 2 p.m. Saturday and is free and open to the public. A chili lunch is offered at 1 p.m. Call Donna Schlegel, (410) 867-2775.
At Fawcett's on City Dock, a seminar entitled "Boat Rehab: Using a Survey to Help Upgrade Your Boat to Standards," will be held Feb. 21, featuring Pat Kearns of the American Boat & Yacht Council and Josh Roberts of Worton Creek Marina. It's free and open to the public and begins at 5:30 p.m. at the store. A call ahead to make sure scheduling has not changed is advised: (410) 267-8681 or 1-800 456-9151.
Monius memorial
A memorial for local sailor Dave Monius, 38, who died last Sunday, will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Eastport Yacht Club.
Dave and his wife Eileen had been active in sail racing virtually year-round in the Annapolis area for many years, competing either in their own boat, Madrigal, or as key crew members.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Monius' memory to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 162 Prince George St., Annapolis, Md. 21401.