ABYC Announces 2026 Outstanding Technicians

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the recipients of its 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards during International Marine Service Technician Week, held April 20 to 24. Sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, the ABYC awards recognize 10 technicians for exceptional customer service, technical skill, training and mentorship. In addition, the New Achiever Awards recognize emerging professionals in the marine service industry who demonstrate strong potential and technical skill.

Now in its fifth year, the nominations were judged by a panel that included previous Outstanding Technician Award recipients.

This year’s recipients are Kevin Anderson of Crate’s Lake Country Boats in Orillia, Ontario; Julia Briggs of Irish Boat Shop-Harbor Springs in Harbor Springs, Michigan; Dan Derfler of MarineMax Nisswa in Nisswa, Minnesota; Corey Mugaas of Hurst Marina Ltd. in Ottawa, Ontario; Andrew Sigler of Boston Whaler in Edgewater, Florida; Adam Smith of Marine Technical Services in Deale, Maryland; Scott Stephen of Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs, Michigan; Chris Teal of Irish Boat Shop-Charlevoix in Charlevoix, Michigan; Tim Vandenheuvel of Emerald Marine in Anacortes, Washington; and Ryan White of Boyne Boat Yard in Boyne City, Michigan.

The 2026 New Achiever recipients are Nikita Davadilla of Solvere Technical Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Sam Hansz of Boyne Boat Yard in Boyne City, Michigan; and Alex Plante of Flux Marine in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Winners of the Outstanding Technician Award receive a $100 Visa gift card and a technician prize pack.

For more information on the winners, visit https://abycinc.org/2026outstandingtechs.

To learn more about Marine Service Technician Week, visit https://abycinc.org/thankyoutechs.