Congratulations to our Award Winners!

Recognizing professionalism and the best in the superyacht industry has been an important part of the USSA’s Annual Meeting. We are once again excited to honor more of our hardworking USSA members in the industry who have gone above and beyond.

There are many infrastructure updates, services and amenities already completed, or in final stages, that will make Bradford Marine and their new expanded facilities, a “home away from home” for captains and crew. These improvements include a resort-styled pool, fitness center, captain/crew lounges and more. It is the Kelly family’s steadfast engagement, long-view commitment to injecting new energy and investment, as well as their respect for the pioneer-history that has defined Bradford Marine and the yachting industry in Fort Lauderdale, this year’s Golden Compass recipients.

Beacon Award

Engineered Yacht Solutions

With a rich legacy dating back to 2015, Engineered Yacht Solutions (EYS) has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering large-scale marine projects with exceptional efficiency and uncompromising quality.

At EYS, their dedication to making a positive impact on the community is at the core of who they are. This commitment led them to establish the EYS Cares program, through which they have forged partnerships with numerous organizations over the years. These collaborations have taken various forms, from heartwarming toy drives to providing vital assistance in the wake of devastating events such as the West Coast of Florida hurricane last year. Their ongoing support of Covenant House is a testament to their dedication to addressing the issue of youth homelessness.

EYS regularly contributes to their cause and actively participates in their sleepout events, playing a crucial role in raising awareness about this pressing concern. Moreover, when their local community faced a dire flooding crisis near Safe Harbor – LMC earlier this year, EYS took a proactive stance. They rallied the community to collect essential items for those who had lost everything. The outpouring of support from other companies was heartwarming, allowing them to gather a significant quantity of children’s toys, basic necessities, food, and more to aid those affected by the flooding. EYS’s mission is steadfast: to always prioritize the well-being of those in need.

Young Professionals in Yachting Leadership Award

William Smith, Lafitte Advisors

Born and raised in Pass Christian, MS, William is no stranger to hard work. While helping his hometown rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he also watched as his father, William S. Smith III (Billy) and founding partner of Trinity Yachts in New Orleans, LA, build the company from the ground up. Billy’s strong work ethic was passed down to William as he went on to earn his BA in Management and his MBA from Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy!), during which he was hired by Kaizen Capital, an energy investment partnership in Houston, TX. As the Director of Marketing and Client Services for Kaizen, he handled client-related needs and initiated the fund’s first concerted marketing efforts. After experiencing success at Kaizen, William’s heritage in the yachting world guided him to Yachts International Magazine where he held key positions, starting as National Accounts Manager and working his way up to Associate Publisher. Falling in love once again with the luxurious experience yachting can bring to owners and enthusiasts, William decided to follow his father’s footsteps and take the leap into entrepreneurship. And thus, Lafitte Advisors was born.