USSA Northeast “Crew Night” Brings Community and Crew Spirit to the 2025 Newport Charter Yacht Show
With record-high temperatures sweeping into New England, the heat wasn’t the only thing rising at the 2025 Newport Charter Yacht Show — the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) brought its signature energy to the docks with a well-attended Member Briefing, spirited Crew Night festivities, and informal member gatherings throughout the week.
Held June 23–26 at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, the show served as the perfect backdrop for showcasing our growing Northeast presence — thanks in large part to the leadership of USSA Board Representative Mike Yorston of AERE Marine Group.
Member Briefing: Advocacy, Events & Northeast Momentum
On Tuesday afternoon, members gathered under the tent for a quick USSA update. Marketing Co-Chair Julie Perry provided highlights from the recent Savannah Superyacht Experience and previewed fall opportunities at FLIBS, METS, and the Northwest Marina & Boatyard Conference.
Board members Mike Yorston of AERE Docking Solutions and Jennifer Saia of Denison Yachting joined the conversation to discuss options for hosting a future activation in the Northeast, currently slated for 2026.
Member Deb Radtke of American Yacht Agents stood in for our Advocacy Co-Chair, Joe Dargavage, to address the group. Captain Deb delivered timely updates on the ongoing crew visa and immigration discussions, a key advocacy point for USSA and its membership.
Crew Night: High Energy and Higher Spirits
As the sun dipped, the evening heated up with USSA’s annual Northeast Region’s “USSA Crew Night,” held under the show’s main tent. Captains and crew brought the energy for friendly — and occasionally hilarious — competitions that doubled as both entertainment and team-building.
From high-speed fender inflating to a hilarious stew “tryout” challenge (yes, it involved running an obstacle course while balancing drinks on a tray), the crew gave it their all. M/Y Temptation proved hard to beat, taking home wins in both high-stakes challenges. Meanwhile, M/Y Invictus wowed in the floral design competition, showing off true artistic flair under pressure.
Big thanks to the Veronica Brown and the Newport Charter Show team for hosting such an engaging platform for crew recognition and to all participants who brought their competitive spirit and good humor to the evening.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
These events would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your continued commitment to the USSA mission helps foster connection, advocacy, and industry advancement.
Thank you to:
Building Momentum in the Northeast: Dockside Connections All Week Long
In addition to the official events, USSA members took advantage of the show’s full four-day run to catch up at a few informal meet-ups and dockside conversations. It’s a testament to the strength of our Northeast member base — and to the dedicated leadership of USSA Northeast Board Representative Mike Yorston — that we continue to see such enthusiasm and engagement in this important region.
As we look ahead to a packed fall schedule, we’re grateful for the strong connections made in Newport and the ongoing momentum of our Northeast members. See you at the next port!
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