The official organizers of the 32nd America’s Cup, AC Management (ACM), signed an agreement with Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT) to be the official sponsor of the Marseilles Louis Vuitton Act 1 and the Valencia Louis Vuitton Acts 2 & 3. In a separate agreement with ACM, DYT will also transport America’s Cup yachts to and from Marseilles for the events.

After leading a successful two-year revitalization of Oceanco’s business, President Richard Hein announces he will step down. Hein will continue to serve the company on an advisory basis. Oceanco has named Dimitris Ch. Daskalakis as its new president. Visit www.oceancoyacht.com

Zodiac of North America (ZNA) appoints Howard French vice president and general manager of its recreational sector. He will oversee sales and marketing initiatives for the Zodiac, AVON and Bombard brands. Also, ZNA announces the promotion of the current Recreation Sector Vice President Ed Washburn to vice president for national accounts and special projects.

Tom Dodson joins Southern Spars as president. Dodson is best known for his leadership of North Sails New Zealand since 1985 and his success as a grand-prix yacht racer. In his new role, he will focus on expanding Southern Spars’ global business in carbon fiber spars, marine components and rigging systems.

Sea Tel announces that McKee Corp. will manage its Gulf region, which includes Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and North Florida. The expansion in territory builds on McKee’s current coverage in South Florida and the Caribbean, where it has demonstrated the ability to sell Sea Tel products and support local dealers.

Hatteras Yachts awarded Tom George of MarineMax Motor Yachts top honors as Salesperson of the Year at its 2004 Dealer Awards ceremony in New Bern, North Carolina. Hatteras presented its Top Gun Award for the most sales to new Hatteras owners to Antilles Yacht Sales’ Agie Vicente, distinguishing him as the award’s only three-time winner. The Sales Leadership Award went to MarineMax Motor Yachts, which also won the Customer Service Award. In other news, Hatteras Yachts announces a new California dealer. Stan Miller Yachts partners with Hatteras as its authorized sales and service dealership at all three of its California locations in Long Beach, Newport Beach and San Diego.