The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is an organization primarily focused on boating safety through the development and promotion of globally recognized standards for boat design, construction, and maintenance. ABYC offers various educational opportunities, including certification programs and online learning, for professionals across the marine industry, such as technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The organization also provides a standards library, hosts events, and engages in workforce development initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to reducing boating accidents and advancing the industry. Members of CAPCA can access technical information and benefit from resources like the technical department, which offers guidance on standards.

Capt. John Wesley Nash will present an overview of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), highlighting its past accomplishments, current initiatives, and future goals. His presentation will also include valuable information about the ABYC Foundation and its critical role in supporting and advancing the marine industry. Additionally, Capt. Nash will discuss the ongoing partnership between ABYC and the Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association (CAPCA), which provides CAPCA members with access to ABYC standards and a wide range of online educational webinars.

Capt. John Wesley Nash inherited his passion for all things nautical from his father while growing up on Chesapeake Bay. Now based in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, he enjoys cruising and fishing in the Gulf with his wife, Kathy, aboard their Scout 260LXF.

Capt. Nash holds a USCG 50-Ton Master’s License with an Assistance Towing endorsement and has been an active member of CAPCA since 2007. He currently serves as the ABYC–CAPCA Coordinator and is the author of the “ABYC Happenings” column in The Log, as well as Editor of “@CapcaTweet.” His previous roles within CAPCA include Vice President, Director of Education, and Webmaster.

In Fort Myers Beach, he is a member of the town’s Anchorage Advisory Committee (AAC) and serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Lovers Key (FOLK). He and his wife remain active members of the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) and the Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron (ASPS). Within ASPS, he currently serves as a Past Commander and is involved in several key roles, including Executive Committee member, Vessel Safety Examiner, IT Chair/Webmaster, and Certified Instructor.

Before retiring, Capt. Nash had a distinguished career spanning over 45 years in the television industry. His work included engineering and executive positions at call-letter stations, government agencies, equipment manufacturers, major networks, and elite post-production facilities.

The Zoom link will be provided on APCA's homepage a week before the event.