// INDUSTRY NEWS
“ I am looking forward to the new tasks that lie ahead of me at HanseYachts,” Passauer said.“ Together with the new CEO and the entire team, I will do everything in my power to ensure that high-quality boat building from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has an economic future.”
At boot Düsseldorf, the world’ s largest boat show scheduled for January 2026, Hanse Yachts will present three yachts, including the flagship Hanse 590, the Hanse 460 and the Hanse 360.
Freedom Boat Club expands in Europe
Freedom Boat Club has expanded its presence in Southern France with the opening of Port de La Pointe Rouge and Port de Servaux, two additional club locations in Marseille. This announcement marks the first multi-territory expansion by an existing Freedom Boat Club franchisee in the EMEA region.
These certifications mark the third group of facilities to earn designation since the Georgia Clean Marina Program was relaunched in 2023. The program is part of a national initiative, administered through a partnership between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division, the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and the Georgia Marine Business Association.
“ This expansion represents an important moment for Freedom Boat Club in Europe,” said Arturo Gutierrez, general manager of Freedom Boat Club for the EMEA region.“ This milestone underscores the growing strength of the Freedom Boat Club model in Europe. Five years after the brand entered the market, franchisees are not only establishing new territories ― they are reinvesting, scaling and expanding their networks, reaffirming the long-term value and viability of the business.”
Historically anchored in Le Vieux-Port, the heart of Marseille, the local franchise is owned and operated by Clement Coffin. The addition of La Pointe Rouge and Port de Servaux creates a complementary three-port network designed to offer members variety and flexibility.
GOST shares management team promotions
Global Ocean Security Technologies( GOST), a company specializing in marine security, tracking, monitoring and video surveillance systems, has announced several management team promotions.
Dayene Gibson has been named sales manager and will oversee all aspects of sales operations, including the continued development of relationships with industry partners. Rebecca Lancashire has transitioned to marketing manager, where she will lead brand management, content and social media production, product and trade show marketing, and the sales lead process. Jamie Veach will now serve as controller, overseeing financial reporting, accounting operations and regulatory compliance.
“ With GOST now entering our 20th year of business, we have undergone some very positive organizational realignment,” said Brian Kane, CEO and founder of GOST.“ Specifically, Dayene, Rebecca and Jamie have all taken on significant new roles and responsibilities as we move into 2026. Each of these talented team members has more than proven themselves and will be key to our continued success.”
Georgia marinas earn clean marina certifications
Safe Harbor Savannah Yacht Center and The Ford Field and River Club Marina have been certified as Georgia Clean Marinas.
Located in Savannah and Richmond Hill, respectively, both marinas were certified for adopting Clean Marina Best Management Practices( BMPs) that reduce or eliminate waterway pollution from everyday marina operations.
The marinas were assessed in fueling operations, boat washing policies and emergency preparedness to ensure their operations do not negatively impact the coastal environment.
Dayene Gibson Rebecca Lancashire Jamie Veach
8 january 2026 www. boatingindustry. com