Whitney Peterson, Kellie Crete, and John Fisher presented an informative seminar at the 2023 Sailing Leadership Form on Preventing Insurance Claims at Yacht Clubs and Sailing Organizations. The session covered an analysis of the most frequent and most severe claims seen at sailing organizations over the past 10 years (2013 to 2022). We took a deep dive into the top claim types to outline best practices for preventing claims, accidents, and losses. For those situations that can't be prevented, like storms, we focused our recommended actions on planning, preparation, and risk management. For those who could not attend Sailing Leadership Form 2023, or those who missed our presentation, here is the full presentation. If you have questions, contact us at burgeegowrie@risk-strategies.com. Read more »

We're proud to announce our multi-year partnership extension with US Sailing the national governing body of the sport of sailing. This is continuation of our 25+ year relationship with US Sailing as their exclusive marine insurance partner, and our endorsement as the Official Yacht Club & Sailing Organization Insurance Agency for US Sailing. Through this important, longstanding partnership, our division Gowrie Group supports US Sailing, sailors, and sailing organizations across the U.S. by providing comprehensive marine insurance programs, risk management solutions, and safety resources. Read more »

Gowrie Group – Risk Strategies is proud to be US Sailing’s insurance partner and a Gold Sponsor of the upcoming 2023 US Sailing Leadership Forum, February 2nd – 4th. We are excited to be part of the all-star cast of sailing leaders and industry experts who will gather in Florida to share ideas, learn together, and discover ways to support and grow the sport of sailing. The Gowrie Group – Risk Strategies team will be available throughout the conference to answer your safety and insurance questions in the exhibitor pavilion. Additionally, the Gowrie team will be leading an interactive break-out session, called “Preventing Future Insurance Claims – Managing Risk and Developing Safety Protocols” on Thursday, February 2nd. We can’t wait to see everyone in sunny Florida! The Burgee Program by Gowrie Group is the only comprehensive insurance program developed to meet the unique needs of all types of sailing organizations - yacht clubs, community sailing programs, paper clubs, and more. The program is managed by the marine experts at Gowrie Group Risk Strategies, underwritten by Chubb, and endorsed by US Sailing. The program protects not only the organization, but also the board members, flag officers, volunteers, members, and staff.

Gowrie Group is excited to be a bronze sponsor of the White Marlin Open, world's largest billfish tournament. Bobby Tambascio, Gowrie Group Marine & Personal Insurance Specialist, attended the open. Bobby specializes in insurance solutions for Sportfish vessels.

Sailors Health Insurance by Gowrie Group. Now more than ever, having the right health insurance matters. If you lead an active lifestyle on and around the water, in the US or Internationally, Gowrie Group has a health insurance solution to meet your needs. Open Enrollment Period for US Sailing members for the SailorsHealth Insurance by Gowrie Group plan runs from July 1 to August 31. Eligible US Sailing members include: pro-sailors, certified instructors, college sailors, international cruisers, and paid crew/captains. This best-in-class annual health insurance plan features worldwide coverage, prompt access to doctors and hospitals, English speaking customer service, and paperless claims. Recent program enhancements include an urgent care benefit, improvements to physical therapy benefit, and Dental/Vision benefits available as an upgrade! Learn more and enroll online now at www.gowrie.com/sailorshealth.

Come visit Gowrie Group at the WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport Museum on Friday and Saturday (June 24 & 25) for complimentary coffee and conversation with our Classic Yacht Insurance specialists! Read more »

Gowrie Group, a division of Risk Strategies, is thrilled to share we will be extending our partnership with US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing, to include support of two major US Sailing events in 2022. This year, in addition to continuation of all other aspects of our partnership, Gowrie Group is also the Presenting Sponsor of the Championship of Champions, US Sailing’s premier championship which invites winners of one design World, National, or North American championships to compete in an ultimate test of wits. Also new this year, Gowrie Group has joined as a National Sponsor of the West Coast US Open Sailing Series events. Gowrie lends their support to US Sailing’s domestic Olympic training platform, designed as a pathway to the LA 2028 Olympic Games and beyond. Whitney Peterson, Gowrie Group’s Director of Marking & Partnerships, shared, “Gowrie Group is proud to support US Sailing through a broad range of shared initiatives, including safety programs, insurance solutions for individual members and sailing organizations, the Chubb Junior Champs, and support of the US Sailing Team and the Olympic development pathways. We are looking forward to being involved with these two new major events in 2022 this summer and fall, and for years to come.” Read more »

In support of our longtime partnership with US Sailing, the national governing body of the sport of sailing, Gowrie Group is proud to make a $50,000 donation to the Siebel Sailors Program. The Thomas & Stacey Siebel Foundation is matching, dollar for dollar, up to $5 million, all gifts made to the Siebel Sailors Program. This generous match from the Siebel Foundation has doubled the impact of Gowrie’s donation. Read more »

The week leading up to Memorial Day Weekend is the 2022 National Safe Boating Week. Safe Boating Week is an annual campaign to drive global awareness about boating responsibilities and safe boating measures. The Gowrie Group marine team has put together an overview of the most important new regulations and safety topics to help boat owners prepare for a safe and fun 2022 season on the water. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to sponsor the Mystic Seaport's new exhibit called "Story Boats, the Tales They Tell." One of the Museum’s greatest assets is its small watercraft collection, which is arguably the largest of its type and the best in the country. Mystic Seaport Museum has more than 450 small watercraft as well as a fleet of larger historic vessels tethered to our docks along the Mystic River, four of which are designated National Historic Landmarks. These vessels represent an extraordinary array of design, purpose, and materials beginning in the early 19th century to the present. What ties these boats together thematically, and is the inspiration for the exhibition Story Boats, is the remarkable richness of human interest stories behind them, which include themes of hope, exploration, survival, joy, adventure, sport, immigration, and many others. The podcast "Conversations with Classic Boats" by Tom Darling features some of these remarkable stories in its May 2022 podcast episodes. Learn more at these links and read the feature article in WindCheck magazine: https://www.mysticseaport.org/explore/exhibits/story-boats/ https://www.conversationswithclassicboats.com/ Read more »

The Herreshoff Marine Museum, Gowrie Group and PURE Insurance are happy to announce that they have renewed their partnership to support important programming at the Museum throughout 2022. Gowrie and PURE will continue their sponsorship at the Gold Level supporting key programming including the Frostbite Bash, the Museum’s annual winter/spring fundraiser, the HMM Lecture Series, and the Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta/Living Boat Show. Read more »

Gowrie Group is a proud sponsor of the Gowrie Group Connecticut River One-Design Regatta to benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer. Created several years ago to raise funds for cancer charities, this event brings together one-design fleets from across the Connecticut River Valley and the shores of eastern Long Island Sound. Many participants have been affected either directly or indirectly by cancer, and supporting a charity through their favorite sport is important to them. Sailors create teams to seek donations from their families and friends, and the yacht clubs secure sponsors to maximize the support for the selected charity. The goal for 2022 is to raise $50,000. Read more »

The marine insurance landscape today is complex and dynamic. The dramatic increase in boat purchases amid the pandemic, by new boaters and current boaters alike, has significantly impacted not only the marine supply chain, but also the insurance market and underwriting parameters. While the reality of today’s insurance marketplace can feel overwhelming to boat owners and buyers, there are smart ways to navigate forward. Read more »

Gowrie Group Burgee Program - FAQs about Instructor & Race Committee Insurance Coverage. The Burgee Program provides comprehensive insurance protection for sailing organizations. These FAQs explain that the coverage provided by the Burgee Program for sailing instructors and race committees remains unchanged and comprehensive. The changes to US Sailing’s commercial insurance policies (effective 1/1/2022) do not impact the protection provided by the Burgee Program for covered sailing organizations and their employees, volunteers, and members. Read more »

Crew Medical & Health Insurance for Members & Business Partners of Virgin Island Professional Charter Association (VIPCA). VIPCA and Gowrie are proud to offer a comprehensive, creditable health plan to active, VIPCA members. This health insurance program is underwritten by CIGNA and managed by the insurance specialist at Gowrie Group. CIGNA provides global benefits and assistance services to millions of members in almost every country of the world. With 24/7 medical management services, multilingual claims administrators and highly trained customer service professionals, this health insurance plan brings VIPCA members the products they need, backed by the service they deserve. This new land-based offering to business partner members of VIPCA is available starting January 1, 2022. Our Crew Medical offering to VIPCA members is available now, and with new plans offered January 1, 2022. Read more »

Famous America’s Cup Yacht, Stars & Stripes, to be restored to honor America’s sailing heritage and future. Stars & Stripes, the winner of the 1987 America’s Cup Team led by Dennis Conner who reclaimed the Cup for America from Australia, is being restored to its original beauty to begin retelling her story and inspiring future generations of sailors. The three-stage project pays homage to the sailing community, new and old, and will ultimately result in a floating, interactive museum and academy that will help to share and retell one of America’s greatest moments in sailing. Gowrie Group is proud to be one of three Founding Sponsors of this important initiative. Read more »

Gowrie Group is excited to be back at the Annapolis Boat Shows! The Powerboat show is the opening event, on October 7-10th, followed by the Sailboat show on October 14-18th. Be sure to stop by to see the Gowrie and IMIS team in our booth, located just outside on the perimeter of Tent B. Our team will be on-watch and ready to answer your questions about Marine Insurance, Yacht Insurance, and more! Read more »

Gowrie Group, a division of Risk Strategies, announces partnership with Brewer Yacht Sales. Through Gowrie's established partnership with Brewer Yacht Sales, the team at Gowrie works closely with Brewer brokers to ensure a seamless and efficient boat buying experience. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - September 2021 Read more »

HR Insights: COVID-19 Vaccine Surcharges, Mandates and Incentives: What Employers Should Know Read more »

Gowrie Group is looking forward to the 2021 Newport International Boat Show on Sept 16-19th! Stop by to see the Gowrie team in Tent D-59. We will have plenty of fresh apples from Bishop's Orchards Farm Market to share, and we will be standing by, ready to answer all of your insurance questions!

Come visit Gowrie Group at the WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport Museum on Friday and Saturday (August 20/21) for complimentary coffee and conversation with our Classic Yacht Insurance specialists!

Bobby Tambascio, Gowrie Group's Marine & Personal Insurance Specialist, is at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City MD. Bobby specializes in insurance solutions for Sportfish vessels. Good luck to everyone fishing this week! Gowrie Group is a division of Risk Strategies.

Sailors Health Insurance by Gowrie Group. Now more than ever, having the right health insurance matters. If you lead an active lifestyle on and around the water, in the US or Internationally, Gowrie Group has a health insurance solution to meet your needs. Open Enrollment Period for US Sailing members for the SailorsHealth Insurance by Gowrie Group plan runs from July 1 to August 31. Eligible US Sailing members include: pro-sailors, certified instructors, college sailors, international cruisers, and paid crew/captains. This best-in-class annual health insurance plan features worldwide coverage, prompt access to doctors and hospitals, English speaking customer service, and paperless claims. Enhancements effective 7/1/2021 include an urgent care benefit, improvements to physical therapy benefit, and Dental/Vision benefits available as an upgrade! Learn more and enroll online now at www.gowrie.com/sailorshealth.

We are very proud to share the letter of support for The Burgee Program that US Sailing’s President, Cory Sertl, sent out to all US Sailing's organizational members! The Gowrie Burgee Program was featured as US Sailing’s most valuable membership benefit for sailing organizations. We are proud that US Sailing endorses the Burgee Program and recommends our solutions to protect sailing programs across the country. If you have not already, make sure to check out these other fantastic exclusive benefits available to US Sailing Member Organizations: Ten percent discount on the marine components of The Burgee Program. Access to Gowrie Group’s Safety Resources for sailing organizations. Exclusive access to US Sailing Junior Skill-Up, the new digital platform for youth sailing instruction. Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) Online Platform, the new digital platform which produces updated ratings for each class after a day or event of sailing. Read the letter from US Sailing about The Burgee Program now. Read more »

Good luck to the racers on day one of 2021 Storm Trysail Club Block Island Race Week - Round The Island Race! Follow along all week to see the "Gowrie Group Photo of the Day" - we are loving today's shot of the "boat parade" out to the starting line. Gowrie will be having a raffle at the Monday night race party for a Helly Hansen Sailing Gear bag. Stop by the Gowrie table to enter to win! Gowrie Group is proud to be a sponsor of STC-BIRW 2021.

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Storm Trysail Club Block Island Race Week 2021 starts on Monday June 21st! With over 175 boats racing each day, it should be a fantastic week of highly competitive racing. Gowrie Group is proud to be the sponsor of the Monday Race Results Party and the Photo-of-the-Day. Follow along all week and let us know which Photo-of-the-Day is your favorite. Be sure to track down someone from team Gowrie Group if you have any insurance questions while out on Block Island. Gowrie Group is proud to insure so many of this years competitors. Good luck to all the racers!

Benefits Newsletter - May 2021 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Self-care and Your Mental Health, Skin Cancer and You and Fast Food and Heart Health. Read more »

Gowrie Group is a proud sponsor of the Connecticut Spring Boat Show. 50% of ticket proceeds benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer, a non - profit organization dedicated to funding research in the education, prevention, care, and cure for all types of cancer through the art and enjoyment of sailing.

Live Well, Work Well - Alcohol Awareness Month During COVID-19 Pandemic, Moving 11 minutes per day can improve your health and Mental Health Support During the Pandemic. Read more »

Learn more about what is new with the Jackline Insurance Program. This informative brief provides an insurance market update, a word from our underwriters at Markel, a storm story from a fellow cruiser, and Eight Bells to commemorate the life of Al Golden, founder of the Jackline Program. Read more »

On April 1, 2021 a new federal law goes into effect that requires operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link in certain circumstances. The cut-off switch or “Kill Switch” is typically a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped onto the operator's and the other end attached to the cut-off switch. Electronic wireless devices are also compliant. According to this new requirement, the engine cut-off links must be used when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Some situations where the engine cut-off link will not be required include docking, trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones. The law applies on all "Navigable Waters of the US". Learn more at: https://www.soundingsonline.com/news/uscg-announces-new-engine-cut-off-switch-law

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The Burgee Program by Gowrie Group is proud to insurance sailing organizations across the country. Our Safety Resources are available to our clients on our website. This Program Director Weekly Safety Check List is a great template to customize for your program and coach team this summer. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 3 Ways to Boost Your Heart Health, Dealing With Job Burnout During the Pandemic, and Don't Delay Preventive Care. Read more »

Allen (Al) Golden, of Queenstown, MD passed away on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at the age of 80. Al Golden was the Founder of International Marine Insurance Services (IMIS) which is a part of Gowrie Group. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. The entire IMIS, Gowrie Group, and greater Jackline sailing and cruising community will miss his blue water stories, insurance expertise, and friendly smile. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Golden (nee Astrin), his children, Gary (Ruth) Golden and Shari Golden (Cyndi Ray), his sister, Carolyn Golden, grandchildren, Amy Drake, Kelley (Kristin) Drake, Elliott Golden, and Alexander Golden, and his great-grandchildren, Saul Raposo, Theo Raposo, Kayley Drake, Amalie Tschirn, and Olivia Tschirn. He was predeceased by his parents, Rose and Eli Golden, and his brother, Howard Golden. A Virtual Funeral was held on Friday, January 15th, 2021. Interment Arlington Chizuk Amuno Cemetery. If you are a friend or client of Al Golden’s and have questions, would like to contact his family, or need assistance with your insurance or the Jackline Program, please contact Suzanne Redden, Gowrie's Mid Atlantic Branch Manager at suzanner@gowrie.com.

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Gowrie Group, a nationally-focused, leading marine insurance agency that manages the comprehensive health insurance and yacht insurance programs offered to active members of the Virgin Island Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), has been named by VIPCA as the official insurance supplier of the USVI Charter Yacht Show for the fourth year in a row. The 2020 Show, set for November 12-15, at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, will offer in-person and virtual elements all with COVID-19 Safety Protocols designed to assure the well-being of attendees and island residents alike. Gowrie Group will feature a Virtual Presentation on November 13 at Noon (Atlantic Standard Time: UTC-04:00) The title is: ‘Understand Your Options: Crew Health Insurance, Yacht Insurance, and Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance’. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to sponsor the 2020 "Mystic Seaport America and the Sea Award." This year's benefit gala is being streamed live on Friday October 23rd, and special guests from Gowrie and Chubb will join virtually together at our "Digital Table" to celebrate The Museum and the honoree. This year's honoree is our long time friend, Tom Whidden, one of the most applauded sailors of all time, member of both the America’s Cup Hall of Fame and the National Sailing Hall of Fame, and President and CEO of North Technology Group, parent company of North Sails. We look forward to wishing Tom Whidden a well deserved congratulations!

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Gowrie Group, a division of Risk Strategies, is excited to announce that John B. Wenz has recently joined the Gowrie team. John brings to Gowrie Group and Gowrie’s clients broad marine knowledge and deep insurance industry experience. John will join Gowrie’s marine division as a Marine Insurance Specialist and will work with our team to bring comprehensive insurance solutions, risk management advice, and valuable services to our new and existing marine clients. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to sponsor the 9th Annual RIMTA Marine Industry Partnership Breakfast. This year's event will be a hybrid in-person and virtual gathering. Jay Madden, Gowrie Group's Managing Director, will be delivering welcome remarks in-person from the Bohlin exhibition tent in Newport RI. The event will feature a panel discussion with Matt Gruhn of MRAA, Frank Huglemeyer of NMMA, Kathleen Burns of CMTA, and Wendy Mackie of RIMTA. Elected officials from the State of RI will also be offering a Q&A session. Gowrie Group is proud to be a long time RIMTA sponsor and supporter.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is off to a record start with a surge of early storms and is predicted to continue to be a very destructive and powerful season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center updated their Hurricane Outlook in August of this year, with both a change in the likelihood of an above-normal season (85% probability), and an increase from a previous 19 to now up to 25 Named Storms. NOAA expects we will continue to see more, stronger, and longer lasting storms as we brace for the rest of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (which runs until November 30, 2020). We invite you to visit Gowrie Group’s Severe Storm Center to access resources that will help you plan, prepare, respond, and recover from hurricanes, flooding, and severe wind storms at www.gowrie.com/hurricane. Read more »

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Live Well, Work Well - Sorting Out Coronavirus Fact From Fiction, Summer Sun Safety Tips and Probiotics and You. Read more »

When you have a claim, Gowrie Group is here to help. Gowrie’s claim experts work as your advocate and help you manage and expedite the claim process. This guide will help ensure your claim experience goes as smoothly as possible. Read more »

When you have a claim, Gowrie Group is here to help. Gowrie’s claim experts work as your advocate and help you manage and expedite the claim process. This guide will help ensure your claim experience goes as smoothly as possible. Read more »

Storm Prep Alert - Hurricane Isaias. The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season continues to be very active. Hurricane Isaias is on track to make landfall in Florida this weekend. If you are in the storm's track or path, now is the time to get ready. Visit the Gowrie Group Storm Center for more preparation resources at www.gowrie.com/hurricane and read our latest Storm Prep Article on Isaias. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Boost Your Mental Well-being During These Uncertain Times, Survive the Summer Heat and Socially Distance Yourself This Summer Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Updated Model COBRA Notices Available, and COVID-19 Relief for Benefit Plan Deadlines. Read more »

The DEEP of CT has issued guidelines for CT State Parks & Boat Launch Ramps. This includes COVID-19 guidelines for the state beaches and docks at the DEEP boat ramps. DEEP CT State Park & Boat Launch COVID Update

Benefits Newsletter - IRS Allows HDHPs to Cover COVID-19 Costs and COVID-19 Relief Laws Require Paid Employee Leave Read more »

Discover Boating unveiled an interactive map to help boaters get on the water during the COVID-19 pandemic. With boating access restrictions varying between states and changing daily, the new tool allows boaters to easily determine the status of their go-to waterways and access points. Interactive COVID-19 Access Map

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), along with trade association partners from across the marine industry, released a 50+ page publication aimed at helping marine dealers operate safely in a new marketplace concerned with the COVID-19 health crisis. The publication, titled “Guide to Operating Your Boat Business Safely,” provides a manual for running an organization that is safe for employees, customers and communities across North America. Read more »

This communication is part of Gowrie Group’s ongoing commitment to provide our clients and partners with important COVID-19 risk management resources. The high-level guidelines contained in this report are intended to help Sailing Organizations navigate the decisions and planning that your organization is undertaking in a real time complex environment. Ultimately, the operational decisions of when to open, and what programs and services to offer, will need to be made by the organization’s leadership, officers, and legal counsel. The decisions and actions that each and every sailing organization need to make will look different; and what is possible and safe, will differ by state, type of sailing organization, available staff, and capabilities/capacity of each facility, location, and team. These are not easy decisions to make. The health, safety, and welfare of your members and staff should always be your top priority. Disclaimer: The guidelines and recommendations in this document are not legal or medical advice. Given the extremely fluid environment of COVID-19, all guidelines and recommendations are subject to change. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Celebrate World No Tobacco Day by Learning About Smoking Cessation, Sugar Substitutes and You, and Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic at Work. Read more »

Rhode Island has issued Phase 1 Operational Guidance for Marinas, Boatyards and Yacht Clubs which will take effect on Friday May 1, 2020. The guidance focuses on 3 key areas of operation: general operations, employees and patrons. Signage is required with regards to safe boating and operations. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge to ACA and No Statute of Limitations Applies for ACA Pay or Play Penalties Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Laughter May Be a Key in Fighting Workplace Stress, Are You Getting Enough Calcium? and Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger. Read more »

Waterway Guide, Dockwa, AGLCA and Snag-A-Slip are reporting the changing status of access to marinas and docks during the evolving response to the spread of COVID-19. The information in this dynamic database is coming live from boaters, marinas, partners, the U.S. Coast Guard, our staff of on-the-water boating editors, and internal teams of experts. Marina Real Time Updates & Closures

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a dynamic, rapidly evolving situation that presents enormous challenges to both health and business risks on a global scale. Gowrie Group, and our parent company Risk Strategies, are continuously monitoring developments worldwide, nationally, and at the state and local levels. Our teams of risk advisors are working diligently in order to help you assess contingency plans, understand coverages, and keep your employees, members, and guests safe as the situation unfolds. Read more »

Gowrie Group and Chubb are pleased to announce a new multi-year sponsorship extension with US Sailing. The goal of this partnership is to support sailors, sailing organizations, and the sport of sailing in the U.S., by providing high quality and effective insurance programs and safety resources. Gowrie Group will continue to serve as the Official Insurance Partner of US Sailing. Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company, will underwrite the commercial insurance programs provided to sailing organizations. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to announce we are the Title Sponsor of the 2020 CT River One-Design Leukemia Cup. This exciting One-Design Regatta will be held on May 2nd at the Essex Yacht Club, and is jointly hosted by Essex Corinthian, Essex Yacht Club, Frostbite Yacht Club, Duck Island Yacht Club, and Pettipaug Yacht Club. The regatta and related fundraising will benefit the lifesaving work of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Saturday night post-race party is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Read more »

Live Well Work Well - Eating Healthy Doesn't have to be expensive, 5 Sleep Habits You Need to Adopt and Experts are warning of another bad flu season. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Cadillac Tax and Other Key ACA Taxes Repealed and PCORI Fees Extended for 10 Years Read more »

Live Well Work Well - February is American Heart Month, A Cold is Contagious for Longer Than You'd Think and Ergonomics Is the Way to a Pain-Free Workday Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Don't Fall Into This New Year's Resolution Trap, It's National Blood Donor Month and This Superfood May Help Prevent Diabetes. Read more »

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It is that time of year to begin preparing your boat for winter. If your boat is hauled out for winter storage, here are some suggestions that will help you ensure that your yacht will be ready for safe and reliable cruising next year. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Deadline Approaching: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before October 15th and Employers are Expected to Spend More on Health Care and Wellness in the Next Year Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and The Dangers of Vaping Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Acting DOL Secretary May Bring Change of Pace and Financial Industry Experienced 3,500 Cyber Attacks in 2019 So Far Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Open Enrollment: What's Changing in 2020? and Hospitals to Publish Retail Prices Under a New Proposed Rule Read more »

Come visit the Gowrie team at the Newport International Boat Show (Tent D #47). Our team of insurance experts will be there all four days (Sept 12-15th) offering smart advice about how to get the right insurance for your boats, yachts, homes, coastal properties, businesses, and lifestyle. Gowrie Group is also the proud sponsor of the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) Industry Breakfast, which features an industry panel of experts and an awards presentation - Sept 14th at the Newport Yachting Center at the Boat Show. We hope to see you at the show or at the RIMTA industry breakfast.

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Employer HR Brief - Why You Should Be Encouraging Employees to Use PTO and EEO Deadlines Approaching, Here's Where You Can Find Help Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Executive Order On Health Costs To Affect Employer Health Plans and Final Rule Expands Options for HRAs Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 1 in 5 Deaths Worldwide Associated With Poor Diets, Your Heart Rate: Indicator for Health and Fitness and Introducing Foods Early May Help Prevent Allergies Read more »

Employer HR Brief - HSA and HDHP 2020 Limits released and Making Emotional Intelligence Work for You. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS Releases Inflation-adjusted Limits for HSAs and HDHPs for 2020 and EEOC Delays Amending Wellness Program Regulations to End of 2019 Read more »

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Join the Gowrie Team at the WoodenBoat Show at the Mystic Seaport Museum to celebrate the launch of our new Classic Yacht Insurance Program. June 28-29th, from 9-12noon, at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Come visit us in the North Boat Area, near the Flagpole (Land C) for a cup of complimentary coffee and learn more about our specialized insurance program for qualifying classic and wooden yachts. Our Classic Yacht Insurance Program is available through the marine insurance experts at Gowrie Group, underwritten by PURE Insurance, and endorsed by the Classic Yacht Owners Association (CYOA). This comprehensive marine insurance offering includes many valuable policy enhancements. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - DOL Enforcement Actions Are up and Expected to Stay That Way and Lowest Unemployment in Decades Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020 and DOL Issues Opinion Letter on Gig Worker Classification Read more »

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Employer HR Brief - May 2019 Vote on Health Care Won't Come Until After 2020 Elections and DOL's Newly Proposed Overtime Rule: What's Included Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - DOJ Supports Federal Court Ruling Invalidating the ACA and Parts of AHP Final Rule Are Struck Down by Federal Court Read more »

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Employer HR Brief - When it Comes to Employee Engagement, Communication is Key and The EEOC is Changing Things up by Moving Online Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Deadline Extended for EEO-1 Filing from March to May 31, 2019 and BLS Data on Worker Access to Family Leave in 2018 Now Available Read more »

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Gowrie Group to sponsor two Waterfront Resiliency seminars for Marinas and Yacht Clubs. Join RACE Coastal Engineering and Steve Schram, Gowrie Group’s Risk Management Specialist, in an engaging round table discussion on waterfront resiliency and storm response. Topics will include: Storm Preparation and Managing Risk; Storm Damage Assessment and Response (including structural issues such as piers, docks, pilings, seawalls, foundations, breakwaters, and more); Facility Planning for a Resilient Future. Two roundtable events will be held: Wednesday, April 3rd at Larchmont Yacht Club from 7-9pm and April 11th at Pine Orchard Yacht Club, from 7-9pm. This is a FREE event/seminar. To RSVP and learn more, contact steves@gowrie.com or anne@racecoastal.com. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Workplace Wellness Is About More Than Just Physical Health and Retaliation Claims Are Up, Are You Prepared? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020 and DOL Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Don't Let Spring Allergies Bring You Down, Your Body May Need a Break, Here's Why and Strengthen Your Financial Wellness Plan with These 3 Tips. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - February 2019 Retaining Talent: Are Your Leaders the Problem? and Calculating OT? Double-check Your Math Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - It's That Time of the Year Again for ACA Reporting and Wellness Plan Incentive Limits Removed By EEOC Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 2 Chronic Conditions That Can Cause Cancer and A Common Cold Can Be Contagious for Longer Than You Think Read more »

Employer HR Brief - 2019 Plan Limits and Gen Z is coming: Are You Prepared? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS is Beginning 2016 Pay or Play Enforcement: Here's What You Need to Know and FSA Limit to Increase for 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Beware: New Year = New Fad Diets, Your Guide to Avoiding Winter Illnesses and 3 Tips to Beat the Post-holiday Blues Read more »

Gowrie Group has teamed with Chubb Marine to share with you this safety-focused checklist on how to prepare your marina, boat yard, or yacht club for the upcoming off-season. The checklist covers six key focus areas – General Safety, Self-Propelled Trailers, Boat Hoists, Marine Forklifts, Blocking, and Rack Storage – that will help you identify and reduce the likelihood of an accident, injury, or future claim situation. Click here to download a copy of the checklist. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - HBP Guidelines Have Changed: Do You Know Your Risk?, Foodborne Illness is on the Rise: Protect Yourself, and Fruits and Veggies: How Much is Enough? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Association Health Plans Expansion, Critical HIPAA Compliance Gaps Exposed by HHS and Amazon announced it will be purchasing the online pharmacy PillPack. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Sunrays Aren't the Only Thing You Can Catch at the Pool, Trouble Sleeping? Your Phone May Be to Blame, and Are You Up to Date on Your Immunizations? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA Affordability Percentages Will Increase for 2019 and the IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - WHO Calls for a Ban on Artificially Produced Trans Fat, Sweating More Doesn't Necessarily Mean You Burn More Calories and Snack Smart, Save Money, Time and Calories Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS Announces Second Change to HSA Family Contribution Limit, and DOL Releases New Resources for Mental Health Parity Compliance Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Strawberries named dirtiest produce for 3rd year in a row by EWG, Over 200 rare antibiotic-resistant genes found in 27 states, and Intermittent Fasting: What it is and why people are doing it. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - May 2018 Worried about DOL Audits? Get Paid and Education Benefits: A trending way to retain talent. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Did You Miss the April 2 ACA Reporting Deadline? Here's What's Next and IRS Updates Employer Guide for 2018 Tax Changes to Fringe Benefits Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Despite CDC Recommendation, Many Adults Still Refusing Shingles Vaccine, Researchers Link New Danger to E-cigarettes, and May is Food Allergy Action Month Read more »

IRS Announces Revision on HSA Limit for Family Coverage for 2018 Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Compensable Time: What You Need to Know, FBI Warns of Direct Deposit Phishing Attacks Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: How to Handle an ACA Penalty Letter and The Importance of Plan Document Review Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 5 Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger, Signs of a Kidney Stone, and Don't be a Distracted Driver Read more »

New HHS Secretary is Focused on Opioid Crisis, You Should Be Too and 4 Things You Can Do to Manage Worst Flu in Decades Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Spending Resolution Affects ACA Taxes, and New Rules for Disability Claims Take Effect Soon Read more »

IRS Reduces HSA Limits for Family Coverage for 2018. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Eating Healthy Doesn't Have to Be Expensive, This Deadly Flu Season is the Worst in Nearly a Decade, and Sleep and your health. Read more »

Live well, Work well: 2 Chronic Conditions that can cause cancer, Avocados: A Legitimately Healthy Food Craze and A common cold can be contagious for longer than you think. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Online Portal for Employment Discrimination Claims and Senate Tax Bill Repercussions Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - DOL Delays New Rules for Disability Benefit Claims and ACA Reporting Read more »

Live well, Work well: January is Thyroid Awareness Month, Winter Sports Safety Tips, and 3 Steps to an Injury-free Workout Read more »

Live well, Work well: Fight the flu with these simple tips, Starting planning today for a stress-free holiday season, and 6 tips for diabetes prevention Read more »

The latest edition of US Sailing's "This Is What We Do" video series features Carter Gowrie, CEO of Gowrie Group and the architect of the Burgee Insurance Program, discussing the importance of preparing, protecting, and insuring your sailing organization. Watch Video Now

Live Well, Work Well: Halloween Safety Tips and Hidden dangers at your child's bedtime Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Senate rejects ACA repeal efforts, and Updated Form I-9 required beginning Sept. 18 Read more »

Live well, Work well: Do you know the signs of Opioid Addiction? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - HIPAA Cyber Attack Response Checklist and New Fiduciary Rules Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Prevent Heat Illness, Hepatitis C Rates Triple and Broccoli Strawberry Orzo Salad. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - House passes changes to Overtime rules Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - What Happens if the ACA Employer Mandate is Repealed? Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Simple Summer Activities Your Kids are Sure to Love, Do You Know Seizure First Aid?, Grilling Safety Reminders for Your Summer BBQ and Turkey Burger recipe. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Only One-third of Employees are Engaged at Work and Prevent a PR Crisis from Turning into a PR Disaster Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - American Health Care Act (AHCA) passes House and Pre-existing Conditions under the ACA Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Tick and Tick-borne Disease Season is Here, Shop for seasonal produce this summer., and National Fireworks Safety Month: June 1 to July 4. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) plans to maintain its Bipartisan Enforcement Plan, Trump's Secretary of Labor Nominee Questioned on Overtime Rule Read more »

Live well, Work well: Spring Allergy Alleviation, A Breath of Fresh Air, and Age well in the Workplace Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA Replacement Bill Withdrawn, Now what? and Cost-saving Strategy: Generic Drugs Read more »

Propeller guards can add an important margin of safety for boats operated around children, sailors, and swimmers. However, safe power boat operation should always be the primary safety measure. Read our Prop Guard risk report to learn more. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Retirement Uncertainty and Where to Turn, and Saving with Health Care Literacy Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to sponsor the Adams Cup Reunion being hosted by the National Sailing Hall of Fame, May 19-21, in Annapolis, Maryland. This weekend event is for all past Adams Cup participants, including those who sailed in the preliminaries, finals, and/or race committee. Participants will share sailing stories, go sailing, celebrate women in sailing and engage the next generation. On Saturday morning there will be a free panel discussion lead by Dawn Riley which is open to all sailors, including junior sailors, on the topic of "Engaging Sailing’s Next Generation". Other speakers, panelists, and sponsors of this event include, Rachael Miller, Dawn Riley, Jan O’Malley, Pam Healy, Louisa Chaffee, Gowrie Group, Oakcliff Sailing Center, and the Rozalia Project. Read more »

US Sailing extends its commercial insurance (general liability, marine liability and umbrella) to protect certified instructors (CI). This insurance program is managed by Gowrie Group. Read more »

US Sailing extends its liability policies for the benefit of US Sailing’s certified race officers, certified judges, and certified umpires, and to non-certified officials acting as volunteers for US Sailing (collectively referred to as Certified Race Officials (CRO)). These policies are managed by Gowrie Group. Read more »

Gowrie Group is excited to announce a multi-year sponsorship extension with US Sailing, the National Governing Body of the sport. Through this sponsorship, Gowrie Group will serve as the Official Insurance Agency of US Sailing and the US Sailing Team. Chubb will be the Official Insurance Carrier of US Sailing and the US Sailing Team. Read more »

Employee Live Well, Work Well - Monitor your rice intake to minimize arsenic consumption, Phlegm: A key player in fighting off illness, and recipe Basic Quiche. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: House Republicans release legislation to repeal and replace the ACA, American Health Care Act: What won't change. Read more »

Employer Benefits Bulletin - ACA Replacement Bill Announced, Health Care Literacy Pays off, and IRS Change Affecting Individual Mandate Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to sponsor the Mrs. Charles Frances Adams Cup Sailing reunion being held at National Sailing Hall of Fame, May 19-21st. All past Adams Cup participants are invited to attend. The weekend event is for female sailors - Mothers, daughters, granddaughters – to share sailing stories, go sailing, celebrate women in sailing and engage the next generation. Events include: Group sailing on BULL and BEAR, modern reproductions of the 19th century, 28’ LOD, wooden Sandbagger sloops, guest speakers and a panel discussion. Speakers include: Rachael Miller,Co-Founder/Executive Director, Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean Dawn Riley, Executive Director, Oakcliff Sailing Center, Crew, America3, US Sailing's Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Jan O’Malley, US Sailing's Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Winner, First World’s Woman’s Doublehanded Championship Pam Healy,Board, St. Francis Yacht Club ,Olympic Bronze Medalist Louisa Chafee, College Sailing All American US Olympic Sailing Team, Rio Open invitation to all Adams Cup Particpants

Employer HR Brief - Company Culture might be more important than you think and DOL Overtime Rule: Update. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Workplace Stress Levels Dropping, Prepare for Tax Season, and Spring Break Travel Tips Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: ACA and Employer Health Plans under President Trump, and Block Grants: What you need to know. Read more »

Steve Prime, Vice President at Gowrie Insurance, led an interactive seminar on the insurance needs of active yacht brokers, with a specific focus on the coverage needed for demonstrations, sea trials, and surveys on a client’s boat. Chris McNally, a maritime attorney with the law firm of Sayer, Regan & Thayer, collaborated with Steve on the topic. They discussed the importance of yacht dealers and yacht brokers knowing who is covered and who is not. Together they stressed the importance of examining the contract language of the brokerage listing, the dockage agreement, and most importantly, the employment status of the broker handling the boat.

Employer HR Brief - Stay Protected from Phone Tax Scams and Employee Leave-sharing and Donation Programs. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of US SAILING's National Sailing Programs Symposium to be held in Austin, Texas this week! We look forward to presenting two seminars: Kellie Thornell Crete will be presenting a seminar on "Sailing Program Facility Safety." Whitney Connor Peterson will be presenting a seminar on "Practicing Your Emergency Response Plan." http://nsps.ussailing.org/

Live Well, Work Well: Protect your child from E-cigarettes, February is American Heart Month, 3 Tips for Hosting a safe big game party and Recipe of the month "Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale". Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - New stand-alone HRA option available for eligible small employers, and 2018 Final Notice of benefit and payment parameters released Read more »

"Marine Industry growth through Collaboration, Communication and Education." Steve Prime from Gowrie Group is proud to be a featured speaker at the upcoming Massachusetts Marine Trades Association Professional Development Conference on January 19, 2017. His seminar, "LETS TALK MARINE INSURANCE," will cover important topics such as: Additional Insureds, Jones Act, USL&H, Dock Values, Radius of Navigation, and Social Engineering Fraud. Read more »

The New Year and How it May Affect Your Benefits, New Year's Resolutions: Lifestyle Changes vs. Quick Changes, and January is National Blood Donor Month. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to once again be a Gold Sponsor and the Official Weather Briefing Sponsor of Quantum Key West Race Week 2017. This year marks the 30th anniversary regatta, which is scheduled for January 15-20, 2017. Gowrie Group is one of many prominent brands supporting this annual, exciting regatta. Platinum Sponsors: Quantum Sails (Title Sponsor and Official Sailmaker), Florida Keys & Key West (Presenting Sponsor), B&G (Official Marine Electronics), Gill NA (Official Apparel), Lewmar (Official Marine Hardware), Marlow (Official Rope) and Mount Gay Rum (Official Rum). Gold Sponsors: Classic Harbor Line (Official Spectator Vessel), Foiling RIBs, Gowrie Group, J/Boats, Key West Historic Inns, Red Stripe Beer (Official Beer), Sailing World (Official US Magazine), Seahorse International Sailing (Official European Magazine) and Waterfront Brewery (Official Venue). Silver Sponsors: Chelsea Clocks, Harken, New England Ropes, Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), Rejex, SpinSheet, Team One Newport and Yacht Scoring. Bronze Sponsors: 1800 Atlantic Condominiums, Commander's Weather, Eden House, New England Boatworks, Regatta Ginger Beer and Switlik.

Employee Benefits Bulletin - Department of Labor overtime rule update, 2016 Kaiser Health Benefits Summary, The Presidential Election's Impact on Health Care, and 2017 Health Care Compliance Highlights. Read more »

Kellie Crete, Gowrie Group's Safety & Loss Prevention Expert, is speaking at the 15th Annual International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC) on Jan 27th at the Broward County Convention Center, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Kellie's seminar, "FIRE", will explore the physical and environmental risk factors that can lead to devastating fires, and how smart fire safety and fire prevention practices can help to mitigate fire risk. The seminar will also examine the personal, financial, and environmental toll that often smolder long after the flames have all been extinguished. Read more »

Gowrie Group, is excited to announce we have acquired Mid-Atlantic based International Marine Insurance Services (IMIS). Earlier this fall, Gowrie Group acquired Hartge Insurance Associates. These two acquisitions secure Gowrie Group’s place as the nation’s leading provider of marine insurance. Insurance industry veteran, Suzanne Redden, will lead Gowrie Group’s new Mid-Atlantic Operation. Carter Gowrie, Chairman and CEO of Gowrie Group shared, “We are honored by our new relationship with these two firms and we’re very impressed with the strong business they have built over the past 3 decades. We look forward to working together with their strong teams to bring increased access to insurance solutions to all their clients.” Read more »

Each year, more than 4,500 workers are killed on the job and approximately 3 million are injured. The following 10 Workplace Safety & Health Violations, which are the most frequent citations reported by OSHA during workplace inspections, account for the majority of those deaths and injuries. Nearly all of these deaths and injuries could be prevented through the implementation of proactive safety training and safe workplace policies. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Overtime and the FMLA Leave Entitlement and IRS ACA Penalty Assessments are Forthcoming. Read more »

The Dyer Dhow Derby is an annual regatta held in honor of the yacht clubs, sailing associations, and individuals who have donated to or supported the Dyer Dhow fleet of more than 50 boats at Mystic Seaport. Gowrie Group, Mystic Seaport’s insurance partner, is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Dyer Dhow Derby (DDD). Saturday October 15th. Read more »

Live well, Work well - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Prevent backpack-related injuries, and Halloween safety tips. Read more »

Gowrie Group and National Sailing Hall of Fame invite all exhibitors and marine industry professionals to join us for complimentary coffee and conversation before the show opens on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. AT THE ANNAPOLIS SAILBOAT SHOW! OCTOBER 6, 8 & 9; 8:30–10AM at the NATIONAL SAILING HALL OF FAME DOCK Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Get Ready for ACA Reporting Deadlines and Marketplaces to offer "simple choice plans" for 2017 Read more »

The Dyer Dhow Derby is an annual regatta held in honor of the yacht clubs, sailing associations, and individuals who support the Mystic Seaport’s Dyer Dhow fleet of more than 50 boats. Gowrie Group, Mystic Seaport’s insurance partner, is the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Dyer Dhow Derby. We encourage sailing organizations and clubs to create a team and come join in this fun day or racing. All races will be held on the Mystic River near the dock at the north end of the Mystic Seaport Museum grounds. Boat are provided, and registration and admission to the Seaport is free to all teams. Registration is at 11am, racing starts at 12:30. Register online at: www.mysticseaport.org/event/dyer-dhow-derby Read more »

THIS EVENT IS BEING MOVED TO SPRING 2017. Gowrie Group is pleased to be the corporate sponsor of a very special Eastbay Rendezvous to be hosted by the Mystic Seaport on October 1st. Participants in the Eastbay Rendezvous will receive overnight dock-age at the Seaport, admission to the Museum, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum’s Collections Research Center to explore some of the world’s finest collections of scrimshaw, nautical photography, maritime fine art and artifacts; breakfast on Sunday morning; and complimentary tickets to Mystic Seaport’s 37th Annual International Maritime Art Exhibition opening cocktail party. The East Bay Rendezvous coincides with the Museum’s First Annual Oyster Festival and the 37th Annual International Marine Art Exhibition, both of which provide a wonderful backdrop to this very special boating experience. Read more »

The Gowrie Group team delivered 600 pounds of apples at the Newport International Boatshow, to marine industry clients and partners. The show was held September 15-18th in Newport, RI. The fresh, crisp apples came from our partners at Bishops Orchard, of Guilford, CT. Gowrie Group boat-show team: Dawn Speros, Sarah Davidson, Carter Gowrie, Nancy Sprigg, Kiley Prime, Steve Prime, Dan Cooney, Kellie Crete, Whitney Peterson, Mark Gargula, John Pugliese, Nancy Young, John Owsianik Jr, Barbara Cooper, Steve Schram, Scott Shiland, and more. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Green Tea - more than just a drink?, Taking responsibility for your retirement fund,and Pokémon Go: Advice for parents Read more »

Gowrie Group is excited to announce that we acquired a leading Mid-Atlantic based marine insurance specialist – Hartge Insurance Associates – on September 1. In conjunction with this new agency combination, Gowrie Group also is pleased to announce that insurance industry veteran and Annapolis resident Suzanne Redden, will be joining the Gowrie team to be the Branch Manager of the new Gowrie Group Mid-Atlantic operation and Annapolis area office. Redden has enjoyed a distinguished career in marine underwriting and business development for carriers and agencies. The joining together of Hartge Insurance, Totch Hartge, and Suzanne Redden with Gowrie Group enables Gowrie to expand its geographic presence and bring its insurance and risk management expertise to the strong, established marine communities found in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Significant changes proposed to Form 5500, and DOL's New Fiduciary Rule Impacts HSAs Read more »

Employer HR Brief - August 2016 Employee Leave: Clarifying STD, FMLA, and ADA and The FMLA and Absence Notification: Is Your Policy Being Followed? Read more »

Live well, Work well: Zika: Why men should be concerned too, Exercising the body and brain, and avoiding sports-related eye injuries in children. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - U.K. Votes to Leave the European Union and New Task Force to Focus on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - The Final White Collar Exemption Rule is Here, EEOC Issues Welcome Guidance on Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation. Read more »

Many people, even experienced marine industry employees, have never heard of Electric Shock Drowning. And even those that have heard of ESD typically don’t realize how many common situations can put people at risk. Learn more from Gowrie Group’s Risk Report on understanding Electric Shock Drowning.

Employee Brochure "live well, work well": SPF claims fall short for many sunscreens, FDA moves to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes, Food labels get a makeover and recipe for California Avocado Summer Wraps Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - DOL issues new overtime payment rules, EEOC Finalizes wellness rules under ADA and GINA and Guidance for employers on bathroom access rights for transgender employees. Read more »

Employee Benefits Bulletin - DOL issues new overtime payment rules, EEOC finalizes Wellness Rules under ADA and GINA, HHS Launches Phase 2 of HIPAA audit program, and ACA's affordability contribution percentage increased for 2017 Read more »

Health Care Reform: PCORI Fees due August 1, 2016 Read more »

Gowrie Group recently made a $1500 donation to New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) specifically for the purpose of purchasing more than a dozen VHF handheld radios. VHF radios are a vital safety and communication resource for NESS staff members throughout the year. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Knowing the difference between exempt and nonexempt; compensation is a rising factor in job satisfaction, and the Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the Employer's Guide to The Family and Medical Leave Act. Read more »

On Saturday, June 4th, the Connecticut River Museum hosted the annual Essex Shad Bake. This shoreline tradition draws seafood lovers from all over New England to the banks of the Connecticut River for a summer kickoff event full of community bonding and delicious food. The Rotary Club of Essex has kept this cookout alive for 59 years, and this year’s bake marks another successful event! Gowrie Group, a leading New England independent insurance agency, served as a “Captain” level sponsor this year. Gowrie Group has contributed to the Essex Shad Bake for many years, and is proud to continue their support. Read more »

On June 8th & 9th, Gowrie Group's Safety & Loss Control expert, Kellie Crete, is teaching a 10-Hour OSHA Outreach Training Program designed specifically for boatyard, yacht club, community sailing, and marina employees. The program provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint.

Soon boats will be launched, kids will be swimming, sailing programs will start, and marinas will be in full operation. With this in mind, now is a good time to increase your knowledge of Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). Many people have never heard of ESD, and those that have typically don’t realize the common situations that can be putting people at risk for ESD. Read more »

Employee brochure "live well, work well": How to turn a bad day around, Detergent packet poisoning and potential Zika spread mapped by NASA. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA's Affordability contribution percentage increases for 2017, Updated HIPAA self-audit tools, and this spring Exchanges will begin notifying employers that they may be subject to ACA penalties if any of their employees are deemed eligible for health insurance subsidies through an Exchange. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Tips for Implementing Progressive Discipline and Continue to Use Current Form I-9 Read more »

Live well, Work well - Healthy Lifestyles and May is National Stroke Awareness Month Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Supreme Court hears contraceptive coverage case, Phase 2 of HIPAA Audit program and a tweak to the tax code could allow employers to pay back employees' student debt. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - EEOC proposes revised guidance on retaliation, and IRS: Payroll and HR Targets of new phishing scheme. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Coffee may combat alcohol's effect on the liver, Loneliness considered a public health problem, and avoiding spring allergies. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Affordable Care Act litigation may affect employers and ACA rule changes for 2017 Read more »

It is time to prepare for the upcoming boating season. As you ready your boats and family for a safe and enjoyable season, we encourage you to take the time to review these helpful resources. Read more »

The Burgee Program and Gowrie Group have developed an Emergency Response Plan "Card" Template to give clubs and community sailing programs a strong starting point from which to create an Emergency Card for their specific location. This template has been developed collaboratively with input from safety experts at Gowrie Group, US Sailing, and sailing programs across the country. The card is designed to be posted in the sailing facility and to be laminated for use in safety boats. Read more »

Meet The Burgee Insurance Program, the most comprehensive insurance program available to sailing clubs, community programs, and sailing organizations. The program is endorsed by US Sailing, underwritten by Chubb, and managed by the marine insurance experts at Gowrie Group. Gowrie Group is proud to say that we insure more than 1,000 sailing organizations nationwide, including more than 100 community sailing programs. One of the best things about the Burgee Insurance Program is the special coverage that is built into the program to protect sailing organizations when they are doing what sailing organizations always do - run regattas, host social events, teach sailing, sponsor rendezvous, and borrow boats. The program also has the right coverage in place for your historic clubhouse, treasured trophies, docks & floats, club owned boats, flag officers, members, volunteers, employees, and more. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Department of Labor Standards for Joint Employment and Political Discussions in the Workplace Read more »

Important recommendations from ACE to prepare your boat or yacht for fire emergencies: where to locate, what type(s) you need, how to maintain, how to use, and more. Learn what you need and how to handle emergency fire situations on boats. Read more »

Employee Brochure "live well, work well": Lead Water Poisoning, Zika: What you should know, and 3 diets to help you follow the new dietary guidelines. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Recent court rulings raise questions about FMLA and IRS clarifies ACA rules for employer-provided coverage Read more »

Employer HR Brief - February 2016: Form I-9 Self-audit Guidance and educate employees on 401(k) loans Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - The Importance of Good Posture, FDA aims to ban minors from tanning beds, and preventing foodborne illnesses. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA reporting deadlines delayed and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposes increased out-of-pocket maximums Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the US Sailing Leadership Forum 2016, to be held Feb 4-6th in San Diego. Our presentations include: Insurance Doesn't Matter Until it Does, Junior Sailing Program Safety, JR Sailing Volunteer Chair Survival Guide, and Regatta Safety. More than 1000 yacht clubs, community sailing program, and sailing industry leaders will be in attendance. Representing Gowrie Group will be Whitney Peterson, Steve Prime, Dan Cooney, Kellie Crete, and Rick Bagnall. Read more »

Employer Benefits Bulletin - New spending bill delays Cadillac Tax, Final ACA market reform rules released, IRS releases tax guidance on same-sex marriage issues,and ACA automatic enrollment requirement repealed. Read more »

Dawn Speros and Steve Prime of Gowrie Group will be giving an e-seminar on "Social Engineering & Funds Transfer Fraud" to members of the Yacht Brokers Association of America in February. Dawn Speros and Steve Prime are both marine insurance experts; Dawn specializes in yachts and Steve in marine companies and yacht clubs. Seminar Description: There is an increasingly common type of crime known as “Social Engineering” funds fraud, and 59% of attacks are directed at small and medium sized businesses. Social Engineering Fraud Defined = when an employee is intentionally misled into spending money or diverting a payment based on fraudulent information that is provided to them in written or verbal communication such as an email, fax, letter or even a phone call. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - ACA Reporting Requirements - A Basic Overview, and End-of-year Employee Communications. Read more »

Employee Brochure "live well, work well": In defense of coffee, sugar substitutes, and New Year's Resolutions Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA repeal passes Senate, Veto Expected and Government investigating rising drug costs Read more »

ACA Reporting Deadlines Delayed - On December 28, 2015, the IRS issues Notice 2016-4 which extends the deadlines for 2015 ACA reporting under Sections 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Remember to get a flu shot, Simple tips to reduce food waste, Pack a work lunch to stay healthy and save money and vegetable chili. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Be Informed on Transgender Accommodation, Uber Case Highlights Employee Classification Enforcement, and Did you know giving employees the option to telecommute and work flexible hours may garner loyalty from your current employees and help attract and retain new ones. Read more »

A strong team of Gowrie Group marine insurance experts will be heading to the Annapolis Boat Shows - Power & Sail - October 8th to 18th. Our team looks forward to meeting with clients, marine companies, and the more 150,000 attendees.

Live well, Work well: Monitor physical activity with a fitness tracker, Sleep and your health, and Health benefits of Oatmeal. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Guidelines finalized for electronic reporting under sections 6055 and 6056,IRS clarifies section 6055 reporting for HRAs and some workplaces are considering offering repayment assistance for student loan debt. Read more »

The Gowrie Group team had a very successful 2015 Newport International Boat Show, September 17-20th. Our team delivered over 500 pounds of Bishop's Orchard apples to all our clients and friends. Thanks to all our clients that came by and visited with us, we enjoyed seeing everyone. Congratulations to the NIBS team for hosting a fantastic show! Read more »

The Dyer Dhow Derby is an annual regatta held in honor of the yacht clubs, sailing associations, and individuals who have donated to or supported the Dyer Dhow fleet of more than 50 boats at Mystic Seaport. Gowrie Group, Mystic Seaport’s insurance partner, is the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Dyer Dhow Derby. We encourage organizations and clubs to field a team and come race. All races will be held on the Mystic River across from the dock at the north end of the Mystic Seaport Museum grounds. Registration and admission to the Seaport is free to all teams. Registration is at 11am. Racing starts at 12:30. Divisions include: Juniors (under-14), Men’s, Women’s, Double’s, Quarter-Ton. Registration online (free) at www.mysticseaport.org/learn/sailing/dyer-dhow-fleet/dyer-dhow-derby-registration/ Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Department of Labor (DOL) clarifies worker classification and educate employees on cyber security. Read more »

Live Well, Work well - September is fruit and veggie month, Blood pressure readings demystified, understanding food expiration dates and storing food in the refrigerator. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Final Rule on Religious Exemptions to Contraceptive Coverage, PCORI Fee FAQs and did you know the IRS released the 2015 draft instructions for reporting under Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Come visit Gowrie Group at the 2015 Newport International Boat Show, September 17-20th. We will be in Tent D #24. Once again we will be giving out 500 pounds of Bishop's Orchard apples to all our clients and friends. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - U.S. Supreme Court Legalizes Same-sex Marriage and DOL Issues Proposed Rule to Expand Overtime Protections Read more »

New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) and Gowrie Group are proud to announce that Gowrie Group will be the Presenting Sponsor for the third annual Mystic Oyster Fest. August 16th, at the Mystic Art Center. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - U.S Supreme Court Upholds ACA Subsidies in Federal Exchanges, Final Rule Updates the SBC Requirement, the IRS releases 2015 draft versions of the forms that employers will use to report under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Supreme Court Rules on Abercrombie Religious Discrimination Case, Department of Labor sends proposed Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Regulations to OMB, Department of Labor has posted new model FMLA medical certifications and notices with an expiration date of May 31, 2018. Read more »

Health Care Reform: PCORI Fees due July 31, 2015 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - The Effect of E-cigarettes on Health, Shop the Farmers Market, Outdoor summer activities, Pesticides and Produce, and a delicious recipe for Ratatouille. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Family plans must embed out-of-pocket limits in 2016, IRS issues new Q&As on section 6056 reporting, the ACAs excise tax (or the "Cadillac tax") is set to take effect in 2018. Read more »

Employer Benefits Bulletin - Quarter 3 Abercrombie discrimination case, King v. Burwell on ACA subsidies, Embedded out-of-pocket maximum for family coverage, PTO trends revealed in recent survey Read more »

Employer HR Brief - June 2015: Making the Case for Good Job Descriptions, EEOC Issues Proposed Rule on ADA and Wellness Programs and Recent survey conducted by Gallup regarding female managers. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - The health benefits of sunlight exposure, swimming for exercise, and cataract awareness month. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: Agencies plan to issue final rules for SBC Requirements, Plan offerings now diverging by group size and IRS releases inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) for calendar year 2016. Read more »

Dawn Speros, Gowrie Group's marine insurance veteran and licensed USCG captain’s, will educate boat owners and future owners about marine insurance, navigation territories, coverage, and claims. Topics will include liability coverage, international medical coverage, north/south restrictions, named windstorm deductibles and the differences between the agreed value and actual cash value policies. She will be giving two seminars on Thurs June 4th on this topic, as a stand alone seminar and as part of the "Boat Buyers Survival Guide" panel. The International Cruising Boat Expo will be held June 4-7 at Brewer Essex Island Marina in Essex, Connecticut. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - May is skin cancer detection and prevention month, The importance of resistance training, Save money by shopping for In-Season Produce, and monthly recipe. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Issues Final Rule affecting ACA for 2016, Few employers cutting hours to avoid ACA fines, and introducing Telemedicine. Read more »

As you ready your boat for a safe and enjoyable season on the water, take the time to review these helpful preparation resources. Spring is also a good time to double check your insurance policies and make sure your specified launch date (lay-up) and cruising area (navigation) align with your boating plans for the year. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: New guidelines - cholesterol is not so bad, Spring training - 5K run, Google has partnered with the Mayo Clinic, Identity Theft Protection and monthly recipe. Read more »

Soon boats will be launched, kids will be swimming, sailing programs will start, and marinas will be in full operation. With this in mind, now is a good time to increase your knowledge of Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). Many people have never heard of ESD, and those that have typically don’t realize the common situations that can be putting people at risk for ESD. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - New guidance for employer payments of individual premiums, IRS releases ACA reporting forms and instructions, and Cadillac Tax. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to announce their sponsorship, in collaboration with US Sailing, of the Standards Collaboration Initiative Leadership Team 2015 Conference. At this conference, grantees will explore ways to collaborate on the Coast Guard’s Collaboration initiative to Finish, Organize and Distribute/Use the menu of standards that will be part of a National System of Standards For Recreational Boat Operation. This System of Standards will be recognized by the Coast Guard and used to raise the overall quality and availability of recreational boating education across the country. The goal is to maximize the impact each grant has on raising the overall quality and availability of entry-level recreational boating instruction across the country. The conference will be held March 30th in Miramar Beach, FL. Read more »

Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? There are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately conveyed in an emergency situation. A float plan documents the details of an intended voyage and is filed with a family member, friend, neighbor and/or marina operator on shore. The USCG Float Plan is useful for all types of boats: small skiffs to 48-foot express cruiser to 90 foot sport-fishing vessel to luxury yacht. Print and file a plan before you go. Visit http://www.floatplancentral.org/. Read more »

Spring is in the air and the snow is melting. Gowrie Group is proud to sponsor the Rhode Island Marine Industry Networking Event on March 25th at the Clarke Cooke House in Newport, RI. This is part of a weekly marine industry networking series hosted by Brooks Marine Group. All are welcome. For more information, email us at newport@gowrie.com.

Dawn Speros, Senior Yacht Insurance Specialist at Gowrie Group, will present an e-Seminar titled “Who is Liable?” to yacht brokers affiliated with YBAA (Yacht Broker Association of America) on April 8, 2015. She will address in detail some of the scenarios and factors that surround the complicated question of liability as it applies to the marine industry. In many cases, brokers, salespeople, mechanics, and/or boat yards (for care, custody, and control) are involved in unwinding the scenario. Yacht brokers can be particularly vulnerable during exhibition, demonstration, sea trials and deliveries. This seminar will help marine industry professionals understand what they personally are covered for and by what policies.

Gowrie Group, a leading independent marine insurance agency, is proud to be joining the international shipping community at the Connecticut Maritime Association’s 30th Annual Shipping Conference and Exhibition (CMA) - March 23, 2015. This conference is the biggest shipping conference in North America; more than 2,500 people from the international shipping community will be attendance. Rick Bagnall, Gowrie Group’s Crew Medical expert shared, “The working international marine industry is very important to Gowrie Group. We look forward to our involvement with CMA’s Shipping Conference in March and continuing to deepen our relationships in the shipping industry.” Rod Clingman and John Fisher of Gowrie Group will also be attending the event on behalf of Gowrie Group. Read more »

Safe boating practices should begin before you even launch or leave the dock. AIG Private Client Group offers pointers to assist with anticipating and preparing for unforeseen circumstances. Read more »

Discover Boating shares an easy to use checklist to ready your boat for launch. Read more »

Some suggestions from ACE Recreational Marine Insurance that will help ensure your vessel will be ready for a successful launch, and safe and enjoyable boating season. Read more »

Kellie Crete, Gowrie Group's Safety & Loss Control expert, will be presenting a safety seminar to sailing program directors from 40 clubs/programs on March 7, 2015 at Larchmont Yacht Club. Her session, "360 Degrees of Risk Management" will focus on educating the group on how to make their Junior Sailing teaching areas safer for all. Participants will learn about simple modifications and changes that can be made to greatly improve a program's overall safety standards and prevent problems before they even happen. This event is sponsored by JSA of Long Island Sound.

While Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) remains a persistent threat, heroic efforts are being made to encourage boaters and the industry to help prevent these needless fatalities. Through the lens of a boating family’s first-hand account, this article explores the danger, causes and solutions for the deadly phenomenon of ESD. Read the article by ABYC Master Technician Mike Telleria, as originally published by Boating Magazine. Read more »

Winter weather creates a variety of hazards and risks that can significantly impact everyday tasks and work activities. People that are outdoors in cold environments for extended periods of time can be at risk for Cold Stress and other cold induced injuries. Learn more about the risk factors, common cold induced injuries (hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot), and safety guidelines for prevention. Read more »

Gowrie Group's Safety & Loss Control expert, Kellie Crete, will be offering a 10-Hour OSHA Outreach Training Program designed specifically for boatyard, yacht club and marina employees. The program will provide training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. Dates: March 30/31, 2015. Register online. Read more »

A detailed article by INAMAR Recreational Marine about potential moorings problems and smart solutions. Read more »

Gowrie Group provides useful safety materials and guides to clubs and sailing organizations insured through the Burgee Insurance Program. This weekly checklist can be used as part of an overall safety program. www.burgeeprogram.com Read more »

Gowrie Group and The Burgee Program are excited to announce that we have released an updated version of our Junior Sailing Safety Manual. This useful manual helps clubs and sailing organizations develop and grow safe, successful junior sailing programs. New content includes updated class ratio recommendations, emergency response template, media release forms, discipline policy, walk around inspection check-lists, and more. To inquire about obtaining the complete editable copy email the Burgee Team. Download a copy of the extract to review now. Read more »

Whitney Peterson and Kellie Crete of Gowrie Group will lead a safety seminar at US Sailing's 2015 National Sailing Symposium in New Orleans on January 24th. Their seminar - Virtual Safety Fieldtrip: Making your Docks, Junior Room, and Teaching Areas Safer - will take participants on a virtual tour of yacht clubs and marine facilities from across the nation. During the tour, the audience will learn how to identify and resolve safety issues; with the goal of making docks, junior sailing rooms, and teaching areas safer. Participants will learn about simple modifications and changes that can be made to greatly improve a program's overall safety standards and prevent problems before they even happen. Seminar participants will also receive the 2015 new edition of The Burgee Program Junior Sailing Safety Manual. http://nsps.ussailing.org/

Gowrie Group is excited to announce that we have joined forces with the Shoreline Insurance Agency. The Shoreline Insurance Agency is a strong Connecticut-based insurance firm with niche specializations in commercial insurance, boat/yacht insurance, and marine insurance. Together the two agencies are the largest marine insurance agency in the nation and the largest independent insurance agency in the Northeast. Read more »

Gowrie Group is excited to announce its continued partnership with the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) as a Silver Sponsor of the Certified Professional Yacht Broker program (CPYB) and YBAAU. Dawn Speros, a twenty-five year veteran of the marine insurance industry and Senior Yacht Insurance Specialist at Gowrie Group, leads Gowrie’s relationship with YBAA. Dawn will be speaking at the upcoming Yacht Broker University (YBAA U) in Providence, RI on July 24th. Read more »

The National Sailing Hall of Fame and Gowrie have partnered to collect, present, and preserve yacht club stories. Much of the rich history of American sailing has roots in yacht clubs and sailing organizations. The NSHOF, with the support of Gowrie, is committed to preserving America’s sailing legacy by gathering the stories that yacht clubs have to tell, and presenting them to the public in digital and print formats for future generations to enjoy. Read more »

The Gowrie team of Rod Clingman, Chris Brodeur, and Whitney Peterson went out by boat today to watch the Charles W. Morgan’s sea trials, being held off the coast of New London, CT. Strong NE winds and steep waves resulted in a short day of sailing, and the Charles W. Morgan was towed safely back to the dock at City Pier. Gowrie Group is proud to be Mystic Seaport’s insurance partner and protect the nation’s maritime history – insuring the museum and its vessels, fine arts, and the 38th voyage of the Charles W. Morgan

Gowrie Group announces a new multi-year sponsorship with US Sailing, the National Governing Body of the sport, and Chubb Insurance. "Chubb and Gowrie are committed to advancing the goals of US Sailing. We are sailors, educators and flag officers ourselves. We see this longstanding partnership as an expression of our mutual commitment to our sport,” said Ed Gumbrecht, Gowrie Group’s President Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to announce a sponsorship of New England Science & Sailing's New London STEM Leadership Program. The program serves students attending the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School in New London CT. This exciting program for middle school students promotes interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through sailing, kayaking, marine science and adventure sports. Read more »

With spring here, it is time to prepare for the upcoming boating season. To ensure your boat is ready for a safe, enjoyable season on the water, take the time to review the below boating safety and launch preparation resources. Read more »

Financial Advisers need to understand the basics of flood insurance to help their clients make smart decisions related to coastal and flood prone properties. Example questions: What should be recommended to a client buying a coastal home? What if they already own a flood prone home? Read more »

Gowrie is excited to announce that Rick Bagnall has joined the company's growing benefits and healthcare division. Rick will focus on Crew Medical Insurance, Association Marine Health Insurance, and Employee Benefit Consulting. Rick brings to Gowrie Group deep marine industry expertise and a unique ability to create new medical insurance programs for marine oriented teams, groups, and industries Read more »

Sailors are known for enjoying themselves in the party tent after a day on the water. How can your sailing organization ensure members and sailors drink responsibly and ensure the organization is protected if an accident does occur? Read more »

Getting the right insurance in place requires thinking ahead and smart planning. With the right protection in place, your club or sailing organization can confidently run regattas, borrow boats, teach sailing, hold social events, weather storms - and keep your club, board members, flag officers, volunteers and employees well-protected. Avoiding a serious financial loss will enable your organization to preserve the traditions and heritage that make your club special. Read more »

More than 35 leaders and directors from sailing organizations across New England attended the first 2014 US Sailing Regional Symposium in Marion, MA on March 7th. This symposium, the first of 20 planned across the country during the 2014 year, was hosted by US Sailing and sponsored by Gowrie. Dan Cooney and Steve Prime, commercial and yacht club insurance experts from Gowrie Group, led an engaging discussion on insurance topics that matter most to community sailing programs and sailing organizations. The group tackled coverage questions related to liquor liability, policy exclusions, and student transportation. The Burgee Program is the only comprehensive insurance program developed to meet the unique needs of yacht clubs, community sailing programs, schools, and associations. The program is endorsed by US Sailing, underwritten by Chubb, and managed by the marine insurance experts at Gowrie Group. Learn more at www.burgeeprogram.com or contact dancooney@gowrie.com or steveprime@gowrie.com. Read more »

2014 was quite the year for the insurance industry. When considering the billions of dollars in claim settlements resulting from Sandy, it is not a surprise that yacht valuations are at the forefront of conversations among boat owners, boat brokers, surveyors, and marine underwriters. What can we expect going forward? Join Dawn Speros in a discussion of what yacht sales professionals need to know in the new marine insurance environment.

Gowrie Group is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2014 US Sailing Leadership Forum. Gowrie's experts will be panelists in these interactive breakout sessions: Lawyers, Nuns, Money - OSHA and USCG (Kellie Crete & Steve Prime); Club Insurance Is Like Gybing - Think Ahead (Dan Cooney & Steve Prime); Pitch Perfect - Sponsorship (Whitney Peterson); Regatta Safety (Dan Cooney); Financial Bench-marking & Yacht Club Data (Dan Cooney). Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to be Mystic Seaport’s insurance partner and protect the nation’s maritime history. As a part of Mystic Seaport’s community partner program, Gowrie Group supports the work and mission of Mystic Seaport through shared values, business collaboration, and philanthropy. Carter Gowrie, Gowrie's CEO shared, “The vision the Seaport had to undertake a complete restoration of the Charles W. Morgan and actually go sailing underscores how important Mystic Seaport is to the history of the sea. Our involvement in the risk planning and insurance for the Morgan project and the Museum is a great sense of pride for Gowrie Group.” Stephen C. White President, Mystic Seaport stated, “Gowrie has excelled in meeting the Museum’s insurance needs, and since day one their professional team has been a pleasure to work with.” Gowrie Group also stands ready to protect what matters most to Mystic Seaport members. Read more »

The 2014 Marine Industry is off to a very active start. Brokers are connecting with Dawn Speros, Gowrie Group's Senior Yacht Consultant, at these recent and upcoming events: January 31st: Providence Boat Show; February 13-17th: Miami Boat Show; Feb 22nd-March 2: New England Boat Show; March 5th: YBAA e-Seminar: "Post Sandy Observations: Valuation and Due Diligence are Critical"; March 20-23rd: Palm Beach Boat Show

Kellie Crete, Gowrie Group’s Safety & Loss Control Manager, presented an engaging seminar on the impact of OSHA regulations on boatyard and marinas. She was a featured speaker at the 2014 International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC), held this year in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her seminar focused on helping marina and boatyard owners, operators, and managers, as well as dock masters, harbormasters, and boat builders and repairers, understand how they can build working relationship with OSHA. The discussion also addressed boatyard and marina safety as well as how OSHA regulations apply to these types of business. IMBC Seminar Manager, Sarah Devlin, wrote to Kellie, “The seminar series overall at the 2014 IMBC was very positive and you [Kellie] had a lot to do with that. You knocked it out of the park. Again.” One seminar participant said, “Kellie’s session should be a ‘mandatory’ session for every attendee of IMBC.” IMBC is the leading marina and boatyard conference. IMBC is where dedicated marine professionals gather to exchange information, talk about the future of the industry, explore new methods and techniques, receive updates on revised standards and established rules, and discover new products. The conference is produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI).

Kellie Crete is proud to announce that she is a featured speaker at the upcoming ABBRA 2014 Annual Boatyard Business Conference entitled “Reflect, Rethink, Refocus: Business Leadership for Tomorrow’s Boat Building and Repair Industry.” The conference will be held January 22-24, 2014, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The two-day event will focus on the business issues impacting boatyard owners, operators, managers, boat builders, and boat repair businesses. Kellie, Gowrie’s Safety & Loss Control Manager, will present a session with Michael Keyworth of Brewer about “Building Working Relationships with OSHA.” Gowrie Group is a sponsor of the conference.

Many New England boaters choose in-the-water winter storage during their lay-up period. Following these smart tips will help to keep your boat damage free in the cold months. Read more »

Gowrie Group, New England's renowned marine and specialty insurance agency, launched their adopted, refurbished Dyer Dhow Dinghy named "Gowrie Group" just hours before the start of the 64th Dyer Dhow Derby sailing competition at the Mystic Seaport. Gowrie Group adopted the 9-foot boat as part of the Seaport's "Adopt a Dyer Program" - a program which uses donations to restore Dyer Dinghies that have been abandoned and are no longer usable. Read more »

From the hundreds of Gowrie clients and friends that visited us at the 2013 Newport Boat Show, we selected 5 lucky people to win a 2013 Gowrie Bucket-Bag. Congratulations to the winners: Alan Desrosiers, Gail & Dave Allen, Howard Goldfarb, Linda & David Lee, and Patrick Canavan. Read more »

Gowrie Group continued the annual tradition of bringing a fresh approach to the Newport International Boat Show. The Gowrie team delivered 60 custom bucket-bags filled with apples to marine industry clients and friends that were exhibiting boats and products at the show. In total, the buckets contained nearly 600 pounds of apples. The Gowrie team also provided apples to the hundreds of clients and visitors that came by the Gowrie display to learn more. The apples were grown locally at Bishop's Orchards of Guilford, CT. Read more »

Flexible extension cords are widely used at marinas, construction sites, yacht clubs, homes, businesses, and more. Because these cords are often exposed, flexible, and unsecured, they are highly susceptible to damage and misuse that can result in significant hazards. Following safety guidelines can enable effective and safe use of flexible extension cords in most common applications Read more »

Dawn Speros of Gowrie Group will be presenting a seminar on Saturday 9/28 at 10:30 on HURRICANE SANDY, A GAME CHANGER FOR THE INSURANCE MARKETPLACE. Hurricane Sandy was a game changer for the insurance industry. An estimated 65,000 recreational boats were damaged or lost – totaling an estimated $650 million dollars in damage. Coastal homes also took a beating from Sandy, and more than 140,000 flood claims were filed. As a result carriers are tightening their underwriting guidelines, increasing premiums, decreasing capacity, and abandoning traditional markets. Yacht owners need to understand this new insurance marketplace to be able to make smart decisions about how to best protect their boats and other assets. Read more »

Gowrie Group, as managers of The Burgee Program, recommends that propeller guards be installed on all outboard motors used for teaching junior sailing, coaching sailing, running races, and supporting recreational water sports (skiing, tubing, swimming, etc). Experienced boaters know that things happen fast. A typical recreational propeller can travel from head to toe on a person in the water in less than one tenth of a second. Propeller guards add an important margin of safety for boats operated around children, sailors, and swimmers Read more »

Boating incidents can be much bigger than the vessels involved. Beyond the emotional and physical magnitude of these incidents, boat owners are at risk for enormous financial losses when claims arise from personal injuries on the water. Read more »

Super Storm Sandy in October of 2012 was a real wake up call for the Northeast and for those in hurricane prone states in general. Sandy led to nearly 1.5 million insurance claims, including 1.1 million homeowners’ claims, about 250,000 vehicle claims, and more than 200,000 commercial insurance claims. Sandy was the single-largest recreational boating industry loss ever recorded, with more than 65,000 boats damaged or destroyed, resulting in $650 million in losses, across all types of property. Furthermore, Sandy was the first really powerful storm to hit the metropolitan New York area, in years. Those of us working along the coast felt Sandy’s impact in many ways. Applying lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy will enable you to better protect your business in the future. Read more »

All major weather sources are predicting an active or extremely active 2013 Hurricane Season (June 1 to November 1). NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting 7 to 11 hurricanes, of which 3 to 6 could be major hurricanes with 111 mph winds or higher. Visit Gowrie's Severe Storm Center to access our detailed hurricane preparation resources and videos. Early season is the time to focus on preparedness. Read more »

Dawn Speros, Senior Yacht Insurance Specialist, and Steve Prime, VP of Commercial Insurance, have been selected to present e-Seminars to an audience of marine brokers affiliated with YBAA (Yacht Broker Association of America). These engaging seminars will be presented online to an invitation only audience Read more »

Gowrie is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Connecticut Shoreline Yacht Summit: “Enjoy Every Moment Aboard Your Yacht." Dawn Speros, a Senior Yacht Insurance Specialist at Gowrie Group, will present an engaging session on the “Opportunities in the Changing Marine Insurance Marketplace". Read more »

Gowrie Group’s Safety & Loss Control Manager, Kellie Crete, will be teaching a Hydraulic Trailer Safety Training Class in partnership with Brownell Trailers. This class is designed to teach new and seasoned marine employees the proper methods of safely moving boats and using hydraulic trailers. The 3-hour class will include classroom and hands-on training, and will be held on June 21st at Mystic Shipyard. Read more »

Gowrie Group paid tribute to the first day of spring this week with a spirited sock burning bonfire. While it remains a relatively unknown tradition, annual sock-burning parties are hosted by marine businesses all along the East Coast on March 20th to welcome the start of the spring season. Read more »

Gowrie Group's Safety & Loss Control expert, Kellie Crete, is teaching a 10-Hour OSHA Outreach Training Program designed specifically for boatyard, yacht club and marina employees on March 12 & 13th. The program provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. CT and RI Marine Trades Association members receive a 20% discount. contact Kellie at kelliec@gowrie.com. Read more »

Gowrie Group wants to help ensure the safety of all your members, including your smallest members - children. Over the years, the insurance and safety experts at Gowrie Group, who manage The Burgee Program, have worked with yacht clubs across the country to put in place a variety of effective dock and child safety programs. In most cases, the solutions are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement. These best practices can help to prevent tragic accidents from happening at your yacht club. Read more »

Kellie Crete, manager of the Safety & Loss Prevention division at Gowrie Group, was a key speaker at US Sailing's National Sailing Symposium in Clearwater, FL. The National Sailing Programs Symposium (NSPS) is the premier event for sailing education in the US. NSPS is the only conference of its kind that brings together program directors, instructors, volunteers, parents and industry representatives to share and learn best practices with one another about running, maintaining and improving sailing programs. Kellie spoke about safety issues and safety best practices as they apply to yacht clubs and community sailing programs. Read more »

Steve Prime of Gowrie Group was honored by the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association for 24 years of Exemplary Service on their board, and decades of advocating for marine entities and giving back to the marine industry in general. Steve Prime specializes in commercial, marine, and yacht club insurance. Prime is also known to his colleagues and friends as the unofficial “Mayor of Newport”. Read more »

With hurricane SANDY threatening the South and East coast, now is the time to review your storm plans, prepare your hurricane kit, and focus on active preparation. We invite you to take advantage of all the hurricane resources on our Severe Storm Center (www.gowrie.com/stormcenter). Materials include: guidelines for protecting your homes, boats, yacht clubs and businesses; storm preparation how-to videos, step-by-step guide for making a disaster supply kit, and live storm tracking links. If you have any questions regarding your insurance policies, storm preparation, or claims situations contact your account manager directly or call the main Gowrie line at 800.262.8911 or info@gowrie.com.

Gowrie Group, New England’s premier independent insurance agency, is excited to announce that Dan Cooney has joined the company’s growing commercial insurance division. Dan will work with marine businesses, commercial entities, and yacht clubs across the US to help them put in place comprehensive business insurance solutions and risk management plans. Read more »

Gowrie Group, Connecticut’s largest and most prestigious independent insurance agency recently celebrated the 80th birthday of longtime employee, Carol Bastian.

This treasured employee has been part of the Gowrie Group team for over 24 years. Over the years she has served the company in many different functions including account manager. She is currently an active employee in the Commercial Insurance department and maintains relationships with many key Gowrie clients. She is looked to for everything from insurance advice, to career guidance, to laughter. Interestingly, Gowrie also threw her a festive retirement party when she turned 70 (10 years ago!). However, a few months later she returned to the company because she missed the Gowrie spirit, working with clients, and the daily enjoyment of working with the exceptional team at Gowrie.

Carter Gowrie, Gowrie’s CEO, offered a tribute to Carol when he played his guitar and sang a customized and touching version of a Loudon Wainwright song. He entitled the song “80 Years Old”.

Carol is known within Gowrie and beyond for her dedication to her clients, loving animals of all types and sizes, and her commitment to the Gowrie team. Everyone at Gowrie looks forward to working with Carol for many years to come.

Burgee Program’s Best Practices for Dock & Children Safety. Read more »

News Alert: For Immediate Release

Dawn Speros Relocating to Gowrie Group's Newport
RI Office.

Newport, RI. Dawn M. Speros, a twenty year veteran of the marine insurance industry and Senior Yacht Advisor at Gowrie Group, is relocating to Gowrie's thriving Newport RI office. The office is located in the recently restored Aquidneck Mill Building, which is on the waterfront campus of the International Yacht Restoration School.

Dawn says, "While my office address is different, the quality service and personalized attention I have always provided my clients will not change. The Gowrie team and I will continue to provide all my current and new clients the advice and solutions needed to best protect their boats and other assets."

Gowrie's COO, Ed Gumbrecht says, "Dawn joins Steve Prime, our EVP, who has operated out of the Newport area for years. Together they will focus on providing the individuals and companies in the boating community and beyond, insurance advice, solutions and services to best protect their assets, businesses, and life styles."

Please stop in and see Dawn and Steve the next time you visit downtown Newport.

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http://www.gowrie.com/pdfs/Carter_Shoreline_Times_09202009.pdf

Gowrie’s Dawn Speros Sees Opportunity for Boaters in the Current Marine Insurance Market.

Newport, RI. Dawn M. Speros, a twenty year veteran of the marine insurance industry and Senior Yacht Insurance Specialist at Gowrie Group presented to marine industry leaders at the Newport International Boat Show Seminar Series last week. She portrayed the changing marine insurance landscape as one with hidden opportunities for boaters. Key insights included:

• How marine insurance carriers are showing an expanding appetite for boat and yacht business - which is resulting in competitive pricing for customers
• How to avoid liability exposures by understanding what to look for at marine facilities and how to interpret hold harmless clauses required by those facilities
• How focusing on yacht valuation, navigation plans, and usage schedules can improve pricing and ensure appropriate and needed coverage is in place
• How to get credits for consolidating yacht, home, auto and umbrella insurance, and the advantages of a thorough, annual account review

Gowrie provides insurance, employee benefits, and financial services to individuals and businesses throughout the US, and specializes in marine insurance products and services.

The Burgee Program - Wherever Your Junior Sailors Go, Your Yacht Club is at Risk. The Burgee Program is the only comprehensive insurance program developed to meet the unique needs of all types of sailing organizations - yacht clubs, community programs, schools, classes, fleets, paper clubs, and more. Read more »

http://www.gowrie.com/pdfs/WP_Press_Release.pdf