Sail America, the trade association for the US sailing industry, has announced its new president and the 2012 executive committee and board of directors.

The Sail America board of directors has elected Josh Adams, publisher of SAIL Magazine, to serve as its president. Adams has served on the Sail America board since 2007 and has been active on various committees throughout his tenure. Most recently, he was vice president of Association (2009-11).

“I’m honored to serve as Sail America President,” said Adams. “The Sail America Board of Directors is an impressive group of market leaders across all segments of the sailing industry, and I’m pleased to be on their team. We have an ambitious schedule of initiatives planned this year for Sail America, including our new partnership with the South West International Boat Show, Strictly Sail Pacific, the 2012 Sailing Industry Conference and a brand new website, all of which are designed to promote the health and growth of sailing.”

Adams replaces outgoing president, Sally Helme, publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines, who served as president in 2010 and 2011.

The 2012 Executive Committee consists of:

• President: Josh Adams, SAIL Magazine
• Treasurer/secretary:  Eric Braitmayer, IMTRA.
• Vice president of Shows: Greg Emerson, Hunter Marine
• Vice President of Association: Stanton Murray, Murray Yacht Sales
• Vice President Marketing: Jay Stockmann, Vetus/Maxwell
• Past President: Sally Helme, Cruising World and Sailing World magazines
• Executive Director: Jonathan Banks, Sail America

The 2012 Board of Directors include returning members Carl Blackwell of NMMA, Bob Bitchin of Latitudes & Attitudes, Jack Gierhart of US SAILING, Bill Mosher of Forespar, Bob Buckborough of West Marine, Kevin Coughlin of New England Ropes, Jeff Johnstone of J Boats, plus new members; Jahn Tihansky of the U.S. Naval Academy and Scott West of Ronstan USA.

“We have a very strong leadership team in place and look forward to another successful year,” said Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks. “We so appreciate the enormous contributions of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and numerous committees and volunteers, all of whom are critical to the success of Sail America and to our mission to grow and promote sailing.”

In addition, Sail America recently recognized outgoing board members Bill Goggins of Harken, Wayne Burdick of Beneteau USA, and Van Perry of TUI Marine for their collective contributions that have helped Sail America to achieve its goals.