Carl Herndon, the late founder of Blackfin Yachts, has been named as the recipient of the 2025 Marine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award in Memory of Charles Chapman by the NMMA.
The posthumous award will be presented during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) annual Industry Breakfast on October 7 2025.
Carl, whose career spanned nearly seven decades, was best known as the founder of Blackfin Yachts and for his leadership roles at Bertram Yachts and Jupiter Marine International.
He began his career in the 1950s as a boatbuilder at Challenger Marine before advancing through senior roles at Glastron and Chrysler Boat Corp.
Carl left a remarkable legacy of craftsmanship, leadership, and service, one that has elevated the entire marine industry.
Frank Hugelmeyer
In 1968, he joined Bertram Yachts as production superintendent, where his engineering experience helped the company become a premier offshore name.
Decades later, he returned as president of Bertram, restoring the company’s profitability and reputation within a year.
Carl founded Blackfin Yachts, in the early 1970s, carving out a new market for high-performance offshore sportfishing boats.
Later, as president and CEO of Jupiter Marine International, he guided the design and production of premium center console boats.
Craftsmanship and mentorship
“My father dedicated his life to building boats, companies, and people,” said Carisa Albrecht, Carl’s daughter and chief executive officer of Jupiter Marine International.
“He believed that integrity, craftsmanship and mentorship were just as important as innovation, and he never wavered in his commitment to those values.
“Seeing him honoured with this award is a meaningful reminder of the legacy he leaves behind, not just in the boats he built, but in the many lives he touched throughout the marine industry.”
Alongside his company roles, Carl was president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, where he helped repeal diesel fuel taxes, secure sales tax exemptions, and supported economic impact studies that spurred the growth of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Marine industry
He was also appointed to the Florida Boating Advisory Council by Governor Lawton Chiles, advising on safety, access, and regulatory matters.
And through advisory roles with the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo and South Florida Fishing Classic, he championed tournament growth, conservation, and artificial reef initiatives.
“Carl left a remarkable legacy of craftsmanship, leadership, and service, one that has elevated the entire marine industry,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president and CEO.
“He exemplified the vision, integrity and dedication that this award represents, and we are proud to honour his lifetime of achievement.”
