History
The story behind the establishment of Anchor Marine Risk Consulting, in the words of John B. Wenz, AMS, Founder:
“After a long and varied career in the recreational marine industry (see details below), I joined ACE Recreational Marine Insurance in 2014 as Senior Surveyor. Ultimately, I would be the last in a long line of staff marine surveyors to be associated with that book of business. I worked alongside a number of very experienced underwriters, providing insight and support to assist them in making good underwriting decisions. I performed risk assessments in the field, I interpreted marine survey reports, I provided input regarding submissions and renewals, and I provided internal training and a variety of other services and functions. In fact, I did most of the things that are now being offered by Anchor Marine Risk Management, and I’m certain that they brought significant value to the company. I also had the chance to see the rec marine business from another side, and to build relationships with underwriters from other insurance companies.
In the meantime, I watched the recreational marine insurance industry go through turbulent times. Rates are low, and many of the players had begun to stop writing new business. At the same time, my own experience gave me insight into how much the recreational marine business had changed. New pleasure boats, in general, continue to become larger and more complex. Production of “entry level” size boats has gone down, and the growth of the mega yacht business continues. The existing fleet, while continuing to age, becomes more susceptible to problems. There seem to be fewer “hands-on” owners these days- our busy world allows limited time to really learn the intricacies of operation and maintenance. Society is evolving, and so is the behavior of boat owners and crews, and how they use their boats.
The bottom line is that the boating world of today is vastly different, and the risks and hazards are far more complex, than it was when I took my first job as paid yacht crew. Meanwhile, it’s become difficult for decision makers to possess all of the necessary expertise to make informed decisions, and impossible to keep on top of ongoing changes. For example, I was surprised to learn that underwriting files for mega yachts often don’t include Class or Flag status!
Clearly, a need exists for the experience, expertise, and up-to-date knowledge to enable rec marine insurance decision makers to accurately assess risks and to make proper underwriting decisions that have a substantial, positive impact on profitability. A review of industry trade publications and other media will confirm that my observations are consistent with the opinions of trade journalists and other experts in the rec marine segment.”
Get in touch
We at Anchor Marine Risk Management understand the changing world of recreational boating and how risks are evolving. We know that finding the right input and advice for your team can have a tremendous impact on your bottom line. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
Book an appointment ▸
Our Team
president & Principle consultant
John B. Wenz, SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor
John B. Wenz was boating as a child on the bays and creeks along the south shore of Long Island, New York. He began sailing professionally while a cadet at the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler where he earned a BS degree in Marine Transportation Management and a USCG license as a deck officer on ships of unlimited tonnage upon oceans.
Over a twenty-five year span, Wenz would develop an impressive resume of cruising and racing experience as captain or crew of a variety of sail and motor yachts, including several with considerable historic or industry notoriety. Besides numerous ocean passages and transits of the Intracoastal Waterway, he has operated yachts and small commercial vessels in US Ports on East, West, and Gulf Coasts, Hawaii, and the Caribbean as well as on inland Lakes and Waterways.
John Wenz is an accomplished project manager who has served as build captain for new construction, restoration, and major yacht re-fits. He has operated new and used boat dealerships, set-up dock facilities, and advised clients in a variety of marina, recreational boating and excursion boat business ventures. His communication skills and experience include teaching hundreds of students in sailing, navigation, and boat handling. In addition, he is a published magazine journalist and a writer, producer, and host of online boat testing and review videos and other web content as well as a seasoned public speaker.
At the helm
Wenz has successfully completed a number of unique and challenging projects through the course of his career. He served as tender captain and coordinator of on-the-water support and logistics for Dennis Conner’s successful “Stars & Stripes” 1987 America’s Cup team in Western Australia. He was a principal in Australian SWATH Craft, Pty. Ltd., a consulting project on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy (S.W.A.T.H. stands for Small Water Plane Area Twin Hull vessels). He executed the mechanical systems installations on historic Herreshoff yachts and has handled the loading and shipment of yachts on board a variety ships. In 2006 he served as co-skipper of the solar-powered catamaran “Sun 21” on the East Coast leg of her voyage from Basel, Switzerland to New York. Wenz originated the proposed “Clermont II” hybrid solar vessel project in New York and has provided support to the PlanetSolar circumnavigation.
Captain John B. Wenz is an Accredited Marine Surveyor and Mentor member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. He was sole proprietor of JB Wenz, Marine Survey & Consulting prior to joining ACE Recreational Marine Insurance in 2014. Wenz has served as chairman of the Riverfront Revitalization Committee in the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, and sat on the Boards of the Hudson Valley Marine Trades Association and The Empire State Marine Trades Association. In addition, John Wenz is a USA Hockey Certified Level 5 coach and serves as a “Trainer” for youth sports coaches, parents, and student athletes on behalf of the Positive Coaching Alliance. He also serves as Treasurer for Teen Cultures Connect, a non-for-profit organization with the mission to provide teens the opportunity to meet and connect quickly with their peers from around the world through the common language of shared interests.
Education
SUNY Maritime College
B.A., Marine Transportation Mgmnt
Affiliations
AMS, Mentor, Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors
USCG Licensed Ship Officer, Unlimited Tons
American Boat & Yacht Council
Recent Activities
Panel Moderator, 2018 FLLMC
Speaker, 2018 Tampa Bay Mariner’s Club
Speaker, 2018 NAMS National Conference
Speaker, 2018 SAMS IMEC
Speaker, 2019 SAMS IMEC
Partners
Anchor Marine Risk Management has associates and affiliates in virtually all relevant areas of the recreational marine industry. Our contacts reach worldwide, and if we don’t know the expert who can give you the best advice, we know someone who does. From our network of the best Marine Surveyors, to Marine Engineers, Fire Investigators, Mechanical Forensic Specialists, Naval Architects, etc., we can quickly provide solutions or advice to meet your needs.