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MIAMI BEACH (February 16, 2012) – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) recognized Ralph Lambrecht, whose distinguished career spans 60 years in the boating industry, as the recipient of this year’s Charles F. Chapman Award. Lambrecht received the award today at the Annual State of the Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast held at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail.

First established in 1977, the Chapman Award recognizes individuals or groups that have provided consistent promotion and protection of the sport of boating and its benefits to both the recreational boating industry and the public. The award, presented each year during the Miami show, includes a $1,000 donation to a marine-oriented organization of the recipient’s choice.

An industry veteran of 62 years, Lambrecht is an author, historian and renowned expert on boats, marine engines and safety standards. He spent 36 years with Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), where he developed numerous patents on boats and marine engines, as well as building two world-record speed boats. Actively involved with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) throughout his career, one of his greatest achievements was the restructuring of ABYC’s technical committees in the mid-1970s, a system which remains in place today.

“Ralph has left an indelible mark on recreational boating during his six decades in the marine industry,” says Jason Pajonk-Taylor, NMMA chairman, who presented the award to Lambrecht. “He’s a true industry pioneer who has been committed to improving marine products and safety standards, while promoting the joys of boating.”

Following his retirement from OMC in 1987, Lambrecht remained active in the boating industry. He was selected to represent the U.S. in the International Standards Organization (ISO), where he was a convener for seven working groups (the most by a single individual) and responsible for the development of 15 ISO standards during his 20-year tenure. Lambrecht also contributed numerous articles to Boat & Motor Dealer between 1988 and 2008.

He has remained active in ABYC and was recently one of the first to be appointed to the ABYC Technical Board Emeritus.

As part of the Charles F. Chapman Award, NMMA will donate $1,000 to the non-profit organization of Lambrecht’s choice, which is the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).

About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit NMMA.org.