Siren’s song lures Banks

Jonathan Banks was recently named chief operating officer of Siren Marine. Banks brings a lifelong passion for sailing to his new position. After spending four years circumnavigating the globe on a 57-foot sailboat, Banks moved on to work for New England Ropes and Thule. He served as the executive director for Sail America for six years and prior to his role at Siren Marine, Banks was the executive director for the Providence Boat Show. He holds a BEC/HND in business studies from Brighton University and he is a certified Royal Yachting Association Offshore Yachtmaster.

What made you decide to go on a four-year circumnavigation?

After spending the first 10 years of my career in the telecommunications industry, I took off a few months prior to starting an MBA program in the U.K. to sail on a friend’s boat in the Caribbean. Shortly after returning home, I received a call out of the blue from the owner of a Swan 57 who was looking for a new skipper. Despite my plans to go back to school, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I just couldn’t miss. Within five days of meeting the owner, I was on a plane to the Mediterranean to embark on a circumnavigation of the world.

Could you tell me more about your experience with Sail America?

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From 2006 to 2012, I was the executive director of Sail America, the national trade association for the sailing industry. … I produced 15 sailboat shows, created the annual Sailing Industry Conference, ran the award-winning Discover Sailing program and helped unite and strengthen the sailing industry.

What are some of Siren Marine’s plans for growth as the industry begins to focus on mobile-oriented technologies?

As we move toward a more connected world – with smart cars, automated homes and billions of connected devices – Siren Marine is pioneering the connected boat. We are developing new products, apps and services that will allow private-boat owners and fleet operators to better monitor and control their vessels. •

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