Laura is a fifth generation Floridian and has been surrounded by both the yachting industry and marine insurance for her entire life. Her family founded and owned the Merrill-Stevens Shipyard, where she grew up in and around boats and boating. Her career in yacht insurance spans over 30 years. Laura has worked as a broker at Lloyd’s, as an underwriter, and manager, developing insurance programs for some of the best yacht insurance specialty agencies in the United States. Her knowledge and experience in the yacht insurance industry makes her sought after as an expert witness as well as a speaker.
Laura is the Director of Yacht Insurance for Newcoast, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, San Diego, and Antibes.
Laura grew up on the water in Miami boating in Biscayne Bay. She enjoys sailing, boating, snorkeling, and all time spent on the water. She is also an avid golfer and all things outdoors.
Laura’s already been working with ISS as a member of the sponsorship committee and looks forward to working with the organization as a board member.
Industry Accomplishments:
Recipient of the Outstanding Mariner Award for Lifetime Service by the Fort Lauderdale Mariner’s Club. Past Skipper of the Fort Lauderdale Mariner’s Club
Past Chairman of the Fort Lauderdale Mariner’s Club Marine Seminar
Past Member of the Orange Bowl Committee
Past Chairman of the Orange Bowl Youth Sailing Regatta
Past Member Board of Directors, Shake-A-Leg Miami
Member of ISS, IYBA, USSA, and The Marine Council
Member of the Seakeepers Women’s Ocean Advocacy Council
Speaker for the IYBA Yacht Sales and The Law Seminar (6 years)
Speaker for the US Superyacht Association Summit (4 years)
Speaker for the American Institute of Marine Underwriters seminar on Yacht Insurance
Articles Published in DockWalk, Triton, World Superyacht Review, Rough Notes, and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents Annual Report