Quantum Marine Stabilizers is supporting the industry’s future during this year’s Quantum Spin-A-Thon on Saturday, March 21 at its Fort Lauderdale headquarters. Funds raised during this year’s event will be directed towards initiatives that help address the shortages of skilled crafts people and crew training. This includes programs focused on promoting and educating audiences currently unaware of the career opportunities, apprenticeships, and training pathways for future yacht and marine professionals. “The industry is suffering from a shortage of crewmembers and shipyard personnel for quite some time,” said Katie Ross, Quantum’s business development manager. “Many known industry leaders are starting to reach retirement age, and if we don’t acknowledge and address these issues, it will be too late.” Quantum partnered with Captain Sandy’s Charities and other maritime training platforms to support the engagement and training mission of the Spin-A-Thon. Quantum also created a “State of the Maritime Industry” report highlighting key statistics that underscore the purpose and urgency behind the event. Number of retirement-eligible staff is projected to increase, from 24% in 2024 to 43% by calendar year 2029 Significant portion of the workforce, particularly those in leadership roles, will be retiring within the next 10-15 years Industry market research notes that projects are taking 20-30% longer to complete compared with five years ago due to lack of qualified skilled labor 54-80% of shipbuilding companies report significant skills gaps 40% struggle to recruit skilled labor, pointing to core shortages in trades central to yacht shipyard operations “The organizations that we partnered with for this event was based on a lot of research, ‘ChatGPT advice,’ and speaking with several marine industry people, in the U.S. and Europe,” Ross said. “As we build on our success and advance the mission, we will remain open to new partnerships and training platforms.” From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants will ride sponsored stationary bikes in timed intervals with the energy they generate recorded in kilojoules (kJ). At the end of the event, the bike that generates the highest total kJ is recognized as the winning team, while the individual rider with the highest kJ output in a single half-hour session is also recognized. The format keeps energy high, encourages friendly competition, and lets supporters easily track progress with a team spirit. achievements, connect with fellow attendees, and continue supporting the cause through bidding and donations. Triton asked Ross what she hopes a successful Spin-A-Thon looks like. “Being able to fund educational platforms that extend to Europe and other high schools and colleges within the U.S. Ensure proper messaging to engage young talent and heighten the awareness of the marine industry as a viable career path,” Ross said. “Captain Sandy’s Charities plays a huge role, with 12 million followers which includes the Beyond the Docks, a successful platform promoting the marine industry. In addition, we are striving to use the training platforms to offer scholarships to qualified candidates, lower the barrier to entry for those who show promise, but perhaps do not have the means.” This year marks Quantum’s second Spin-A-Thon, building on the success of its 2024 debut, where a strong sense of community helped create a meaningful and rewarding experience for attendees, sponsors, and the beneficiaries of the donations. “The last Spin-a-Thon benefited Task Force Dagger, providing assistance to wounded, ill or injured U.S. Special Operations Command members and their families,” Ross said. “They have impacted the lives of so many who have sacrificed so much for the country. Hearing and sharing their stories had an incredible impactful those in attendance.” Click here for more information on how to participate or become a sponsor.