Apparel brand J Slocum adds five members to advisory board

01 Jul '14

3 min read

In advance of the launch of its new apparel and accessories line, J. Slocum has named its advisory board. This panel will provide guidance regarding product development, marketing communications, pricing and brand strategy for the new line which will feature high-end products and builds on the legacy of Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail around the world alone. The advisory board members are Simon Edwards, Mark Myers, Lloyd Cooper, Holly Vrotsos and Renee Bench.

Simon Edwards is a delivery captain at Endurance Yacht Deliveries. He has crossed the Atlantic six times, including single-handedly, and has made numerous trips to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Gulf of Mexico, most recently sailing from Annapolis to England.

Mark Myers is President of Atlantic Arts, Inc. and the Past Commodore of the Annapolis Yacht Club. He is Co-Chair of the Annapolis Newport Race 2015, a former US Sailing Sr. Judge and Umpire, and former Regatta Chairman of the Columbus Cup Regatta. Mark has been racing and cruising in boats since 1975, including extensive racing in the Chesapeake, and cruising in New England and the Caribbean.

Originally from England, Lloyd Cooper is a yacht broker with Forbes Horton in Annapolis, Maryland, specializing in blue water sailing boats. He has a comprehensive knowledge of yacht design, rigging and long-distance cruise equipment. Lloyd has sailed to the Caribbean and delivered boats up and down the Eastern seaboard.

Born in Boston, Holly Vrotsos is a lifelong sailor. Her career includes chartering, yacht delivery and ocean racing. She has more than 60,000 miles on various vessels as a captain, chef/mate and crew member. On the Slocum advisory board, Holly provides valuable insight and recommendations regarding product design and development.

Renee Bench is President of Benchworks, a full service marketing communications firm in Chestertown, Maryland. Renee serves on several boards in Chestertown, including the Kent Association of Riding Therapy, the Chester River Association, and the Library Foundation.

Benchworks, marketing partner for J. Slocum, planned the first meeting of the advisory board which was held in Annapolis, Maryland on May 20. The group discussed and decided on topics which ranged from defining the brand promise, identifying target demographics, and products to be included in the new line. The logo design and visual identity package are in development.

“The work done behind the scenes is very important to launching a successful brand,” said Tracy Slocum, direct descendant of Joshua Slocum. “We appreciate the wisdom and guidance of this very accomplished group.”

J. Slocum

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