02/1990 - A petition letter and stability study was sent to USCG Marine Inspection Safety Office in Honolulu to support
their Investigation in capsizing and consider the reports recommendations.
06/1990 - The USCG completes Investigation and includes stability study with recommendations that it should apply to all
vessels and makes recommendation to USCG headquarters for response
06/1991 - In summary, the USCG Commandant recommended that the towing criteria in 46 CFR 173.095 would apply to
any parasail vessel applying for Coast Guard certification.
In 1991, Wayne Mitchell, the senior executive safety director for Walt Disney World resorts, contacted Mark McCulloh to evaluate Walt Disney
Worlds interest in expanding watersports on Bay Lake; more particularity parasailing using a the Gondola equipped Winchboat in a designated
area on Bay Lake (see map). Disney wanted McCulloh to assist them with implementing a parasailing program and overcoming the committees
concerns that a large boat would interfere with their 2 passenger sport boat traffic. McCulloh provided Mitchell and key Disney executives with
an evaluation study as well as provided a Winchboat for demonstration purposes on Bay Lake.
Mr. Wayne Mitchell wrote the training and safety manuals for Walt Disney, NAUI (National Association of Underwater Scuba
Instructors) and a "Defensive Boating Course" for law enforcement officers on the waterways. He was on the Board of
Directors for NAUI and listed as one of the top 99 scuba instructors in the United States. He also received the National Safety
Council's "Distinguished Service to Safety Award." He received national awards from The National Safe Boating Council, U.S.
Coast Guard, the and NAUI.
In 1992, Mark McCulloh Applies for Patent on his new Rotating Line Guide
In 1993, Mark McCulloh re-tooled the popular Nordic Ascender Winchboat to accommodate the gondola passenger support systems. The first
prototype was tested on Bay Lake at Walt Disney World by invitation of Disney executives and safety support team leaders who participated in
demonstration rides.
In 1994, In early 1994, Mark Traber re-designed the Ocean Pro 31’ from its predecessor. The original 30’ hull design named “RYBO RUNNER”
was built back in the 80’s by the legendary Rybovich & Sons yacht builders. Traber partnered with Rob and Pam Guarini along with Mark
Larson to form Commercial Water Sports which has become the largest commercial parasail boat manufacturing company in the world.
1982
1994
2010
In 1994, Mark McCulloh was the first to design and produce self-contained Winchboat conversion kits that including all of the operational
components that could be retrofitted any vessel and transform it into a parasail winchboat.
In 1994, Mark McCulloh develops a fiberglass composite Skyrider Gondola that was lighter than the metal version with increased buoyancy. It
also was equipped with a waterproof storage compartment which was possible to incorporate a surround sound system and lighting for night
parasailing. The new Skyrider Gondola made its debut commercially at Walt Disney World
Night Parasail at Walt Disney World
Night Parasail at Walt Disney World
In 1990, After several Winchboats capsized in Hawaii. Mark McCulloh funded an exhaustive study by the world renowned marine architecture
firm of James S. Krogen Co. - Naval Architects & Marine Engineers; to evaluate the stability of parasail vessels. The petition letter requested
the USCG require that all parasail winchboats meet with 46 CFR 173.095. One of the benefits of this rule would address towline strength as it
relates to the vessels ability to remain upright when towing. There were three steps to this process in order for the USCG Commandant to
officially accept recommendations.
In 1994, After a successfully demonstrating to Disneys executive team including Al Weiss (President), Frank Ioppolo (General Counsel) and
other Senior Officials. McCulloh entered into a four (4) year participant agreement with Walt Disney World to operate the worlds first
commercial parasail concession on property located at the Contemporary resorts. After his contract expired in 1998, McCulloh was offered a
ten year renewal, but would have to provide additional water sports services, water skiing etc... McCulloh respectfully declined their offer.
Welcome to the
Parasail Safety Council Website
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Parasail Safety Council
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