PHILANTHROPY & SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS – PART 2
Superyachts to the rescue!
Following on from last week’s blog, ‘Philanthropy & Sustainability – Part 1’, this week will dive into a few more topics regarding superyacht philanthropy and sustainability. It will have a primary focus on the sensational superyachts that set sail to the Bahamas to help with the relief effort of devastating, hurricane Dorian. Overall, the superyacht industry has most definitely been taking more action ever in the last few months and it’s incredibly positive to witness. The process for change is happening in many ways, including eliminating single-use plastics, switching to green and in general, paying more attention.
In the recent events of the Bahamas being fronted by hurricane Dorian, several superyachts pledged to assist the relief effort set up by YachtAid global in collaboration with NEMA, World Hope International, CBS Bahamas and Sol Relief. Superyacht LOON was one of the first to load up with disaster relief volunteers and head to Marsh Harbour, one of the most impacted areas of Dorian. Accompanied by a cargo ship that was also packed with supplies, before LOON approached Marsh Harbour, disaster and rescue teams were deployed via tender to clear the pier. Joining LOON on their legendary journey were LAUREL, TURQUOISE, HOSPITALITY AND PERLA. It is incredible to see the superyacht industry rallying together during such a devastating time!
“We had a 9-hour rough passage from Nassau to Marsh Harbour. We transported many tons of aid loaded the previous day and 12 DART first responders. As we arrived in the Abaco our first sights as we cruised past the east coast of elbow cay was total devastation. Once anchored in Marsh we immediately ran our medics ashore with much needed urgent care equipment and supply’s they could carry. We then went about surveying the harbour so the larger supply vessels coming in behind us can dock. We also ran out to Elbow Cay to check on the locals and found them in good spirits. Marsh Harbour was not secure yesterday for us to unload the bulk of our provisions which we hope to do today. Donations are still desperately needed please hit our link in our bio to donate to @yachtaidglobal.” – Motor Yacht Loon Crew
In other sustainable news, thanks to the incredible crew onboard Ocean Alliance’s CA yachts, specific ecological and sustainable initiatives are being implemented to everyday crew life. These initiatives include using chemical-free products, re-filling dispensers instead of buying new bottles, using organic local food products and applying metal straws or none, all contribute to making our planet happier and healthier.
In 2018, SILENTWORLD was fortunate to win the Inaugural Australian Voyager Award for her 10-day itinerary undertaken in January in 2017. The yachts voyage aimed to discover shipwrecks previously undiscovered in the hope to preserve Australia’s maritime history. It was also a considerable effort to paint the nautical picture of indigenous and earlier colonised Australia. Setting out on the hope to find the Bona Vista and Hope, the judges felt the cruise included destinations in Australia that are not typically presented. It was a well-deserved win for superyacht, SILENTWORLD.
Overall, the superyacht industry is improving its environmental footprint onboard and it is exciting to see what further action unfolds overtime.
If you know a yacht or crew members doing something impressive to help take care of our planet, we would love to hear what it is! The more awareness and ideas spread is critical to moving forward to becoming greener!