On Thursday the 2nd of November, the International SeaKeepers Society hosted its annual Founders event during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Hosted at the waterfront home of Tom and Katia Bates, the event honoured the vessels that took part in the 2016-2017 Discovery Yachts Programming, which included education outreach missions, scientist-led expeditions and instrument deployments.
Glen Allen, Molly Knows and Michael Saylor
Among the special guests at the event was Captain Sandra Yawn from Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, who spoke about her experience working with SeaKeepers, and Captain Paul Watson, Founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Other special guests included Honorary Chair of Founders 2017 Michael Saylor of Fleet Miami, Alaxander W. Dreyfoos, who was the 2016 recipient of the SeaKeeper Award, and 2015 SeaKeeper recipient Fabien Costeau.
A video of the 2016-2017 DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet showcased the vital work SeaKeepers has achieved so far in conserving the world’s oceans and promoting scientific research. Yachts involved in the video included Advisors Alliance, ANGARI, Asean Lady, Exuma, Harle, Katherine, Lady Olivia, LoJo, Luzerne, Paraffin, Sam, Shredder, The Admiral, Timely Sale and World Odyssey.
Captain Sandra Yawn and Richard Snow
“SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and to raise awareness about global ocean issues.” The not-for-profit organisation has strong ties to the superyacht community, with members donating time, resources and yachts to ensure ongoing research and conservation.
Founders 2017
Most recently, Discovery Yacht Timely Sale was involved with water sampling tests in Biscayne Bay in September, while D/Y Shredder had its first collaboration with the Miami Sea Aquarium in August, showing school children aged 6-10 the work that the vessel and its crew undertake.
CharterWorld is a media partner to the International SeaKeepers Society, whose mission is to “…promote oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community.
