SOCIETY STORIES

Yacht Professionals Gather in Support of the Sea

A large group of yachting professionals, media, and industry raised both money and awareness for marine conservation at the 2nd Annual SeaKeepers Soiree, just prior to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Held on the Intracoastal Waterway at Grille 66, the sold-out affair offered not only extraordinary views and spectacular cuisine, but also the unique opportunity for a firsthand examination and explanation of the SeaKeeper 1000™ monitoring system. The event raised money for SeaKeepers Professionals which, among several programs, is supporting the installation of these systems in the name of professional yacht crew and industry. The 2nd Annual SeaKeepers Soirée, which attracted nearly 200 ­­people, succeeded in finishing what was started the previous year – the purchase of a SeaKeeper 1000 TM ocean, atmosphere and climate system that is currently being installed at Port Everglades. This system is being donated to the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University on behalf of all the captains and crew and yachting industry members who make up SeaKeepers Professionals.

(l-r) The crew of M/Y Pure Bliss at the 2nd Annual SeaKeepers Soiree,
including Bosun Rob Fisher, Capt. Sandra Yawn, Chef Sally Afshinpour,
Stew Rente Dimtrova and Chief Officer Rob Owen.

The evening’s program was highlighted by an enthusiastic speech by Captains Advisory Council member Capt. Bart van der Horst, of M/Y Silver Lining. He stressed the importance of SeaKeepers and involvement by captains and crew, saying, “SeaKeepers allows us to give back to the oceans on which we make our home and our living. SeaKeepers Professionals allows captains and crew to work together with the rest of the yachting community towards the common goal of restoring and protecting our oceans.”

Captains Advisory Council member Capt. Bart van der Horst, of M/Y Silver Lining,
stressed the importance of SeaKeepers and crew improvement.

This outstanding event was made possible due to the support of generous industry sponsors, including Island Global Yachting, Dockwise Yacht Transport, International Yacht Collection, Moore & Company, National Marine Suppliers, Atlass Insurance, The Sacks Group, SeaMobile, Brownies Yacht Diver, Yantai-Raffles, and Claire’s Marine Outfitters. Media sponsors included Dockwalk and The Triton. ACES Land and Sea, Global Marine Travel, Bimini Boatyard and Rybovich added to the festivity, and to the money raised, by donating items to the exciting silent auction.