More than 240 guests gathered in Fort Lauderdale for an evening recognizing ocean conservation leaders and celebrating the global yachting community’s contributions to marine research and conservation.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (November 2026) – The International SeaKeepers Society welcomed more than 240 guests to its annual Founders Event on Thursday, October 29, at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Bringing together members of the yachting, scientific, philanthropic and conservation communities, the evening celebrated the individuals and organizations advancing marine research and ocean conservation around the world.
The annual gala recognized the leadership, dedication and contributions of individuals whose work and support continue to strengthen ocean conservation efforts and connect the yachting community with marine science.
Recognizing the 2026 Honorees
The evening celebrated three outstanding individuals for their contributions to ocean conservation, marine restoration and the arts:
- Christina Lotter, 2026 SeaKeeper of the Year, recognized for 15 years of dedication, leadership and support of The International SeaKeepers Society.
- Dr. Shelby Thomas, 2026 NextGen Awardee, recognized for her work advancing marine restoration and conservation through Ocean Rescue Alliance International.
- Sandra H. Camper, 2026 SeaKeeper Artist of the Year, recognized for her contributions as an artist and her support of ocean conservation through the arts.
SeaKeepers extends its sincere thanks to all three honorees for joining us at Founders 2026 and for their continued contributions to our mission.
Celebrating the DISCOVERY Fleet
Founders 2026 also recognized the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Fleet, a global community of privately owned recreational vessels that provides essential support for SeaKeepers’ marine research, conservation and education programs around the world.
More than 30 DISCOVERY Fleet vessels were represented at the event, with over 60 vessel representatives in attendance to receive awards recognizing their contributions. Their participation highlights the important role yacht owners and the wider boating community play in supporting scientists, facilitating research expeditions and advancing ocean conservation.
Thank You to Our Event Partners
The International SeaKeepers Society extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make Founders 2026 a success.
A special thank you to GSM Charity Auctions, Inc. for producing and presenting the silent and live auctions throughout the evening. Their support helped bring our auction program to life and create additional opportunities to support SeaKeepers’ mission.
We are also grateful to our event sponsors Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club, Smallwood’s Yachtwear, Starboard Card and Intact Insurance for their generous support.
Thank you to our auction sponsors and donors who contributed items to the silent and live auctions in support of our mission.
We also extend our appreciation to our media partners for helping share the event and SeaKeepers’ work with a wider audience.
Finally, thank you to our guests, members, volunteers and partners for joining us and celebrating the collective impact of the global SeaKeepers community.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organisation that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-seven years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Programme which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom.
VISIT WEBSITE — SEAKEEPERS.ORG