BOAT International Explorer Yachts Summit

Overview

The International SeaKeepers Society joined guests at the Yacht Club de Monaco for the BOAT International Explorer Yachts Summit on 13 November. BOAT’s editor-in-chief Stewart Campbell welcomed all and presented an analysis of the explorer market. A true highlight of the day was the keynote by Monty Halls in which he highlighted the importance of communities all taking a role in addressing global environmental challenges. The message was not to see conservation and exploration in isolation. To understand the vital role our industry can play. Gijs Sluik, owner of 36.8-metre Tecla, Eric Wittouck, captain of 54.9-metre expedition yacht Shinkai and EYOS founding partner Tim Soper discussed The Northwest Passage and shared updates on safety and regulations, cruising routes and how to visit the area responsibly. Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean's provided updates on the vessel which is now 195 metres and fully equipped to house “the most scientific equipment in the world.” Senior meteorologist Sebastian Wache talked about climate change and weather patterns across the world. He envisaged a future of a longer hurricane season, the increase of heat domes and weather systems that 'trap' weather fronts and will make summers in the Mediterranean more unpredictable; and windier conditions and storms in the polar regions. He said people believe climate change will make the polar regions easier to navigate, but the opposite may be true. "You might plan a trip through the Northwest Passage, only to find it blocked by windier conditions pushing floating ice into bays or straits, packing it tightly until it becomes too thick to pass," he explained.

The International SeaKeepers Society attended the BOAT International Explorer Yachts to learn about developments in the Explorer market and to network with the international explorer yacht community.