The Future is Blue
Being in such breathtaking surroundings as the Bahamas, it’s more important than ever to think about our impact on such regions.
This was the message that came out of a recent trip with Sunseeker to discuss their partnership with BLUE Marine Foundation.
Getting an early start, we boarded our Cessna Grand Caravan and flew into Staniel Cay. A quick tender ride away and we were shown to our new home for a few days, Sunseeker's one of newest 116 foot models, Lost Boys. A tasteful interior and ample use of her two decks makes you feel as though you have never left land. We could have easily been in a high end apartment but instead we were on a floating oasis miles from shore. From the foredeck to the aft, you can spend an entire trip without seeing other guests.
With the carbon emissions crisis at the forefront of our minds, it was refreshing to see a commitment from fellow Sunseeker owners and other ambassadors of the BLUE Marine Foundation in action. Speaking with Bryan Jones, Marketing Manager of Sunseeker International, he was excited to share more information on the long term goals of the new partnership:
“Our long-term association with BLUE is timely as we are often asked by our owners how they can be involved in protecting the environments we all boat in, whether that be in the Americas, the Mediterranean or further afield. Some things we can all do really quickly and simply like stop using single-use plastics on board whilst other projects we are about to announce involve entire communities, local governments, tourism authorities and boaters to improve marine environments for the benefit of all. I would be delighted if every boater observed BLUE’s simple Marine Charter and possibly joined the virtual Blue Marine Yacht Club where your donation goes directly to supporting this incredible charity.”
The Blue Marine Yacht Club was launched in 2012 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco with members playing an active role in conservation and protection of our oceans. Sunseeker fully endorses the virtual yacht club and encouragers fellow owners to become a member and leader in the conservation.
The UK-based charity brings the crisis faced by overfishing to the world, and as a result of this partnership, increases awareness of ocean conservation by encouraging people to think about the oceans and their impact on them, and to take action to save our most valuable resource.
Clare Brook, CEO of Blue Marine Foundation, said: “Sunseeker’s inspirational and generous support will enable BLUE to make real progress in its work to protect more of the world’s oceans. We hope that through this partnership, Sunseeker and their clients – people who really love and understand the sea – will be able to enjoy its unspoiled beauty for generations to come.”
Along with the above, BLUE’s vital projects also include the marine reserve in Ascension Island, protection and restoration of the natural shellfish populations in the Solent, sustainable fishing in the Aeolian Islands and ocean plastic waste clean-ups in the Med.
Even onboard Lost Boys, there was a commitment to protecting the environment while not affecting the overall charter experience for their guests. From smart lighting and using locally sourced items from the sea and locals, to carrying out beach clean ups nearby where we anchored, it was refreshing to see this shift in the industry trickling down to all aspects.
Over the coming months Sunseeker will announce further projects to promote BLUE globally, including a launch event in Menorca where owners are welcome to join a week of events and projects in support of an all new marine conservation zone.
A winter escape to paradise that also leaves a smaller carbon footprint? What more could you want from a holiday?
For further information on BLUE, please visit their website and for charter inquiries onboard Lost Boys, please contact James Lloyd Jones at Viare Yacht Management.
