The International SeaKeepers Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting oceanographic research and education, celebrated its 25th Anniversary in October at its annual Bal de la Mer at the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Attending guests enjoyed an evening of celebration with guests of honor, Fabien Cousteau, 2015 SeaKeeper of the Year; Amos Nachoum, 2019 SeaKeeper of the Year; and yachting celebrity captain Sandy Yawn.
The cocktail hour featured a silent auction; a virtual reality experience made from several SeaKeepers expeditions; and a mural about marine life containing QR coding for species identification which will be used for educational outreach. Robinson’s Jewelers were on-site supporting with 10 percent of sale proceeds being donated back to SeaKeepers.
Master of Ceremonies Louis Aguirre from local TV station WPLG 10 opened the stage program to recognize the yacht owners, captains and ocean scientists who have contributed to the mission of SeaKeepers. Emcee Chris Fischer, who hosted the second part of the program, welcomed Platinum Sponsor, YATCO’s Founder & CEO, Steven J. Myers, and Guests of Honor who highlighted their participation and association with the SeaKeepers’ mission.
Vessel representatives who participated in programming during 2023 and were in the audience, received a thank-you gift crafted by Lauren Shapiro, 2023 SeaKeeper Artist of the Year. These were presented on stage by Tony Gilbert, Chief Programs Officer.
“Throughout the past quarter-century, SeaKeepers has undertaken a remarkable journey, one that has united the yachting and academic communities in an unwavering commitment to protect and preserve our planet’s most precious resource—our ocean,” said Jay Wade, Board Chair of The International SeaKeepers Society. “As we reflect, we acknowledge the significant role that our program partners, Discovery Fleet, and supporters have played in making our achievements possible. We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and our commitment to protecting the ocean remains steadfast. Together, we have embarked on incredible journeys of discovery and research, turning luxury yachts and other types of platforms into vessels of knowledge and exploration. We can continue to make a profound impact on the health and sustainability of our ocean for generations to come.”
SeaKeepers would like to thank the following supporters & sponsors for this event: Platinum Sponsor, YATCO; Invitation Sponsor, Moore & Co.; Sustainability Sponsor, Bradford Marine; Annual Travel Sponsor, Global Marine Travel; Science Sponsors, Florida Atlantic University, Georgia Aquarium and JMS Yachting; Entertainment Sponsor, Oversea Yacht Insurance and Vision Sponsor, Navier.
For In-Kind Support, SeaKeepers would like to thank the following companies: Cairlinn Bay, Calirosa, Cooper’s Hawk, Dos Hombres, Hampton Water, Lunetta, NDO H2O, Papa’s Pilar, Primo Liquors, Sip Channé, Smallwood’s & Tequila Travesuras.
SeaKeepers would also like to thank our year-round media partners for their ongoing support of our mission and events: Ballyhoo Media, British Marine, Charter World, Coral Gables Magazine, Excellence Luxury Magazine, Haute Living, International Yacht Brokers Association, Marine Industry News, Meridian, Megayacht News, Ocean Media, Superyacht Services Guide, Triton News, Venü Magazine, Yachts International, Yacht Style & YATCO.
Click here to view the full gallery from the event
About The International SeaKeepers Society
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization 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 a primary focus for ensuring the well-being 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 25 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 Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
SeaKeepers is a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission and support 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 United Kingdom, and the South Pacific.
For more information: seakeepers.org
