Celebration with Bal de la Mer at the Four Seasons Hotel in Florida.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 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.
The International SeaKeepers Society has celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the “Bal de la Mer” on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 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.
SeaKeepers thanks the year-round media partners for the ongoing support of their mission and events, as Excellence Luxury Magazine.
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% of sale proceeds being donated back to SeaKeepers.
Master of Ceremonies Louis Aguirre from WPLG 10 local station opened the stage program to recognize leadership, 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, Fabien Cousteau, Amos Nachoum, and Captain Sandy Yawn 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.
Jay Wade, Board Chair of The International SeaKeepers Society declares: “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. 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”.
