For the past 25 years, the International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation and preservation. Throughout the years, it further has honored ocean advocates like Victor Vescovo, Fabien Cousteau and his father Jean-Michel Cousteau, and more. Some of those ocean advocates, who further include superyacht owners, will be at the upcoming Bal de la Mer gala for the non-profit.
The gala, an annual event, doesn’t just bring together those who value the health of the oceans. In fact, it spotlights the work of superyacht owners and crew who donate their yachts to the cause. Their yachts are part of SeaKeepers’ Discovery Yachts program, which assists scientists and researchers. Participating yacht owners donate time onboard in specific regions where the scientists and researchers need the most help. Simultaneously, owners and crew get to meet and learn from some of the world’s leading minds. They can even get directly involved in the data collection—and ultimately ocean preservation.
Additionally, the Bal de la Mer spotlights individuals who are committed to educating others about the importance of the natural world. For example, Amos Nachoum (pictured), a renowned wildlife photographer and explorer, received the SeaKeeper of the Year award in 2019. For four decades, he’s been on a mission to dispel the notion of “dangerous wildlife.” Simultaneously, he’s been pioneering ways for people to have close encounters, safely, with everything from orcas to leopard seals. He uses these experiences and his camera to raise awareness about conservation’s importance.
In fact, most recently he dove with and photographed a polar bear mother and her two cubs (above). A movie about Nachoum’s career includes footage of the interactions. He’s one of just five people worldwide to dive with polar bears. For comparison, 12 people have landed on the moon.
The gala takes place on October 25, at the Four Seasons hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Megayacht News is a media sponsor for the event.
Bal de la Mer seakeepers.org/bal-de-la-mer-2023
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