ICON Yacht

Yacht and ocean experts convene to discuss the power of collaboration to advance marine research

Yacht and ocean experts convene to discuss the power of collaboration to advance marine research

Monaco Yacht Show 2024

At the close of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show,
a group of experts in yachting and ocean exploration gathered to discuss the power of collaboration within the yachting industry to advance marine research. In the historic Salon Churchill of Hotel de Paris, where notable historical figures have met to make global change including Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill himself, today’s changemakers for the Ocean discussed the urgency of research and conservation.

ICON Yachts, Proteus Ocean Group, The International SeaKeepers Society and Cookson Adventures committed to taking concrete steps to advance ocean exploration. ICON Yachts’ vessels will serve as platforms to facilitate discoveries, pushing the boundaries of understanding the planet’s vast oceans. The shared focus to lead the charge in advancing marine exploration and conservation efforts for generations to come served as a reminder that just as those who came before made bold strides, the exploration of our blue planet requires the same boldness and unity of purpose.

 

Micca Ferrero, owner of ICON Yachts, moderated a panel discussion featuring Aquanaut, Oceanographic Explorer and Founder of Proteus Ocean Group, Fabien Cousteau; Chairman of The International SeaKeepers Society, Jay Wade; and Nick Davies, managing director of Cookson Adventures. The conversation was structured to examine the ocean vertically, from surface level to its depths. The panel addressed the growing appetite among clients for exploration-focused yachting experiences. “We’ve seen a growing interest in ocean exploration,” said Davies. “Owners and charterers are looking to discover more remote regions, outside of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. There is a strong desire to travel with more purpose and meaning. That now often involves engaging with scientists and local conservationists so we can immerse clients into what is happening on the ground. For example, we have a couple honeymooning in Papua New Guinea and have just organized a month-long expedition along Greenland’s coast. We’re using these yachts as platforms to truly explore, which leads us into interesting conversations on how we can more effectively combine private adventure travel with advancing marine science.”
“SeaKeepers harnesses the immense power of the private yachting community to drive critical ocean research while these vessels venture into some of the most remote and uncharted regions of the world” said Jay Wade. “Through our DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet, we provide scientists access to areas that are rarely explored – the farthest shores, the deepest waters – opening new opportunities to crucial marine research. With partners like ICON Yachts, Cookson Adventures and Fabien Cousteau, we are poised to lead the next wave of ocean exploration and conservation. Now is the time to take bold steps together to advance the future of ocean science.” Fabien Cousteau called the group to action by stating, “If someone doesn’t take up the mantle to lead the charge—and by this I mean all of us—then we are not going to get anywhere with the traditional mentality. We have to go out there and explore. We have to look at the science and research and the data to create the solutions and to implement them, not just talk about it. Talking is great, stories are wonderful. They are meant to inspire. But, let’s take that next step.”
Following the panel discussion, an equally thought-provoking Q&A session was led by Paulo Veiga, Minister of Maritime Economy in Cabo Verde. “What if aliens came from the sea?” he posited. “Why are we not focusing on our Earth, but instead constantly looking outward?”. He challenged why human beings are so eager to explore what lies beyond the atmosphere, investing time and vast resources into space exploration, while neglecting our own Ocean. Ninety-five percent of the ocean remains unknown, and Veiga called for the group not to forget the depths of our own planet that are waiting to be discovered, with some of the greatest insights lying right beneath the surface. As the discussion concluded in the historic Salon Churchill, the collaboration between these leaders highlighted the need for bold action and unity in the exploration of our oceans. With their shared commitment, they are set to drive forward marine exploration and conservation efforts for future generations.