conservation

The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound has filed a federal lawsuit against the Coast Guard, the latest in a series of suits against federal officials and agencies by groups opposing the planned Cape Wind offshore wind farm at Horseshoe Shoal that will include 130 windmills within sight of the shore.

The International SeaKeeper Society (ISKS) will hold its annual Bal de la Mer gala event in San Francisco this year, the first in 15 years hosted outside of Monaco. In another first, the ISKS has chosen to honor a group instead of an individual. The Sargasso Sea Alliance (SSA) will be recognized for its work preserving the oceans.

The International SeaKeepers Society has worked toward providing data to researchers since its inception in 1998. Different initiatives, projects and partnerships have developed over the years. The latest involves the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Suppliers and Drifters.

The 144-foot (44-meter) Green Voyager is a high-stakes project. Launched with fanfare at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show, it attracted lots of attention with its fresh styling by Axis Yacht Design and ambitious environmental goals. It was the first project of this size to try and achieve the RINA Green Star Plus designation.

Over Yonder Cay is the ultimate luxury retreat with renewable resources

Esthec’s parent company Bolidt is one of the “oldest” manufacturers of synthetic flooring materials. The boat decking that Esthec manufactures is based on a product that has been used in commercial shipping and cruise ships for more than 15 years.

The Italian Design and Engineering Company, Axis Group Yacht Design has announced the completion of the steel hull and aluminum superstructure of the 44-meter (144-foot) motoryacht Green Voyager.

You might think that by their very nature, sailing yachts would qualify as “green” machines. Who knew a vessel powered primarily by the wind could be judged greener still? The recently launched 164-foot (50-meter) Wally Better Place is the first sailing yacht to receive RINA’s Green Star environmental notation, in part, because she is equipped with the latest Siemens/Caterpillar diesel-electric propulsion system.

Fuel costs are on the rise again and while this may not be the biggest ticket item in a yacht’s operation, fuel efficiency still is a big deal for both private and charter yachts. In addition to economy, the yachting industry is also looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly and is experimenting with solutions like alternate fuels, hybrid engines and new types of propulsion.

The International SeaKeepers Society is looking for a few good yachts for a good cause. The group, long associated with installation of ocean data gathering instruments on superyachts, has announced the creation of what it calls the Scientific Vessel of Opportunity yacht fleet. The program offers yacht owners and crew the opportunity to host leading scientists on vital research missions aboard their yachts.