ocean matters

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.

MS Turanor PlanetSolar, the world’s largest, solar-powered yacht ever constructed, made its first U.S. stopover on June 3rd at Sunset Harbour Yacht Club (SHYC) in Miami, FL., South Florida’s only five-star, green marina.

On March 23, the Yachts International Lake Pavilion at the Palm Beach Boat Show was the venue for the kick-off party for the new foundation, Ports of Cause (POC). The primary sponsors of the event were Active Interest Media and Element Financial.

During the Palm Beach International Boat Show, the International SeaKeepers Society honored one more one of its longest supporters and founding members—yacht owner Alexander Dreyfoos.

If you think electric power means giving up your need for speed, you are in for a surprise. On day one of the Miami International Boat Show, Cigarette and Mercedes AMG unveiled their new designs—the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive and the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive.

Over Yonder Cay is the ultimate luxury retreat with renewable resources

An upcoming Discovery special shines a light onto of the most mysterious creatures of the deep with help from our friends at Triton Submarines. On Sunday, January 27th, US audiences will see the first-ever footage of a giant squid in its natural habitat.

Since its inception, the International SeaKeepers’ Society (ISKS) has worked to promote research and conservation of marine ecosystems. The recently introduced Scientific Vessel of Opportunity Program (SVOP) seeks to expand these efforts by encouraging scientists and the yachting community to work in partnership.

The International SeaKeepers Society hosts its Founders Dinner in Fort Lauderdale on October 24. The event is an excellent networking opportunity as well as a great way to raise the funds necessary for the organization to continue its diverse programs.

The energetic Patty Elkus, a founding member and board member of the International SeaKeepers Society, spearheaded the Women in Yachting & Ocean Advocacy Honorary Host Committee for the 2012 Bal de la Mer. Patty is a committed advocate for the health of the ocean and advancement of science.

At the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, the International SeaKeepers Society bestowed its Seakeeper Award on Agnès Troublé, better known to the world as “agnès b,” designer and successful entrepreneur.

Since 2001, two species of lionfish have begun threatening marine and coral reef ecosystems along the Southeastern US coastline. Because of their venomous spines, lionfish have few, if any, natural predators. Their rapid spread also threatens the economies that depend on these marine ecosystems (including fishing, diving and nautical tourism). Unfortunately, there’s no easy solution to the problem.

The Intracoastal Waterway, after 72 years of loyal services to the boating community, is in trouble. This 1,200-mile-long thoroughfare (stretching from Norfolk to Key West, Fla.) used by commercial and recreational vessels alike, is no longer as accessible and safe as it should be.

Why would an organization dedicated to the wellbeing of the oceans recognize a fashion designer? The truth is, agnès b., who received France’s Legion of Honor in 2010, far exceeds this narrow classification. An art collector and an artist in her own right, agnès believes strongly in getting involved, and her foundation supports many causes, including the environment.

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 Amels 212 Sea Rhapsody, delivered by the shipyard in and managed by Ocean Management, has become the first superyacht in the world to be awarded a “Green Passport” by Lloyds Register.

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.

Speed, money, politics, powerful people and engines—from its beginning at the turn of the century, powerboat racing has careened on a rollercoaster ride of international prominence. Today, the sport continues under the direction of the Union Internationale Motonautique. From its seat in Monaco, the governing body intends to play a significant role in racing’s future.

Built by Seaway Group based out of Slovenia and Italy, the Greenline yachts have already been making a name for themselves. After the successful launch of the Greenline 33 Hybrid, research and development progressed in earnest on the development of a super-efficient hull design. This year in Cannes, Greenline will debut the Ocean Class 70, the first yacht to boast their hybrid-ready Superdisplacement® hull.

Applied oceanography specialist Tidetech presented the results of a recent route optimization trial with a major cruise line at the Green Ship Technology (GST) conference in Copenhagen in March. Company managing director Penny Haire said the trial had been successful and significant fuel savings had been demonstrated through the use of ocean current data.

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.

Even considering all means of transportation, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar is the first vehicle to successfully circumnavigate the globe solely using solar energy. After more than 19 months, the largest solar-powered ship ever built crossed the finish line in Hercule Harbour in Monaco May 4. The journey of 32,286 miles took the vessel and its crew through all the oceans and touched every continent.