EDITORS’ LETTER
As a media brand at the front and centre of the superyacht industry,
with so many friends, partners and peers whose livelihoods and
passions rely on the ocean, we strive to keep conservation at the heart
of much that we do – from the stories that we tell, to the people
we celebrate, to our actions as a company.
We hope that our annual Oceans Issue reflects our eforts.
Our Ocean Awards, which we launched with Blue Marine Foundation
only three years ago, has grown from a small-scale smorgasbord of success
stories to a global stamp of approval that nearly 100 nominees applied
to win the right to use this year. The finalists and winners (page 123),
all of whose achievements are phenomenal, are just a taste of the inspiring
stories that the judges had the impossible task of singling out for merit.
If you or your nomination didn’t make the grade this year,
please don’t let that discourage you in 2019 – the projects that get through
are often decades in the making and it’s these continued eforts that
tip the balance in the decision-making process.
You may also notice mention of a new event, Ocean Talks (page 68),
that we’re proud to be launching next month in London. While parts of the
yacht industry are making great strides in their eforts to help save the seas,
others are still woefully behind, often due to a lack of resources and know-
how rather than will. Our hope is that by connecting the superyachting
world with those who have achieved real success in ocean conservation, we
can ofer a platform for change. From the maker of Blue Planet II to the people
behind Project REV – the most extraordinary expedition yacht currently in
build – we hope there’s something that might entice you to join us.
One shining example of conservation-led superyachting this month
is the astonishing Black Pearl. We’re thrilled to bring you exclusive behind-
the-scenes pictures and details of this very special yacht.
She’s massive, yes, but it’s her owner’s demand that she set an example for
green standards that really sets her apart. Find out more on page 104.EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ITOR@boatinternational
@boatint/boatinternational/boatinternational