The 3 Ocean Awards sponsors

Y.CO is committed to preserving the oceans for the next generation and is a sponsor of The Ocean Awards. In 2014, Y.CO established YACHT.CLUB, a membership club for yacht crew and industry professionals, in support of the Blue Marine Foundation. 100% of all YACHT.CLUB subscription fees go directly to BLUE’s work to make 10% of the world’s oceans protected by 2020. Y.CO has also set up Oceans.Eleven, a committee working together to improve the yachting industry, including protecting the oceans we work on. Additionally, the Y.CO Destination Education programme provides tutors for charters to give an insight into local issues in charter destinations. The Y.CO Team is strongly encouraged to support ocean preservation and other charities.

Y.CO profile

Co-founded by Gary Wright and Charlie Birkett, Y.CO is the challenger brand of the global superyacht industry. Pioneering innovation and bringing a new dynamic, modern approach to yachting, Y.CO specialises in sales, purchase, charter, management, new construction and refit from superyacht hubs worldwide. Founded in 2004 and built on a foundation of specialist knowledge, first-hand onboard experience and a passion for yachts and exploring the ocean, Y.CO enables Owners and charter Clients to experience the adventure of yachting at the highest possible levels of service.

Y.CO is synonymous with its signature yellow livery: bright, positive, fun and enthusiastic. It’s what we call Yellowessence.

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Blancpain’s support of ocean conservation is clear. The Blancpain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback watch is limited to 250 examples, with €1,000 from the sale of each being donated to Blancpain Ocean Commitment – an organisation that supports major environmental efforts such as the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition and Laurent Ballesta’s Gombessa Project. In addition, buyers of the watch gain access to the Ocean Commitment Circle, which affords special invitations to scientific presentations and documentary film premieres.

Since 2012 Blancpain has also served as lead sponsor of the World Ocean Summit and, in June 2015, formalised a partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. This backs projects around the world that focus on climate change, renewable energy and marine resources. The brand claims to have helped ensure that 2.3 million km² of ocean are now under protection, and for the creation of the world’s largest single marine reserve around the Pitcairn Islands.

The driving force behind the Ocean Commitment project is Blancpain’s president and CEO, 43-year-old Marc A Hayek, who has been a keen and active diver since childhood. Hayek specified that the Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Flyback should feature a unique, grey ceramic case, a deep blue dial and an engraved case back. Unlike most chronographs, it was also fitted with push-pieces that can be operated under water thanks to a special sealing system.

For anyone who loves the sea, it’s difficult to think of a more appropriate, practical and beneficial watch to buy. Not only that, it’s the first of a range of Ocean Commitment special editions that are set to be rolled out in the coming years. So now you can indulge without guilt.

The sea is at the core of Crème de la Mer’s inspiration and products. Since 2008, when Crème de la Mer established its year-round philanthropic programme Blue Heart, they have donated $2.6M to ocean conservation efforts.

“The ocean is an integral part of La Mer’s heritage, and we are committed to celebrating the beauty and bounty of the ocean throughout the year,” explains Sandra Main, Global Brand President of La Mer.

Their commitment to ocean conservation is traced back to founder Dr. Max Huber, who pioneered the use of sea kelp in his creams. In tribute to his legacy, Crème de la Mer continues to support the natural habitat of the special sea plant by only using sea kelp that has been hand-harvested.

Furthermore, to commemorate World Oceans Day and La Mer’s Blue Heart, they produce a limited edition bottle of Crème de la Mer to promote the cause every year.