Between 6 - 12 May, leading brokerage firm Burgess partnered with BOAT International on an eco-focused initiative that saw the yachting industry get hands-on in the fight against water pollution. The eco-conscious event saw 644 participants collect a record-breaking 664 bags of rubbish with over 20 organisations and 13 yachts involved.
The Global Clean Up encourages anyone in superyachting – individuals, yacht crews, teams, companies – to pledge to clear at least one bag of litter (per person) from their local area. From beaches and oceanfronts to waterways and rivers, the campaign hopes to encourage people to do something positive for ocean health in their local communities and promote a regular pattern of clean-ups.
Volunteers from over 65 locations (20 countries) joined forces to collectively tackle ocean pollution, taking to riverbanks and beaches to remove any debris that could harm marine life. There was also an outpouring of support from owners and crew from the yachts of Eleni, Starlust, Asani, G-Force, Perle Bleue, Kadimos, G3, Talisman Maiton, Baton Rouge and Galaxy to name but a few.
Meanwhile, over 50 staff from BOAT International and Burgess teamed up and took to the riverbanks of Richmond (London, England) where they used kayaks and walked on foot to do their bit in the fight against marine pollution.
This is the second time that Burgess has spearheaded the movement. Last year saw more than 300 participants in over 40 locations clear 326 bags of litter. Forming part of Burgess' ESG campaign, the event has raised at least £125,000 in the name of ocean conservation so far.
Andrew Pearson, partner at Burgess said: “Ocean plastic pollution is on track to triple by 2060 and it’s not just beaches we need to clean. This is our chance to bring teams, family and friends together ahead of the summer season and realise the impact we can all have collectively.”