Ports of Cause is a new philanthropic superyachting enterprise, the flagship of which is the classic 1967 Feadship The Highlander (below). The yacht is the first to sign up for Ports of Cause, which will host events throughout the world to raise money for charitable initiatives. Currently, the charities benefiting from Ports of Cause are organisations that operate global ocean conservation and clean water programmes, including Ecomundi Ventures, Models 4 Water, International SeaKeepers Society and Plant-a-Fish.
“I share a strong passion with many in the industry about the positive impact yachting has on the world. The time has come to create a vehicle through which the world is educated about the positive influence of our industry and our owners, captains and crew. More, as a community, we have the opportunity to address some of the most critical issues facing our planet, today and in the future,” says Joyce Clear of Clear Group International yacht interior designers, founder of the organisation. It will be managed by a board of directors.
The Highlander was launched in 1967 by De Vries, the third Feadship built for the famous entrepreneur Malcolm Forbes, who used the yacht for business and pleasure, entertaining kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents, business moguls, movie stars, celebrities and visionaries. Current owner Victor Muller, CEO of Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker, has devoted several years to restoring her to her original glory. “I am delighted to join Joyce and her dedicated team of professionals to support this wonderful program, and honoured that my yacht will serve as its flagship. Captain Zach Paap and I look forward to welcoming hundreds of like-minded guests aboard to lend their support to Ports of Cause while they attend one of the many exclusive events planned that will raise the level of awareness of ocean advocacy.”
On Ports of Cause’s board of directors are Jim Bento of Ocean Marine Yacht Center, Jill Bobrow of Jill Bobrow Associates, Amy Halsted of The Halsted Agency, Michael Moore of Moore & Company and Peter Vogel of Interior Yacht Services. Port of Cause will be participating in major global boat shows and hosting its own fundraising events, starting with the Miami International Boat Show in February.