To Humanity And Beyond

Explorer yachts take a philanthropic tack.

- Julia Zaltzman

YACHTING HAS LONG been synonymous with escape, but owners today are increasingly opting to engage instead, by employing their explorer vessels for humanitarian missions. Consider Texas billionaire Toby Neugebauer, chairman of Crestmoor Advisors, who embarked on a five-year global journey last month on his 180ft Purpose. Having recently undergone an extensive refit, Purpose will be used for both charter and charity, allowing guests the option to get involved with philanthropic aid, from relief efforts to educational fieldwork. “The aim is to leave each destination better than we found it,” says Neugebauer, who plans to join the expedition for eight weeks. “I can’t imagine us doing a trip where we’re not doing something constructive.”

Other causes close to Neugebauer’s heart include disaster recovery, female empowerment in developing nations and strengthening families— all of which are existing areas of expertise for YachtAid Global (YAG). Since 2006, the California non-profit has worked with hundreds of yacht owners to orchestrate relief missions for hurricane-ravaged islands as well as more long-term aid projects for areas such as Mexico’s Baja peninsula.

The organisation counts some of the world’s largest philanthropists and philanthropic entities, including Sir Richard Branson and the Schmidt Ocean Institute, as benefactors. “Many highprofile owners donate large sums of money and sometimes the use of their yachts and crew,” says YAG’s director, Zoran Selakovic, who also sits on the board. “Most choose to stay anonymous to keep the focus on their work, rather than on themselves.”