The International SeaKeepers Society has received a generous donation from Billy Joel in the form of his commuter yacht VENDETTA. The yacht will be used to help raise awareness of the conditions of the world’s oceans through research, conservation work and education. Read on for the full article: The following is a press release from Seakeepers.

Press release

Billy Joel Donates Custom Modern Commuter Yacht Vendetta to The International SeaKeepers Society

Billy Joel has donated his custom commuter yacht VENDETTA to SeaKeepers

Miami – August 26th, 2016 – Instead of selling his ultimate modern commuter yacht VENDETTA, Billy Joel has generously donated it to The International SeaKeepers Society. The International SeaKeepers Society promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and to raise awareness about global ocean issues.

Members of The International SeaKeepers Society include influential opinion leaders who recognize the ocean’s critical importance to the life of our planet and believe that the best way to protect the environment is to protect the world’s oceans. Founded in 1998 by a small group of yacht owners who were alarmed by the deterioration of our natural environment, the organization‘s initial focus was the development and use of instrumentation on yachts to monitor marine conditions throughout the world’s oceans. Today, the primary focus of SeaKeepers’ efforts is the DISCOVERY Yacht Program.

DISCOVERY Yachts are privately owned vessels which facilitate programming by providing access to the ocean for research, scientific discovery, community outreach, and artistic inspiration. From hosting learning excursions for underprivileged children to facilitating scientific research for genome sequencing; yachts are the platform to enable accomplishments.

Michael Moore, Chairman of the Board of The International SeaKeepers Society stated, “The International SeaKeepers Society greatly appreciates the generosity of Mr. Billy Joel. Mr. Joel just keeps on giving. First, through his amazing talent and music and now in this way to help protect and restore the sea around us. All who care for and worry about the health of the world’s oceans appreciate this wonderful gift!”

Richard Snow, SeaKeepers President/CEO stated, “We are forever grateful for this donation and would like to thank yacht broker Bruce Leffers of Northrop and Johnson for assisting to make this happen.”
Bruce Leffers, Group President of Northrop and Johnson responded, “When the situation is right, it is an honor to help support an outstanding charity.”