Clear Group International is delighted to present the formal launch of Ports of CauseTM (POC). Established by Joyce Clear of Clear Group International and managed by a Board of Directors, Ports of CauseTM (POC) represents an innovative philanthropic superyachting enterprise.
Ports of CauseTM Flagship Vessel - superyacht THE HIGHLANDER in Glacial Waters
Based as a platform for philanthropy, showcasing superyacht design, innovation, technology and good will of the luxury brand community, POC will propel a newly refurbished yacht into the global marketplace as an ambassador of the superyacht community while supporting worthwhile charities via events and global initiatives.
The Ports of CauseTM Program
The program is a catalyst for world-class yacht refits which will be partially funded by corporate sponsorships and state-of-the-art product donations. As a result, the yachts will operate as global, mobile showcases for excellence in design, innovation, technology and luxury brands. Once a participating POC yacht has completed a refit, the vessel will then travel to key locations hosting Red Carpet/VIP events raising funds for charitable causes. Currently, the benefitting charities partnered with Ports of CauseTM 2013 are organizations that focus on international ocean conservation and clean water programs, including Ecomundi Ventures, Models for Water, International SeaKeepers Society, Plant-a-Fish and others to be announced.
The Ports of CauseTM idea was conceived in part to address the current challenges the yachting industry faces. Joyce Clear describes the approach: “This program offers solutions to market expansion, job creation and image enhancement while highlighting American design and innovation, education and urgent global issues. 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. Moreover, as a community, we have the opportunity to address some of the most critical issues facing our planet, today and in the future.”
In addition, POC creates — for the industry and for yacht owners alike— a positive association for yachting through philanthropic initiatives, regionally and globally.
Ports of CauseTM Management
Ports of CauseTM, while only just being launched in the public arena, has already benefited during the past year from its expertise of the Board of Directors, a dedicated group of leading superyacht professionals with disciplines ranging from marketing and fundraising, yacht design, build and refit to legal issues and yacht operations.
Jim Bento of Ocean Marine Yacht Center
Jill Bobrow of Jill Bobrow Associates
Amy Halsted of The Halsted Agency
Michael Moore of Moore & Company
Peter Vogel of Interior Yacht Services
Offering sales, strategy, fundraising expertise and industry perspective, POC’s Board also includes:
Shelly Furse of Creativita Solutions
Michael Breitner of Breitner Consultants
Eric Dahler of Vintage Yachting Club
Dhardra Blake of Luxury Day Charters
Captain Peter Dery
“The Ports of CauseTM team is a fusion of talent and expertise in all the areas that will insure the success of the program,” says Clear.
The Ports of CauseTM Flagship Vessel, M/Y THE HIGHLANDER
The first, and flagship, vessel selected to participate in the program is the renowned classic 116’ motor yacht THE HIGHLANDER, owned by Victor Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Spyker NV, a Dutch super car manufacturer. THE HIGHLANDER was built in 1967 at Koninklijke De Vries Feadship of Aalsmeer, Netherlands 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 around the world.
116' luxury yacht THE HIGHLANDER
Muller has devoted several years and extensive resources to partially restoring THE HIGHLANDER yacht to her original glory, and is collaborating with Ports of CauseTM in completing a multi-year, keel-up refit and restoration of the iconic vessel at Ocean Marine Yacht Center. Muller says, “I am delighted to join Joyce and her dedicated team of professionals to support this wonderful program and honored 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.”
“Nulla tenaci invia est via…”
Luxury yacht THE HIGHLANDER will be paired with POSH, a rare 52’ foot classic commuter boat built in 1937 and designed by the renowned naval architect John L. Hacker. POSH is currently owned by the acclaimed collector F. Todd Warner and will serve as the official vintage tender for THE HIGHLANDER at POC events. Quite appropriately, Muller’s company motto is “Nulla tenaci invia est via,” meaning, “For the tenacious, no road is impassable.”
“Victor Muller’s motto resonates with me deeply,” states Clear. “It has taken a great deal of time, fortitude and tenacity to see this dream become a reality. We are fortunate to have a generous and committed team to build it. I am confident that Ports of CauseTM will be a catalyst for positive change for our industry and I look forward growing the POC fleet in the years to come.”
Ports of CauseTM will be participating in major global boat shows and its own fundraising events, kicking off with the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show in February, 2013.
