When Cyclone Pam ripped its way across the islands of Vanuatu it left a fearful trail of destruction in its wake. While the situation on the ground remains dynamic, two superyachts are working in the area on humanitarian aid projects. The 51 metre fast shadow boat Umbra fresh from her refit in New Zealand and the 73 metre Dragonfly (ex: Silver Zwei, Fangio)
The Australian built yacht has extensively cruised the beautiful and remote areas of Vanuatu over the past 2 years. Her Captain Mike Gregory said: “We were shocked and saddened to see the devastation caused, and we know that the resources we have onboard can make a huge difference and will ultimately save lives.”
His yacht, and her crew, have been tasked by the Vanuatu government with supplying aid and providing a medical response to the Shepherd Islands, just north east of Efate where Port Vila is located. This area has seen 80-100% of all villages destroyed and has no access to fresh water, food or shelter.
Other yacht Captains not in the area are just as concerned for the plight of the islanders and are calling for more to be done.
Captain Chris Andreason is the master of the 82 metre Kibo and he is equally keen to be of assistance but his offer is more of a financial one given that his yacht is not in the area. He is joining hundreds of others who give donations to Yacht Aid Global
He says, “I would be happy to donate a day’s pay to the relief effort, and perhaps this could go across yachting under the title “A Day’s Pay to Save”…or similar? He continues, “Yachts are generally happy to help, and knowing that other crew are actively involved in the actual on the ground work may help bring this to life; I wish there were more opportunities for yacht Owners and crew to give something back to those less fortunate in society…so maybe here at least is something that could play a part.”
Andreason suggests yacht management companies approach crew in their managed yachts asking them if they would like to donate: the money could then be deducted at source by the management/crew company and sent to the charity required.
Former crew on board Kibo Aimee Preston and Nick Ferner, are currently sailing aboard Umbra not as crew but as a couple helping report and photo-document the disaster and the relief efforts of the superyacht involved. The couple from New Zealand set up Frank and Peggy Photography to concentrate on Destination wedding photography but were so moved by the plight of the islanders that accepted a commission to sail in Umbra and help record the relief efforts