More than 240 guests packed The Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday 29 October for the International SeaKeepers Society's annual Founders Event, a night built around honouring the people and vessels keeping ocean science connected to the yachting world.
The gala drew figures from yachting, science, philanthropy and conservation. For an organisation whose South Pacific arm has long-standing ties to this part of the world, the evening carries a line back to New Zealand's own cruising and marine science circles, even if the celebration itself played out on the other side of the globe. That South Pacific connection has been building steadily on home shores, with SeaKeepers South Pacific recently adding Auckland Central Marina, Silo Marina and Westhaven Marina as Marina Partners, and Gulf Harbour Marina joining the same network on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.
Three honorees were singled out on the night. Christina Lotter was named 2026 SeaKeeper of the Year, recognised for 15 years of dedication, leadership and support of the Society. Dr Shelby Thomas picked up the 2026 NextGen Awardee title for her work advancing marine restoration and conservation through Ocean Rescue Alliance International. Sandra H. Camper was named 2026 SeaKeeper Artist of the Year, honoured for her contributions as an artist and her support of ocean conservation through the arts.
SeaKeepers thanked all three for joining Founders 2026 and for their ongoing contributions to the mission.
The DISCOVERY Fleet, the Society's global network of privately owned recreational vessels that underpins its research, conservation and education work, was also front and centre. More than 30 DISCOVERY Fleet vessels were represented on the night, with over 60 vessel representatives turning up to collect awards for their contributions.
SeaKeepers has long made the point that yacht owners aren't just bystanders in marine science. They're often the ones making the research possible in the first place.
GSM Charity Auctions, Inc. ran the silent and live auctions through the evening, helping raise funds towards the mission. Event sponsors Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club, Smallwood's Yachtwear, Starboard Card and Intact Insurance backed the night, alongside a list of auction sponsors and donors who contributed items.
SeaKeepers also thanked its media partners and the guests, members, volunteers and partners who turned out.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, the International SeaKeepers Society has spent more than 27 years linking the yachting community to ocean research. What began as a data collection programme aboard select luxury yachts now engages thousands of participants annually through at-sea and coastal programming, structured around the DISCOVERY Programme's four pillars: Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach and Community Engagement.
The Society operates from US headquarters on both coasts, with international representation in Singapore, the South Pacific and the United Kingdom, keeping it, and its conservation work, within reach of Kiwi boaties.
