Taking place on 12 May, Asociación Ondine hosted a Sea Soirée at Coast in Port Adriano to raise money and awareness for marine conservation in the Balearic Islands. A gathering of 160 people attended in support of the cause, and to enjoy a masquerade-themed evening of drinks, dinner and dancing.

Guests arrived in time for sundowners on Coast’s terrace against the backdrop of live music from Soundhold, followed by a colourful display of Brazilian dancing and acrobatics by the Capoeira Group. A three-course, sit-down dinner was then served by Coast’s finest chefs who specialise in a fusion of Asian-Mediterranean cuisine.

With the majority of attendees linked to the yachting industry to some extent, Ondine’s President Brad Robertson took to the stage to say a few words about the ethos behind the charity, and to encourage people to get more involved. While most people know of Ondine through the organisation’s infamous beach cleans around Mallorca, one of Robertson's main objectives is to emphasise their work towards reducing plastic pollution and establishing marine reserves.

“These efforts are directly related to the yachting industry,” he explained. “If we are going to continue to have yachts coming and enjoying the Balearics, then we need clean and healthy seas. Our generation has done some serious damage to the environment, however we are in a period where recognition of the situation is very clear, so we have a unique opportunity to turn things around. We are lucky enough to live in a pristine part of the Mediterranean, so we need to start appreciating it.”

One side to Asociación Ondine that many people are not aware of is its team dedicated to creating an efficient network of Marine Protected Areas around the Balearic Islands. The team consists of a group of scientists and professionals who played an integral role in the setting up of Sa Dragonera as a marine reserve. Brad urged that more of these are needed, and increased support of Ondine will help towards this. “It’s not my organisation, it’s ours, and if you care about the marine environment then we have created the right platform for you,” he concluded.

A raffle and art auction commenced after dinner with some kindly donated prizes and beautiful pieces of art. Thanks to the efforts of all involved, an overwhelming €17,200 was raised over the course of the evening to help with Ondine’s work towards marine conservation. A special thanks is owed to the sponsors, without which the event couldn’t have taken place. These included Absolute Boat Care, aRikki, Astilleros de Mallorca, Beaumount Properties, Cooling Towers, Doyle Rigging, Doyle Sailmakers, Ecoworks Marine, ElectroMarine, iShine, The Islander, JPL Yachting, Master Yachts, Medical Support Offshore, Modesty Carpentry, Modesty Interiors, Nauitpaints, Planet Space and Superyacht Services Guide.

Asociación Ondine’s simple vision to combine science, local communities and conservation to protect and improve local marine ecosystems around the Balearics is truly inspirational. The tremendous amount of money raised at the Sea Soirée is a testament to the yachting industry’s powerful ability to come together and have fun, all for this very good cause. The event is a beacon for the positive impact that the yachting industry can achieve and for that the Ondine team, and its generous supporters, should be applauded.

Images credit: Sofia Winghamre

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