Y.CO CORPORATE FOOTPRINT
A CULTURE OF SUSTAINABLE RESPONSIBILITY
We are aware of the impact of our commercial activity on the environment, specifically the oceans. Working in the luxury sphere, we also recognise the privilege we enjoy and the responsibility we have towards those who are in need, both locally and globally.
Y.CO has been involved in several fundraising activities since 2003, raising in excess of €250,000 for a variety of charitable organisations. Going forward, we will look to continue fundraising, but also to develop a comprehensive corporate social responsibility program which encourages responsibility and care among all Y.CO staff, as well as our clients and suppliers.
SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Over the next 12 months, our focus will be on responsible consumption in our offices and improving recycling, as well as reducing energy use and our carbon footprint. We will be reporting on our progress here on the website and on our blog.
Y.CO SUPPORTS…
DIRECTORS’ CHOICE
SPECIAL BOAT SERVICES ASSOCIATION
The Special Boat Service (SBS) is deployed at the forefront in the war against international terrorism and the men of the SBS are brave and patriotic, day after day, carrying out vital tasks in the service of Great Britain and wider society. The Special Boat Service Association (SBSA) has been in existence for the past 13 years to provide welfare, physical and emotional support to serving and retired members of the SBS and their families. As well as on-going support, the SBSA fundraises for initiatives such as the Families Centre, providing a focal point that will become the heart of the SBS family community, and the Bursary Scheme, which helps fund education and training opportunities for the children of those SBS men who have lost their lives in the service of our country.
Founding partners Gary Wright and Charlie Birkett were both born and raised in the UK. While they have settled in France, it is important to them to support the men and women who continue to risk their lives for the freedom of their compatriots in the UK. Over the past 5 years, Y.CO fundraising and contributions have exceeded €150,000, making us one of the organisations largest supporters.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE
BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION
BLUE Marine Foundation (BLUE) was founded in 2010 by the people behind the film The End of the Line. BLUE exists to fix the largest solvable problem on the planet - the crisis in the oceans. BLUE will be creating flexible, case-by-case solutions to the marine crisis through public-private partnerships. By raising funds to leverage conservation gains, BLUE aims to increase the area of ocean protected by marine reserves from 1% to 10% by 2020. BLUE is not just another NGO; it is an enabler of NGOs. We will articulate and deliver the resources required to save the oceans.
Y.CO has pledged to support BLUE in three main ways: through an annual corporate donation; by promoting the cause to the wider superyachting industry; and by encouraging yacht Owners and charter Clients to become supporters of the BLUE cause. We are proud to co-host the launch of the Blue Marine Yacht Club (for supporters of the organisation) alongside Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Foundation and Ralph Lauren. In 2013 we plan to launch a ground breaking opt-in levy which will allow charter clients and owners to donate 0.5% of their charter fee or revenue to BLUE.
SOCIAL CHOICE
WELLCHILD
WellChild is the national charity for sick children. The charity’s aim is simple – working to support children and young people throughout the UK as they deal with the consequences of serious illness and complex conditions. WellChild focuses on three key areas of care, support and research, and works with the incredible WellChild Nurses, some of the top medical researchers in the country and a team of fantastic volunteers, to make a positive difference to the lives of children who need help now and in the future. Prince Harry is the Patron of the charity.
Over 5 years, Y.CO has raised in excess of £100,000 for WellChild through its London Marathon team, led every year by Founding Partner Gary Wright.
SOCIAL CHOICE
DIGITAL AID
Digital Aid is a registered charity promoting a green approach to discarded computer hardware by passing it on to those who want to be computer literate but do not have the resources. Digital Aid recycles and refurbishes old computers, printers and other material, before donating it to educational institutions, non-profit organisations or low-income households. The organisation’s main aim is underprivileged children, because, for the next generation, computer skills will be a must for equal opportunities. Digital Aid aims to collaborate with local NGOs, public administrations and educational authorities in order to best adapt resources to the real needs of the communities it serves.
Y.CO updates its hardware on a regular basis. All computers and other IT equipment are donated to Digital Aid.
LOCAL CHOICE
ANTIBES LIFEBOAT
The Antibes Lifeboat is the largest lifeboat in the Alpes Maritime department, providing sea rescue around the Cote d'Azur and sometimes on occasion called out almost as far as Corsica. The lifeboat relies entirely on donations and costs around €80,000 a year to run. It is manned by a volunteer crew who give their time and risk their lives for no financial reward. They are on emergency call 24/7, 365 days of the year. We are ready to put to sea within 15 minutes of a shout. Trained and equipped for air sea rescue, medical evacuation, fire fighting and recovery.
The Y.CO Monaco and Antibes teams are proud to have adopted the Antibes Lifeboat as its local charity. So far, staff auctions and the office tuck shop have raised in excess of €3,500. In addition, Y.CO staff has donated their time and skills to help build a website, design brochures and promote the Lifeboat’s cause in the local area.
LOCAL CHOICE
MARINE INDUSTRY CARES FOUNDATION
Based in Fort Lauderdale, the Marine Industry Cares Foundation is a non-profit organisation that raises money and awareness for local charities. It aims to provide a brighter future for children and families in need by uniting the generous efforts of the marine industry community. The Marine Industry Cares Foundation also serves as a model for shipping industries in other cities to use and implement where they live — bringing the maritime and local communities together in cities around the world.
In 2012, the Y.CO Fort Lauderdale team took part in the MICF’s annual charity Spin-a-Thon, raising funds for local charities Kids in Distress and the Children’s Diagnostics & Treatment Center.
LOCAL CHOICE
MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY UK
MCS' vision is for seas rich in wildlife, abundant fish stocks and pollution free beaches and bathing waters - seas that are fit for wildlife to thrive in and for people to enjoy and seas that will support future generations with abundant resources. The organisation champions the need for marine wildlife protection, sustainable fisheries and clean seas and beaches. Campaigns to date include the introduction of Marine Acts to give better protection to our seas and marine life, and influencing sustainable seafood choices by major retailers and consumers through the Good Fish Guide. MCS also brings together thousands of volunteers in Beachwatch to clean our beaches of litter, and campaign for Marine Protected Areas to create safe havens for wildlife and fish populations to recover.
In 2012, the Y.CO London team took part in their first beach clean-up at Shoreham-by-Sea in the UK. This was the first in many ways that the London team hopes to be involved in the admirable work achieved by the MCS.
