Raison D’être

There are likely as many reasons to purchase a superyacht as there are owners, but when we decided to buy Seahawk high on the list was a motivation to learn more about our world. Our intended journey was not so much about visiting places far away or living in a 5-star hotel. We had both done that subsequent to our business arrangements and family situations some time ago. All good, and very fun, at least in a transactional sort of way. Unfortunately, the long-term benefit derived from the traditional touring agenda is often less than overwhelming. Whether it be traipsing around medieval churches in Europe or visiting the Samurai sites in Kyoto, the insight afforded can feel quite superficial, vague at best. The reality is that setup and time limitations make it very difficult to experience much more in terms of depth. And unfortunately, this is not an uncommon experience for many travelers. It is tough to absorb an entire culture in ~10 days independent of good intentions and trying hard to visit every artifact. This very fact provides an explanation for the enormous souvenir industry. (We are quite fond of the “authentic” Kabuto Warrior doll bought while visiting Japan. It goes nicely with the Sri Lankan Tea Elephant collection, acquired in Colombo.)

The Seahawk concept is partially about being able to sail safely and comfortably to some of the most remote coastal places in the world. But it is also about a mission that has owners, guests, and crew investing effort to improve the lives of those we encounter along the way. This is not just cheque writing, something we have done a lot of over the years. Rather the goal is to become actively involved in charity work supported, close-up and personal. And there is much merit to this approach. It delivers a more effective outcome due to the real-time feedback mechanism afforded by actually being there while also providing an excellent opportunity to tactilely learn more about the people and places visited.

Key to the effort is a lead-from-behind strategy that has communities, the people on the ground, defining purpose and scope. This idea is very important because even assuming great science and humanitarian aid that is worthy, the lack of support from local leadership, community members called upon to help implement, most assuredly dooms the enterprise to failure. It should also be noted that the people closest to the problem know things that can be very important when trying to figure out what to do.

Since acquiring Seahawk we have traveled much of the world. The website you are visiting documents some of the places we have been, people we met, and projects we conducted. While our focus is largely science, especially as relates to the marine environment, Seahawk has also been involved in many community projects. The animal shelter built by the yacht’s crew and owners in Bonaire, and the Galapagos sail/swim program the yacht sponsored and helped implement, are cases in point. All good. The benefit to the communities is clear. The personal benefits, however, are more complex. While there is certainly the satisfaction associated with making the world a little better, it is direct involvement that delivers the greatest joy. To start, the things learned in due course are very empowering. This is not about being a voyeur. No, to the contrary, this is about being a participant, interacting directly with the people being helped. The process is fun, exciting, and yes, sometimes unpredictable. Bad things do occasionally happen. But taken together these most interesting personal experiences, new understandings that result, present much reward. So, while we may have forgotten the details of the great gourmet meals served on board or vintage wines consumed, the village school supplies initiative in Fiji or the Tiger shark tagging expedition in French Polynesia, and many other Seahawk projects undertaken over the years will always be remembered.

As we further explore the south Pacific, there will no doubt be many new stories to write. My hope is that some of them serve to inspire other superyacht owners to consider something similar. Seahawk is one boat doing good. But together we can really move the needle. And this is not just about altruism. As a superyacht owner, much of the reason for doing charity this way is personal fulfillment: a different mechanism for deriving pleasure from the yacht. Selfish? Perhaps. And that’s okay. Here, happily, it all goes with the job. So, if a genuine purpose is on the agenda, consider the Seahawk program. When it comes to indelibility and enlightenment, there is nothing better. Come join us. A piece of the action awaits!

Adam & Gisela Alpert

Seahawk Enterprises