Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
Blue Ducks, a mental health initiative for crew, is hosting its first black-tie gala and charity auction next month in support of ISWAN and the Yacht Crew Helpline.
Taking place on May 3 at Villa Djunah in Antibes, the evening will feature canapés, a charity auction, and a bar with fine wines and crafted cocktails.
Auction prizes include Modifox shoes for your whole crew; a Michelin-star chef to cook at your home for six; a £500 gift card from Ethereal Blooms; two historic GP hospitality tickets; a FunAir SUP; a two-day mental health first aid course by Seas The Mind for 12; dinner or lunch for two at L'Enclume; a whole pig from So-Ji; a €500 Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa gift card; Stella Egyptian cotton towels and bathrobe with cashmere slippers; a driving experience in a Lamborghini Huracan; and Luxe and Keel hoodies.
Bidding is already open at blueducks.org and winners will be announced on the night. All proceeds will go to the Yacht Crew Helpline.
Blue Ducks was set up by former crew members Ed and Jess Dunnett, founders of Onshore Cellars, and YACHTNEEDS Marketplace founder Tony Stout, to create a space for crew and industry professionals in need of support and to normalize conversations around mental health.
“Together, we have over 30 years of crewing experience on board, and we understand the downsides of yachting, including the pressure and toll it can take on crew due to high expectations, lack of sleep, separation from families and friends, and the often unavoidable formation of relationships in small quarters and living spaces.”
“We aim to normalize conversations around mental health and make it ‘okay’ to be open about how crew members are feeling. Blue Ducks offers a platform where individuals can find advice, support, courses, and helpline numbers provided by professionals in this field, and more.”
This initiative is a call to action for the entire yachting industry to a drive significant shift towards better mental health practices and awareness across the industry.
Tickets for the gala are available at blueducks.org.