Lauren Beck is the former editor of Dockwalk and was with the publication from 2006 to 2023. At 13, she left South Africa aboard a 34-foot sailing boat with her family and ended up in St. Maarten for six years. Before college, she worked as crew for a year, and then cut her journalistic teeth at Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies’ Home Journal online. She loves traveling, reading, tennis, and rooting for the Boston Red Sox.
Looking for ways to keep the boat sterilized as we continue to duel with COVID-19? MHG Insurance Brokers and VIKAND Solutions are partnering to offer VIKAND’s Health and Hygiene program to the yachting industry.
“COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind at the moment and we’re happy to bring the industry a potential solution which helps promote a high degree of health and wellness on board,” says Peter Hult, VIKAND CEO, in their press release. The program offers a three-pronged approach to “reduce and potentially eliminate the threat of COVID-19 on board, while also promoting the overall health and wellness of crew and guests through air purification technology, medical protocols, and around the clock medical support,” the press release states.
“MHG’s primary concern has always been the health and welfare of crew and guests on board. The VIKAND team is well-known to us and we believe their solutions are in line with our initiatives to help clients face this new environment and to continue yachting with enhanced comfort and care," said Andrew Dudzinski.
VIKAND offers its PYURE technology — air- and surface-sanitizing hydroxyl technology — to circulate disinfecting air that kills bacteria, viruses, and mold. COVID-19 and other contaminants can remain in the air as aerosolized droplets or on surfaces for hours. VIKAND says the tech is effective, safe, and eco-friendly.
They can also help install and manage safety protocols on board, offering education, advice, and support for testing and tracking. You can also access their COVID-19 24/7 hotline, including mental wellness support, and for monthly “house calls.”
“As owners return to their yachts and charters resume, we want to make sure our clients and the industry have access to as many tools as possible to combat COVID-19,” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s Chairman and CEO. “MHG’s primary concern has always been the health and welfare of crew and guests on board. The VIKAND team is well-known to us and we believe their solutions are in line with our initiatives to help clients face this new environment and to continue yachting with enhanced comfort and care.”
This column is taken from the October 2020 issue of Dockwalk.