IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Since Alcyon´s construction in 1982, a large number of people have discovered the wonders of our marine environment and the essence of sailing onboard this traditional Norwegian Ketch. In 2005, Participe Futur’s boat sailed from the Mediterranean Sea to Spitsbergen, a remote island in the Arctic, over a period of nine months studying marine mammals and migratory birds. Since 2006, Participe Futur collaborates with WWF-France and the Fondation Nicolas Hulot on cetacean studies in the Mediterranean. Learn more...

Argo Maris Foundation designed its research boat, Bon Pigall, specifically for oceanographic research and equipped her with last generation technologies such as an underwater vehicle. Their aim is to raise people's awareness about the importance of preserving marine wildlife and maritime heritage in order for future generations to enjoy and appreciate them. Learn more...

Surprisingly, what is now a vessel dedicated to scientific missions is a former 60-foot racing boat transformed by its owner to contribute to the marine conservation objectives of WWF France. Converted by ex-solo sailing World Champion, Jean-Yves Terlain, the Columbus is now the ambassador vessel of WWF France and is used for scientific expeditions within the frame of its “Oceans & Coasts” research programme. Learn more… (blog Columbus)

A decommissioned drug-trafficking boat, the Diosa Maat now serves as a beacon for marine conservation within Spain. The sailing boat was ceded by the Spanish authorities to the IUCN NGO Member, Ecologistas en Acción in 2005. Since then, the Diosa Maat has taken part in various initiatives for the conservation of the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic waters, including campaigns on bluefin tuna overfishing, cetacean and marine turtle protection, and conservation of coastal areas. The boat also serves as a learning hub for children, educating on the need to conserve marine and coastal biodiversity. Learn more…

Onboard the catamaran Dzull Haa, students and individuals of all ages do more than just experience the wonders of marine mammals and birds. They become an active part of marine conservation efforts and research projects. Through the Ninam Project, based next to the Costa Brava´s Cap de Creus Natural Park (Roses, Spain), participants have the opportunity to get a true field experience, contributing to research on fin whales, striped and bottlenose dolphins, as well as seabirds. Learn more...

The oceanographic and fishing research vessel, Emma Bardán, was built for the General Secretary for the Sea, of the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs. The vessel is used to obtain data on the state of Spain´s fishing grounds and marine resources, as well as to map the Spanish continental shelf and study marine protected areas. Learn more...

The traditional boat, Far Barceloneta, based in Barcelona, will represent the various Catalan NGOs who are part of the Working Group for Marine Stewardship (La Xarxa de Custodia Marina). This network, which includes three IUCN Member organizations, works towards increasing the role of individuals and NGOs in the management of marine resources and ecosystems. The Working Group has been granted the use of the Far Barceloneta thanks to the kind support of the Fundación Biodiversidad. Learn more…

Fleur de Lampaul is an old cargo ship which for over four decades provided the islands off the West coast of France with sand, salt and other supplies. Transformed into an educational sailboat and belonging to Fondation Nicolas Hulot since 2002, “La Fleur” is considered a historical monument by the French Government. As Ambassador Boat for this renowned French foundation, she sails the coasts of France promoting the protection of marine biodiversity through research and education. Learn more...

Fleur de Passion, a renovated 33m schooner with a rich history, will spearhead Antinea Foundation’s mission across the world´s oceans. Antinea Foundation is a Swiss-based foundation dedicated to raising awareness on, and building partnerships for, marine stewardship. A worthy ambassador of the Oceans, Fleur de Passion will serve as a base for scientific research projects, and a platform for global communications and socio-educational projects. Learn more…

The Garlaban used to be the private yacht of the renowned French entrepreneur, Paul Ricard, who in the 1960´s became a passionate and active guardian of the seas. The boat now belongs to the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute, founded by Paul Ricard in 1966. The Garlaban serves as a research platform for the study of marine ecosystems, as well as a technical support for scientists, environmental moviemakers and educational cruises. The boat has just come back from a scientific expedition focused on Mediterranean biodiversity, where a diverse crew representing scientists and laboratories from various horizons has compiled a unique set of data. Learn more…

Goletta Verde (Green Schooner) is a 32 meters long sailboat, launched in 1940. For the fifth consecutive year Goletta Verde, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea, has been sailing around Mediterranean raising awareness about sea pollution, protecting marine areas and coastal habitats, and safeguarding biodiversity.  Learn more...

The Hakuna Matata will present the project “Green Energy Revolution Reunion Island” and convey the Message resulting from the recent conference “The European Union and its Overseas Entities: Strategies to counter Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss” held on Reunion Island under the auspices of the French Presidency of the EU. Learn more...

Halifax, a 17m robust expedition sailboat built for all latitudes has been involved in archeological studies in the Strait of Sicily with the University of Milan. After an encounter with Alcyon in Spitsbergen, Halifax joined the organization Participe Futur. The two boats envisage future joint missions to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystems of the Arctic. Learn more...

The beautiful three-master Jadran is a schoolboat belonging to the Montenegrin Navy, which will sail from the Balkans to Barcelona under the umbrella of the Dinaric Arc Initiative. This partnership of organizations works towards the long-term conservation of this region of south-eastern Europe, which boasts over 6000 km of coastline. In addition to celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Jadran will help bring attention to the need to protect some of the most pristine and stunning coastal and marine environments of the Mediterranean region. Learn more...

Largyalo is a unique catamaran made almost entirely of wood and whose design was inspired by the Polynesian tribal ships. It will be equipped with an unparalleled state-of-the-art energy concept, 100% self-sufficient and independent of fossil fuels, powered by sun, wind and water. Representing an innovative initiative, the Ark of Ideas, it will sail around the world to raise awareness on the effects of climate change and trigger actions in individual behavior. Learn more...

MarViva Med is the research platform of MarViva Foundation, which is at the moment conducting a joint project in the Mediterranean Sea with the NGO Oceana. The research vessel is equipped with monitoring systems, submarine robots and other technologies for scientific marine studies. During a five month expedition, both organizations will campaign together against illegal driftnets, destructive trawling and will promote marine protected areas. This is MarViva´s first Mediterranean campaign, having already gained significant experience promoting coastal and marine conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific where this IUCN Member is based. Learn more…

The Oceana Ranger is a Ketch catamaran suited for the varied documentation projects at the heart of Oceana´s work. Having obtained more than 30,000 pictures of marine life since 2005, the Oceana Ranger has documented numerous illegal fishing activities in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, Oceana has used its catamaran to evaluate damages to the marine environment, compile scientific information, and identify sensitive habitats that need urgent protection. Learn more...

One of the Italian Navy Tall Ships, the Palinuro, will be joining Sailing to Barcelona in honour of the Opening Ceremony of the World Conservation Congress. In collaboration with the Italian Ministry of the Environment, this beautiful School Ship will be used to promote the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources. Learn more...

For more than 75 years, the Barcelona Maritime Museum has dedicated its efforts to preserving the human elements related to our seas. It has played a crucial role in preserving and divulging more than 700 years of Catalan maritime heritage, from the language and traditions to the landscape and related marine environments. As an international reference for maritime museums in the Mediterranean region, the Barcelona Maritime Museum will be represented by its three-master Santa Eulàlia. Currently moored at Barcelona’s old port, the Santa Eulàlia has become the museum’s flagship and is a vital part of a comprehensive range of educational programmes related to the Mediterranean Sea. Learn more...
 

The bergantine Sea Star  was part of the Sailing to Barcelona Initiative to remind us that traditional sailing ships bring us back to the essential and are a powerful tool to raise "eco-counsciousness". In fact, during her 150 annual workshops onboard, the Sea Star helps convey the antic maritime heritage that promotes the respect of marine and coastal environments through a pure approach of sailing. Learn more...

Tamory carries an original message on her sails… marine conservation wishes and hopes for a better protection of our seas and coasts delivered by children from Monaco. The classic Ketch is representing the Monegasque NGO Act for Nature and its partner Stars’n’Bars during Sailing to Barcelona. Learn more...

The schooner, Tara, is cut out for geographic extremes. An uncommon ship designed and steered by passionate people since the beginning, Tara is a boat perfectly suited for explorations and adventures, unique in the world, nearly a myth. As part of the Tara Expeditions project, this polar research vessel drifted through the Arctic from September 2006 to January 2008 collecting unprecedented data showing the effects of climate change. The Tara was immersed in the heart of a region which is a living reminder of the dramatic effects of climate change as well as essential to the earth's climatic future. Learn more...