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.
Captain Christian Stacey and the crew of the 50-meter Benetti motor yacht Asani recently took part in a conservation effort, joining marine biologists and local authorities to release a rehabilitated turtle, named Asanya, back into Sardinia’s protected waters.
Nautica Assistance led the collaboration as part of its Ocean Lovers project – an ongoing initiative to foster marine conservation among yachts cruising these ecosystems.
Two years ago, biologists from the Tavolara Marine Protected Area (AMP) found the loggerhead sea turtle injured on Marinella Beach in Sardinia. After undergoing rehabilitation at the Sinis Recovery Center (CRES), she was fitted with a satellite tracker funded by ASANI’s owner, allowing for continued monitoring of her movements.
On release day, the Nautica Assistance team and Asani's crew, alongside a group of biologists gathered near Soffi Island to release Asanya back into her natural habitat. "The crew were hugely privileged to be part of Asanya’s release, the culmination of a long road to recovery,” Captain Christian said. “Marine wildlife is something very close to the hearts of superyacht crew generally – we are forever in their habitat – and we can all do a little something to help leave it how we found it – if not better.”
Stacey added, “The owner jumped at the chance for us to support such a great cause. One of the fastest approvals I’ve received!” The owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship encourages Asani's crew to adopt eco-conscious practices, from mindful purchasing to waste management aimed at reducing ocean pollution.