Ports of Cause formally launched by Clear Group International

Clear Group International has announced the formal launch of Ports of Cause (POC), an innovative philanthropic superyachting enterprise founded by Joyce Clear of Clear Group International and managed by a board of directors.

Based as a platform for philanthropy and showcasing superyacht design, POC propels a newly refurbished yacht into the global marketplace as an ambassador of the superyacht community, while supporting charities through events and global initiatives.

The program is funded through corporate sponsorships and state-of-the-art product donations.  As a result, the yachts operate as global, mobile showcases for excellence in design, innovation, technology and luxury brands.

Once a participating POC yacht has completed a refit, the vessel travels to key locations to host Red-Carpet-VIP events to raise funds for charitable initiatives.  Currently, the charities benefiting from Ports of Cause 2013 are organisations that operate global ocean conservation and clean water programs, including Ecomundi Ventures, Models for Water, International SeaKeepers Society, Plant-a-Fish and others to be announced.

Ports of Cause was conceived and created in part to address the current challenges the yachting industry faces.  Joyce Clear described the approach, “This program offers solutions to market expansion, job creation and image enhancement while highlighting American design and innovation, education and urgent global issues.  I share a strong passion with many in the industry about the positive impact yachting has on the world.  The time has come to create a vehicle through which the world is educated about the positive influence of our industry and our owners, captains and crew. More, as a community, we have the opportunity to address some of the most critical issues facing our planet, today and in the future.”

Ports of Cause, while newly launching in the public arena, has benefited during the past year from the expertise of its board of directors, a dedicated group of leading superyacht professionals with disciplines ranging from marketing and fundraising, yacht design, build and refit to legal issues and yacht operations.

The flagship vessel selected to participate in the program is the renowned classic 116’ motor yacht The Highlander, owned by Victor Muller, chief executive officer of Spyker NV, a Dutch super car manufacturer.  The Highlander was launched in 1967 by De Vries, the third Feadship built for the famous entrepreneur, Malcolm Forbes, who used the yacht for business and pleasure, entertaining kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents, business moguls, movie stars, celebrities and visionaries around the world.

Ports of Cause will be participating in major global boat shows and its own fundraising events in 2013, starting with the Miami International Boat Show in February, 2013.

For further information, visit www.cleargroupintl.com.