#USA #Fort Lauderdale #Superyacht Life #Yachts for Science #Fundación MERI

Celebrating Transformative Women in Yachting at The Honours 2025

Under the starlit sky at the newly inaugurated Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, a remarkable event unfolded, leaving attendees inspired and hopeful. The Honours 2025, hosted by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), was a night dedicated to recognizing the power of yachting as a catalyst for change. Three extraordinary women - Angela Abshier, Francisca Cortés Solari, and Rosie O'Donnell - were honored for their groundbreaking contributions in leveraging the yachting industry for social good.

As guests sipped cocktails, the ambiance was filled with anticipation for the unveiling of this year’s honorees. Angela Abshier, founder of Sail to Shelter in the USA, leads the way in transforming retired superyacht sails into shelters and shade solutions for vulnerable communities. Her organization showcases how materials that once captured the wind can now offer protection from the elements. Abshier stated, "The sails that once harnessed the power of the wind are now providing protection from it. It's proof that even the materials of this industry have the potential to serve a higher purpose. I'm deeply honored that Sail to Shelter has found a home within the heart of the yachting community."

From Chile, Francisca Cortés Solari accepted her award for her efforts with Fundación MERI, an organization dedicated to marine conservation. Her philanthropic work integrates science, education, and compassion, focusing on the preservation of marine ecosystems. Cortés Solari remarked, "Through Fundación MERI, we've seen how science, when combined with education and respect for nature, can inspire entire communities to become guardians of the ocean. This recognition honors not just one project, but a collective effort from the Global South to protect life on Earth."

The event also highlighted Rosie O'Donnell, the UK project lead for Yachts for Science, who spoke passionately about connecting superyachts with scientists for research expeditions. O'Donnell emphasized the transformative potential of private yachts in ocean research, stating, "Every yacht has the ability to become a vessel of discovery – and when owners, crew, and scientists come together, what we can achieve is extraordinary. The ocean still holds so many secrets, and I'm proud to be part of a movement helping to reveal them."

Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, encapsulated the evening's spirit by stating, "Tonight we celebrated not only three extraordinary women but also the boundless capacity of this industry to do good. Angela, Francisca, and Rosie are proof that passion and purpose can coexist beautifully. Their stories remind us all why The Honours exists – to show that yachting can make an impact far beyond the water."

The venue, Pier Sixty-Six, served as a fitting backdrop for such an event, coinciding with the world's largest in-water boat show. Andrew Doole, President of US Boat Shows at Informa, shared, "The Honours gives a global stage to individuals whose work transforms perceptions and delivers tangible change. Hosting this event during FLIBS reinforces our shared belief that innovation and humanity are at the heart of this community."

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that The Honours 2025 was not just about recognition but about fostering connections and collaboration within the industry. Sponsored by industry leaders like Delta Marine, Feadship, and Robert Allen Law, the event illuminated the collective mission of the yachting community to create a ripple effect of positive stewardship over our oceans for future generations.

In an era where the impact of every industry is under scrutiny, the yachting sector is paving a path forward, proving that luxury can indeed coexist with responsibility and that every wave can carry forward change.