Caribbean Fantasy Trip on the World's Largest Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Be Auctioned at Oceana Event

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the fifth anniversary of Oceana's Summer SeaChange party and the highlight of the event's live auction is a 7-day Caribbean Charter aboard HEMISPHERE, the world's largest luxury sailing catamaran. The star of the auction was donated by the owner and facilitated by Burgess, the global superyacht industry leader and a generous supporter of Oceana.

SeaChange is an Orange County, California, benefit that gives supporters an opportunity to help Oceana bring back the sea's bounty for ourselves and for our children. This year's event features special guests Morgan Freeman with a musical performance by Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, as well as many additional celebrity supporters. Since its inception, this groundbreaking event has raised nearly $5 million for ocean conservation.

Ten to twelve lucky sailing enthusiasts will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of HEMISPHERE, a design masterpiece that sets a new benchmark for luxury charters, with a crew of 10 including a gourmet chef and state-of-the-art accommodations. Launched in 2011, this stunning 145-foot sailing vessel boasts the ultimate fusion of extravagance and dynamic performance, exemplifying unparalleled luxury on the seven seas while maintaining environmental integrity.

The winning bidder and guests will have the opportunity to spend 8 days/7 nights in the Caribbean where Captain Gavin Bladen can share his knowledge of 8 years diving experience in these idyllic waters and create a custom cruising itinerary for the charterer. Divers will be delighted to learn that HEMISPHERE was built for exploring the underwater world with two PADI certified dive instructors on board and a dive center located within one of the catamaran hulls housing full sets of scuba diving gear (including Nitrox air) for up to 12 guests. A host of other toys, including two fantastic tenders, snorkeling equipment, wake boards, paddleboards, a professional diving board, a trampoline, kayaks, windsurfers, water scooters, mountain bikes, and Seabobs, all combine to create the perfect platform to maximize an ideal Caribbean yachting vacation experience.

"Thanks to Burgess, our SeaChange guests have a chance to experience the beauty of the ocean on this once-in-a-lifetime yachting experience, all while supporting Oceana's conservation efforts," said Jim Simon, Oceana executive vice president. "Through its continued support, Burgess has generously helped Oceana win in-the-water policy victories for our oceans since 2011."

Burgess Chief Executive Jonathan Beckett offers, "It's a natural fit for Burgess to support Oceana. Not only do our vessels ply the world's oceans, but both Burgess and our clients possess an enormous appreciation and awareness of the need for conservation and protection of the waters they are so passionate about sailing."

Founded in 1975 with ten international offices, Burgess is the superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts over 130 feet. Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, technical consultancy services, charter and operational management. The superyacht credentials of Burgess are unmatched in the industry, ensuring that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service. More information on Burgess can be found at http://www.burgessyachts.com.

For more information on Oceana's SeaChange summer party, visit http://www.seachangesummerparty.org.

Bidding for this charter is also offered via http://www.charitybuzz.com through 12:00 ET Friday 27 July 2012.

For more information on HEMISPHERE, please visit http://www.sy-hemisphere.com. HEMISPHERE will be headed to the South Pacific for summer 2013 and will be available for charter in yet another one of the world's most stunning yachting and diving destinations.

Oceana is the largest international advocacy group working solely to protect the world's oceans. Oceana wins policy victories for the oceans using science-based campaigns. Since 2001, we have protected over 1.2 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and other sea creatures. More than 500,000 supporters have already joined Oceana. Global in scope, Oceana has offices in North, South and Central America and Europe. To learn more, please visit http://www.oceana.org.

Contact: Jessica Wiseman
[email protected]
202-467-1934

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SOURCE Oceana