Sailing with intent a platform for positive change

Hello everyone! We are Deneb and Derek, a dedicated duo united by our passion for ocean sailing, marine research, and conservation.

We are reaching out to you, to share an exciting and heartfelt journey we’re about to embark on, and we want you to be a part of it.

In May of 2022, we acquired "SV Amphitrite," a 35ft/11m blue water sailboat. Our goal is to transform her into a well-outfitted, professional offshore expedition vessel dedicated to marine conservation. We plan to sail from the west coast of Canada to the vibrant waters of the eastern tropical Pacific in the fall of 2024.

To launch our conservation efforts in 2025, it’s crucial to prepare our sailboat to become a platform for marine conservation projects, promoting environmental protection, fostering connections between people and nature, and inspiring others through the transformative power of sailing.

For the past two years, we have dedicated our time and energy to repairing the sailboat, acquiring new skills, planning projects, and working daily to make our dream a reality. This project has been a true labor of love and commitment, but we now understand that to reach our goal and achieve the positive impact we envision, we need community and support.

Your support means the world to us, and we would love for you to be part of this exciting and meaningful adventure.

With your help, we can equip our sailboat with everything needed to achieve our dream.

Together, anything is possible!

ABOUT US

Derek Kimball is a professional sailor driven by his passion for wildlife and natural places. Leaving behind a corporate career, he joined the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in 2017 as a volunteer and quickly progressed to the role of chief mate. His extensive experience includes offshore research expeditions, a transatlantic crossing, circumnavigation of Vancouver Island, and three 2000+nautical mile voyages from Canada to Mexico and back along the west coast. Currently working towards his RYA YachtMaster Offshore certificate, Derek's journey reflects the power of hope and the belief in limitless possibilities.

Deneb Saldierna is a marine biologist with a master's in marine resource management and over 11 years of experience in marine monitoring and evaluating Marine Protected Areas. As a co-founder of the nonprofit Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Sciences of Baja California Sur (CienciasBCS), she leads research and conservation projects aimed at protecting critical habitats for endangered species like sharks and oceanic mantas and conducts environmental education in marginalized communities.

LIVING WITH INTENTION

Mission

Sail around the world supporting research and conservation projects aimed at protecting the ocean and its marine species, promoting sustainable management of natural resources, and providing environmental education. By raising awareness in local communities, we encourage their active participation in conservation efforts and foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

Vision

Own a sailboat that serves as a global research expedition vessel, dedicated to the common goal of ocean conservation.

WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS

We recognize the importance of developing projects that serve as sources of inspiration, showcasing through tangible actions that it is indeed possible to reshape our reality and foster community in a more harmonious way. And above all, that everyone holds the potential to contribute to this transformative process.

As many of you are aware, our oceans confront severe challenges, coupled with the scarcity of resources for research and conservation efforts, the urgency for action becomes even more pronounced.

With your help, we aim to convert our sailboat into a platform to support key initiatives in these main areas:

1) Marine research and conservation.

2) Environmental education and awareness.

3) Collaborating with NGOs, researchers, Marine Protected Areas and local communities

Our conservation activities for the oceans will begin in 2025!

The first project we have agreed to support will be the Underwater Cleaning Stations project led by CienciasBCS.

The cleaning stations in Revillagigedo National Park (RNP) are key areas where endangered species such as sharks and oceanic mantas can rid themselves of parasites and diseased or injured tissue to maintain their good health.

The problem is that high tourist pressure is drastically affecting these places, and due to the lack of scientific evidence, the tourism sector currently opposes the regulations proposed by the Park.

With Amphitrite, we will conduct two research and conservation campaigns along with expert researchers and RNP’s park rangers to support the collection of information that substantiates the protection of these important areas.

To learn more about our projects, follow our regular updates on Instagram (svAmphitrite). We will also be sending out newsletters, and more detailed information will be available on the CienciasBCS website, which will be launched this summer.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

To help us make this positive change, you can donate through this platform, contact us directly for an in-kind donation, or help us spread the word and reach out to more people.

The funds we raise will go towards:

Essential Maintenance and Repairs:

• Rigging

• Sails

• Rudder and steering systems

• Radar and solar panel super-structure

• Electrical system

Safety and navigation gear:

• EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

• Satellite connection for weather information and land communication (e.g., Garmin InReach)

Sustainable power:

• Hydrogenator installation

• Solar array upgrade

To meet the energy needs for operations during field campaigns and to advance towards more sustainable living.

Necessary upgrades:

• Desalination/Watermaker: Essential for longer voyages with multiple people onboard; water is the main limiting factor for expeditions in remote areas.

• Wind Steering/Self-Steering System: Crucial for energy conservation during long passages.

The equipment and resources for research, conservation, and education are being managed through other types of initiatives and collaborations.

YOUR IMPACT

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and allows us to make a real difference. Your support reassures us that we can achieve our dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

To show our gratitude, we will:

• Keep You Updated: Share regular updates with photos, videos, and stories of the next three months while getting Amphitrite ready to sail from BC, Canada to BCS, Mexico.

• Celebrate Your Support: Acknowledge your contributions on our social media and campaign page.

• Special Rewards: Offer heartfelt thank-you notes, virtual tours of our sailboat, and even invitations to join us in Mexico for larger donations.

JOIN US ON THIS ADVENTURE

We invite you to be a part of this heartwarming journey and help us create positive change for our oceans. Your belief in us has always been our strength, and with your support, we can turn this dream into reality. Thank you for being a part of our lives and supporting our mission to protect the ocean.

Let’s set sail for a brighter, more sustainable future together!

With love and gratitude,

Deneb & Derek