Ocean Story sets sail to make waves for conservation

by Jeni Bone on 18 Jun 2011 Ocean Story is preparing to undertake an amazing journey to rally support for a unified international event in support of Ocean Conservation.

The vision is to create a Race for the Oceans, an Oceanic Olympian Event that is co-operative, uniting and celebratory; an event it says aims to 'strive to bring out our greatness in support of the oceans'.

8 June, the 80ft Ocean Story set out for an international campaign voyage of awareness, education and call-to-action, designed to create a wave of transformation in how we care for oceans.

Previously known by the names, Creightons Naturally, FCF Challenger and Ocean Greyhound, the maxi racing sloop was designed by Doug Petersen and David Alan-Williams and built in 1979 by Southern Ocean Shipyards for the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.

The aim of Ocean Story is to help people realise that they are 'waves makers', and to pose the question: 'What Kind of Waves Are We Making?' They say they will be inviting everybody to become aware of our choices and resolve to make the decision to be 'Beautiful Wave Makers'.

Although they are carrying a serious message their policy is one of inclusion, celebration and engagement in joyful projects that all can take part in.

The boat will carry an unusual crew made up of mariners, environmentalists, artists and indigenous wisdom carriers. At each destination they will be bringing stories, songs, teachings and festivities to the shores of the nations that they visit, building connections and uniting people as they travel.

You can already be part of it and help in the making of this vision. The Ocean story boat is about to have its hull and sails transformed for the campaign. Ocean lovers from all walks of life, all ages and all cultures are being invited to share their inspiration for the love of the oceans.

Simply submit a photograph, artwork, story, message or song to share with the world. The contributions will be imprinted on the yacht’s hull and sails in a huge mosaic and carried across the oceans to share with people along the way. The final design will be revealed in November and there will be an interactive version of the mosaic available to see on the website.

So far, contributions have been sent from an eclectic group of well known artists, musicians, environmentalists, indigenous leaders, mariners and spiritual leaders such as: Paulo Coelho, Yoko Ono, Tami Erin, Roz Savage, Kerrianne Cox, Thich Nhat Hanh and many more.

Over the next 12 months and throughout their campaign voyage Ocean Story aims to gather 1,000,000 signatures in support of the campaign by World Oceans Day 2012.

5 Simple & Easy Ways to Support the Race for the Oceans:

1) Log on to the campaign at www.oceanstory.org and declare yourself to be a Beautiful Wave Maker.
2) Upload a message, story, song, photograph or artwork for the oceans on to the site. It will be carried across the waves on the journey to new shores.
3) Sign the Petition: It will go to the Heads of Nations and the United Nations.
Target Date: World Oceans Day June 8th, 2012.
4) DONATE, if you can. Every drop helps.
5) Spread the word and pass these campaign actions on to as many people as possible.
Register and upload your photographs, stories, messages and videos at http://oceanstory.org/your-waves/ or send in via Twitter using #oceanmessage.

More at www.oceanstory.org

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