What YachtAid Global does

YachtAid Global is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006 and headquartered in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, that leverages superyacht assets, professional crew, and a global yachting-community network to deliver disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and marine conservation programs to remote coastal communities worldwide. The organization operates a portfolio of named regional operations spanning 25+ countries — including the Caribbean (Antigua, Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenadines, Grenada), Mexico, the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Philippines, Ukraine, Turkey, Syria, and Costa Rica — with each operation focused on a geography-specific mix of disaster response, clean water access infrastructure, educational support, and conservation work. Its technical and operational platform centers on superyachts as floating logistics assets that can carry significant fuel reserves, freshwater production systems, and advanced navigation equipment, enabling rapid independent access to coastal areas that traditional aid organizations cannot reach quickly; the organization also installs physical infrastructure (clean water filtration systems removing 99.9999% of bacteria, solar-powered water pumps, Starlink satellite internet systems in schools) and runs conservation programs in coral reef restoration, mangrove protection, and pelagic species migration research.

YachtAid Global does not generate revenue from commercial product or service sales; its financial model is built entirely on tax-deductible donations, in-kind gifts, planned giving, and the volunteered transport capacity of partner yachts. The organization reaches donors and volunteers through its website, social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube), email newsletter, and participation at yacht industry events such as the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It maintains a core staff of 9 supported by a network of volunteer professionals, regional program outreach coordinators, and marine science staff, and operates through a coalition of 200+ vetted NGOs, governmental agencies, charities, and disaster relief partners. Over 250 projects have been completed since founding, with recent scale signals including 600+ tons of aid delivered to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian, 4,000+ women and children evacuated from Ukraine, and over 200,000 liters of new water storage capacity installed in Fiji.

The beneficiary segments are remote coastal and island communities vulnerable to natural disasters, education institutions lacking infrastructure, communities without clean water access, and ocean conservation stakeholders; the donor and supply-side segments are yacht owners, captains, crew, and yachting-industry partners. Captain Mark Drewelow served as founder until his death in March 2025, with founding board member Captain Zoran Selakovic now serving as Executive Director.

Name

YachtAid Global

Legal name

YachtAid Global

Website

https://yachtaidglobal.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

YachtAid Global is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2006 that mobilizes superyachts and the yachting community to deliver disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and marine conservation programs to remote coastal communities across 25+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Humanitarian Aid Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Marine Cargo Handling (488320)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Yacht & Luxury Boat Charters (With Crew) (THAJALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Charters & Yacht Experiences (Crewed, Bareboat, Day Charters) (THAJAJAB), Dive & Snorkel Equipment Rental, Retail & Boat Services (compressors, gear hire) (THAAAIAL)

Keywords

• Maritime disaster relief
• Humanitarian aid programs
• Ocean conservation initiatives
• Coastal community support
• Superyacht philanthropy

Headquarters

HQ city

Cardiff

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Financial Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable donations from individuals, yacht owners, and supporters enabling disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and conservation programs. The organization accepts one-time and recurring donations through its website.
2. In-Kind Contributions: Gifts in-kind including goods, supplies, and relief materials donated to support specific operations and initiatives worldwide
3. Planned Giving: Legacy giving and estate planning contributions designed to create lasting humanitarian aid, conservation, and relief programs across vulnerable remote coastal communities
4. Vessel Transport Services: Superyachts transport donated or purchased goods, supplies, and relief materials from origin to destination communities, providing the unique logistical capability of reaching remote coastal areas

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

YachtAid Global facilitates disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and conservation programs by leveraging partner superyachts and their professional crews to transport donated goods, supplies, relief materials, and volunteers to remote coastal and island communities worldwide. The organization delivers clean water access systems, educational supplies, storm-resilient housing, medical relief, and marine conservation support. It accepts charitable donations, in-kind contributions, and planned giving to fund operations across 25+ countries.

Product overview

YachtAid Global operates as a unified nonprofit platform connecting the superyachting community with disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and conservation programs across global coastal communities. The organization's core offerings span three main areas: Disaster Relief & Recovery Services enabling superyachts to deliver rapid aid to remote areas; Humanitarian Aid Programs including clean water access, education support, and build-back-better infrastructure; and Conservation Programs covering marine life protection, coral reef restoration, and blue carbon initiatives. These are delivered through named regional operations (Operation Swimway, Operation Beagle, Operation C-Phoenix, Operation Quartz, Operation Viti, Operation Topaz, Operation Nasama, Operation Pearl, Operation Soni, Operation Lalesi, Operation Jade, Operation Turu, Operation Lifestone) and the Blue Carbon Initiative. The organization facilitates transport of donated goods, accepts financial contributions, in-kind gifts, and planned giving, but does not offer commercial products or services for sale.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Operation Swimway: Conservation program featuring investments into the equipment and science of ocean conservation while enabling interested owners, guests, and crew to work closely with distinguished members of the scientific community to accelerate the conservation of pelagic species.
• Operation Lifestone
• Operation Beagle
• Operation Quartz
• Operation C-Phoenix
• Operation Viti
• Operation Jade
• Operation Turu
• Operation Swimway
• Blue Carbon Initiative
• Operation Topaz
• Operation Pearl
• Operation Nasama
• Operation Soni
• Operation Lalesi

Products and services

• Disaster Relief & Recovery Services Multi-disciplinary disaster response enabling superyachts to deliver aid to remote coastal communities affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters, including post-Hurricane Dorian Bahamas relief, Hurricane Melissa recovery in Jamaica, and Typhoon Rai/Odette response in the Philippines.
• Humanitarian Aid Programs Programs providing clean water access, education support, and build-back-better infrastructure for storm-resilient housing in remote coastal communities worldwide.
• Conservation Programs Marine life and ocean conservation initiatives including coral reef restoration, mangrove protection, shark migration research, and pelagic species protection.
• Operation Swimway Conservation program focusing on investments into the equipment and science of ocean conservation, protecting pelagic species migration corridors through research and engagement with yacht owners, guests, and crew.
• Operation Lifestone Coral reef conservation, restoration, and monitoring program using harvesting, nurturing, and transplanting techniques to build robust reef ecosystems.
• Operation Beagle Ongoing commitment to supporting coastal communities of the Galápagos Islands through clean water access, education programs, youth sports, sailing programs, and environmental conservation, including the Biblioteca Galapagos public library.
• Operation C-Phoenix Caribbean-wide humanitarian support including education, clean water access, build back better, and conservation science initiatives across Antigua, Jamaica, and the Grenadines.
• Operation Quartz Humanitarian initiatives across Mexico (Oaxaca region) including disaster relief, clean drinking water, education programs, and support for communities transitioning from fishing to eco-tourism.
• Operation Viti Fiji-focused disaster relief, clean water access, and build-back-better programs rebuilding storm-resilient homes and community centers.
• Operation Nasama Humanitarian support for Vanuatu Pacific island communities affected by cyclones and earthquakes.
• Operation Pearl Emergency disaster relief for Philippines communities affected by Typhoon Rai/Odette.
• Operation Soni Ukraine war disaster relief focused on medical supply delivery and evacuation support through coalition partners, including over 4,000 women and children evacuated and 2,000+ medication types shipped to 11 hospitals.
• Operation Lalesi Turkey and Syria earthquake disaster relief providing shelters, heaters, blankets, infant care supplies, and medical support.
• Operation Jade Humanitarian initiatives across Costa Rica including disaster relief, clean water, education programs, and school construction.
• Operation Turu Education and infrastructure support across French Polynesia's Tuamotu Islands, including delivery of school books, teaching supplies, computers, and iPads to local schools via participating yachts.
• Blue Carbon Initiative Mangrove forest protection and carbon reduction initiative partnering with international scientists to address climate change through natural solutions in coastal and marine ecosystems, including Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.
• Operation Topaz Bahamas hurricane relief providing ongoing post-Hurricane Dorian disaster recovery to schools, community centers, and medical facilities, including over 600 tons of aid delivered.

Quantifiable outcome

• Delivered over 600 tons of aid to the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Biblioteca GalapagoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Collaborative partnership established in 2018 to open the first public library in the Galapagos Islands in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. YAG provided building renovations, standardized operations, a computer lab, and collection of 1500 books. Library serves as community hub for education, literacy, scientific lectures, literature events, arts, environmental workshops, and emergency preparedness. In 2025, YAG remodeled and expanded the library footprint by 50% and installed new monitoring system and handicapped lift.
• Tahiti Private ExpeditionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by Christelle Holler, specializing in superyacht dive expeditions in the Pacific region. Deep passion for marine life and diving with commitment to ocean conservation. Collaborates with YAG on Operation Turu across French Polynesia including Tuamotu Islands.
• 200+ Vetted NGOs, Governmental Agencies, and CharitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal network of vetted NGOs, agents, governmental agencies, charities, disaster relief experts, and partnering yachts enabling effective collaborative initiatives across the globe. Network enables agenda-free programming, maximizes resource use, and ensures impactful long-term outcomes.
• SY SeahawkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSuperyacht that has participated in YAG operations across French Polynesia including Makemo atoll delivery of school books, teaching supplies, computers and iPads to local school as part of Operation Turu.
• YCO (Yacht Cooperation)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerYachting industry partner providing support and collaboration for YAG initiatives and programs.
• Adopt a CoastlineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal organization collaborating with YAG on beach cleanup initiatives supported by participating yacht crew, particularly during Antigua Charter Yacht Show events.
• Adrift Film FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSuperyacht crew film festival benefiting YAG. Features talented yacht crew submissions and raises money specifically for YAG activities on Antigua including purchasing food, children's clothing and toys for underprivileged families.
• National Marine SuppliersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner supporting YAG through Adrift Film Festival partnership.
• YachtieWorldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner supporting YAG through Adrift Film Festival partnership.
• YachtingBCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner supporting YAG through Adrift Film Festival partnership.
• Roccabella YachtsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner supporting YAG through Adrift Film Festival partnership.
• Caribbean Shark CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by Tadzio Bervoets, YAG Marine Science Program Manager. Coalition focused on shark conservation in the Caribbean, supporting Operation Swimway research initiatives.
• St. Maarten Nature FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormer organization of Tadzio Bervoets before joining YAG. Represents YAG's network in Caribbean marine conservation.
• Dutch Caribbean Nature AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormer organization of Tadzio Bervoets. Represents YAG's network in Caribbean nature conservation.
• Blue Carbon Initiative Scientific PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational team of scientists partnering with YAG to study blue carbon in coastal and marine ecosystems addressing climate change through natural solutions. Supports mangrove protection initiatives in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.
• St. Eustatius Marine ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormer organization of Tadzio Bervoets before joining YAG. Represents YAG's network in Caribbean marine protected area management.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• WaterAid: WaterAid is a global nonprofit focused on clean water access, sanitation, and hygiene in remote and underserved communities, directly comparable to YachtAid Global's clean water access programs across Galapagos, Fiji, Mexico, and the Caribbean that install filtration systems removing 99.9999% of bacteria in schools and community centers.
• Sailors for the Sea (Sail Newport under NOAA): Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit ocean conservation organization that activates the boating and sailing community to protect the oceans, closely comparable to YachtAid Global's model of converting yachting industry assets into conservation impact and engaging vessel owners/crew in environmental programs.
• International SeaKeepers Society: International SeaKeepers Society mobilizes yacht owners, crew, and marine industry partners for ocean conservation, research, and education, directly comparable to YachtAid Global's engagement of the superyacht community for conservation (Operation Swimway, Operation Lifestone) and scientific research initiatives.
• Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates a fleet of hospital ships delivering free medical care to coastal communities in developing nations, the closest direct analog to YachtAid Global's model of leveraging private vessels for humanitarian aid delivery. Both organizations use large marine assets to reach underserved coastal populations that traditional aid channels underserve.

Broad incumbents

• Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders): Médecins Sans Frontières is a large international humanitarian medical organization delivering emergency medical care in crisis zones, comparable to YachtAid Global's medical logistics work delivering 2,000+ types of medications to 11 Ukrainian hospitals and evacuating 4,000+ women and children via coalition partners during the Ukraine conflict.
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): The IFRC coordinates global disaster response and humanitarian aid across 191 national societies, a broad incumbent with overlapping mission in disaster relief and coastal community recovery (YAG responded to Hurricanes Dorian, Beryl, and Melissa). YAG operates as a smaller, yacht-enabled complement to the Red Cross's larger institutional response network.
• Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing and disaster-resilient shelter globally, directly comparable to YachtAid Global's "build back better" work (15 starter family homes in Jamaica post-Hurricane Melissa, 17 shelter homes in Carriacou/Petite Martinique post-Hurricane Beryl). Both organizations deliver physical infrastructure to disaster-affected coastal communities.

Emerging players

• Sail Training International: Sail Training International promotes sail training and personal development through tall ships and youth sailing programs, comparable to YachtAid Global's Operation Beagle sailing and swimming education programs in the Galapagos and Operation C-Phoenix youth maritime education work in Antigua and the Grenadines.
• Coral Restoration Foundation: Coral Restoration Foundation is a nonprofit focused on coral reef restoration science and scaling restoration techniques, closely comparable to YachtAid Global's Operation Lifestone program that uses coral nursery and transplantation techniques to restore reef ecosystems in Antigua and the Caribbean.
• Sea-Watch: Sea-Watch is a German maritime-humanitarian organization operating vessels to rescue migrants and refugees at sea, comparable to YachtAid Global in deploying private/crew-supported vessels for humanitarian purposes to reach vulnerable populations via maritime means, though focused on at-sea rescue rather than coastal disaster relief.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/YachtAidGlobal
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKIuLgpW7qcHQBlBmDxbXbA
• Facebookfacebook.com/YachtAidGlobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/yachtaidglobal
• Instagraminstagram.com/YachtAidGlobal

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about YachtAid Global