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Logo Yachts du Coeur 2025EcoMer Yachts du Coeur :
“With EcoMer Yachts du Coeur, we remind all the inhabitants of the planet that we are all onboard the same ship: “the earth”, and that the sea is an integral part of the earth. !”
 

 

YACHTS DU COEUR PRESS RELEASE

Yachts du Cœur Launches 2025 Initiative to Support the French Red Cross Across the French Mediterranean

 

A Heartfelt Call to Support Our Communities
French Riviera – August 15, 2025
 
 
At Yachts du Cœur, we are driven by compassion and a deep commitment to our communities. Since 2010, our initiative has worked tirelessly to support the most vulnerable along the French Mediterranean coast, where over 21% of people in cities like Cannes and Nice face the daily struggles of poverty. With open hearts, we invite the yachting community to join us in creating meaningful change.
 
  • From September 1 to October 24, 2025, our annual Yacht Surplus Collection will bring together ports from La Ciotat to Monaco in a heartfelt effort to support the French Red Cross. We warmly encourage yacht owners, captains, chief stewards, and management companies to donate surplus onboard items—small gestures that can bring immense comfort and hope to those in need.

 

  • We extend our deepest gratitude to Port Pierre Canto Cannes, Port Vauban Antibes, and our dedicated partners Northrop & Johnson (Antibes) and Camper & Nicholsons (Cannes) for championing this cause. We invite all members of the yachting industry to join this wave of solidarity, uniting to uplift our communities.
 
  • On October 24, 2025, we will come together for a Solidarity Human Chain at the premises of participating collection companies. This powerful moment will see maritime professionals and humanitarian organizations, including the French Red Cross, standing hand in hand to show our shared commitment to those facing hardship.
 
  • How to Get Involved
    If you’re inspired to join this compassionate cause or would like more details, please reach out to us. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
 
Published August 30, 2025
Jean-Luc Annone,
President, Yachts du Cœur

✉️president@yachts-du-coeur.com

 

“Let’s unite in kindness to support those who need it most.”

 

Download Media Kit : 

MEDIA KIT EN – Yachts du Coeur 2025

MEDIA KIT FR – Yachts du Coeur 2025

 

les Yachts du Coeur

 

A few words from our president :

 

  • Glad to see that the Yachts are back in numbers in August.
    The Yachting season will be shorter this year, but its wealthy tourists will be here after all. However, the restaurants are deserted!
Yachts are back here in numbers in August
Yachts are back here in numbers in August

Published August 8, 2025
Jean-Luc Annone  
President, Yachts du Cœur

 

  • Transition to sustainable fishing practices. A question to Grok AI: 
“Faced with the depletion of marine resources and the ecological emergency, why are fishermen hesitant to adopt sustainable practices like aquaculture and aquaponics, even though they have been tried and tested since ancient Egypt? Rather than criticizing European regulations, wouldn’t it be appropriate for political leaders to encourage a transition combining innovation and respect for traditions to preserve marine ecosystems and support the communities that depend on them? What concrete measures do you propose to accelerate this transition?”

Aquapony - Tilapia - Ancient Egypt
Aquapony – Tilapia – Ancient Egypt
 
Response to Your Questions
Why are fishermen hesitant to adopt sustainable practices like aquaculture and aquaponics?
 
Fishermen’s hesitation to adopt sustainable practices like aquaculture and aquaponics stems from several factors:

  1. Economic Barriers: Transitioning to aquaculture or aquaponics requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure, technology, and training. Many small-scale fishermen lack the capital or access to affordable financing to make this shift.
  2. Cultural and Traditional Resistance: Fishing communities often have deep-rooted traditions tied to wild-catch fishing. Aquaculture and aquaponics may be perceived as a departure from their heritage, leading to skepticism about their viability or compatibility with their way of life.
  3. Knowledge and Skill Gaps: While these practices date back to ancient times (e.g., ancient Egypt’s fish farming in the Nile Delta), modern aquaculture and aquaponics require technical expertise that many traditional fishermen may not possess. Training programs are often limited or inaccessible.
  4. Market and Regulatory Challenges: In some regions, aquaculture products face market competition from cheaper wild-caught or imported fish. Additionally, complex or inconsistent regulations (e.g., licensing, environmental standards) can deter adoption.
  5. Perceived Risks: Aquaculture and aquaponics carry risks such as disease outbreaks, water quality issues, or environmental impacts if poorly managed. Fishermen may view these as riskier than traditional methods.

Should political leaders encourage a transition combining innovation and respect for traditions?Yes, political leaders should promote a balanced transition that respects fishing communities’ cultural heritage while embracing innovation. Criticizing regulations without offering solutions overlooks the need to address both ecological crises and the socioeconomic needs of fishing communities. A transition that integrates sustainable practices like aquaculture with traditional knowledge can preserve marine ecosystems while ensuring livelihoods. For example, involving fishermen in designing aquaculture systems that align with local practices can foster acceptance and maintain cultural identity.Concrete Measures to Accelerate the Transition

  1. Financial Incentives and Support:
    • Provide subsidies, low-interest loans, or grants to cover startup costs for aquaculture and aquaponics facilities.
    • Offer tax breaks for fishermen transitioning to sustainable practices.
    • Establish cooperative funding models where communities pool resources to build shared aquaculture systems.
  2. Training and Education Programs:
    • Develop accessible, community-based training programs to teach modern aquaculture and aquaponics techniques, emphasizing their historical roots (e.g., ancient Egyptian practices) to build cultural resonance.
    • Partner with universities and NGOs to provide ongoing technical support and knowledge sharing.
  3. Regulatory Simplification and Support:
    • Streamline licensing processes for small-scale aquaculture operations to reduce bureaucratic barriers.
    • Create clear, science-based environmental guidelines that ensure sustainability without overwhelming small operators.
  4. Market Development:
    • Promote aquaculture products through marketing campaigns that highlight their sustainability and quality, targeting both local and international markets.
    • Establish certification programs (e.g., eco-labels) to give aquaculture products a competitive edge.
  5. Community Engagement and Co-Design:
    • Involve fishing communities in the planning and implementation of aquaculture projects to ensure they align with local traditions and needs.
    • Create pilot projects that blend traditional fishing knowledge with modern techniques, such as integrating aquaponics with coastal fishing practices.
  6. Research and Innovation:
    • Fund research into low-cost, scalable aquaculture and aquaponics systems suited to local environments.
    • Support innovations like integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which combines species (e.g., fish, seaweed, and shellfish) to mimic natural ecosystems and reduce environmental impact.
  7. Policy Integration:
    • Develop national and regional strategies that align aquaculture development with marine conservation goals, ensuring fishermen are part of the decision-making process.
    • Encourage public-private partnerships to fund infrastructure and share risks.
  8. Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Protection:
    • Promote practices that enhance ecosystem resilience, such as restoring mangroves or seagrass beds alongside aquaculture to support biodiversity.
    • Provide incentives for carbon-neutral or low-impact aquaculture systems to align with climate goals.

Additional Notes

  • Historical Context: While aquaculture has ancient roots (e.g., fishponds in ancient Egypt or Chinese rice-fish systems), modern systems require adaptation to local conditions. Highlighting this historical continuity can help overcome cultural resistance.
  • European Context: European regulations, such as the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, aim to promote sustainability but can feel restrictive. Leaders should focus on positive incentives rather than punitive measures to encourage adoption.
  • Global Examples: Countries like Norway and Chile have successfully scaled aquaculture through government support and innovation. These models can inspire tailored solutions for smaller fishing communities.

 

Published August 8, 2025

Jean-Luc Annone  
President, Yachts du Cœur

 

 

  • As the yachting season begins to wind down here in the Western Mediterranean, Yachts du Cœur warmly invites you to take part in something truly meaningful: our End-of-Year Yachts du Cœur Crew Collection.

    This special initiative will take place throughout September and October across key Mediterranean ports, including Marseille, La Ciotat, Toulon, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Monaco.

    📍 To participate or get in touch: Contacts ⇒

2024 Yachts du Coeur Event by Nice-Matin 2024-11-09
Yachts du Coeur Event by Nice-Matin 2024-11-09

  • Les Yachts du Cœur has just introduced a special Certificate of Commitment to recognize captains who uphold the highest standards of safety, respect, environmental stewardship, and service excellence. Entitled:

    “The 12 Engagements of the Responsible Yacht Captain”
    SEAS Quality Charter – French Waters
    (Voluntary adoption – Last updated: July 24, 2025)

    This charter also includes a dedicated clause on excellence in service, with a special focus on ensuring the wellbeing of yacht crew members on board.

    The wellbeing of Yachts Crew Members
    The wellbeing of Yachts Crew Members

Published July 28, 2025
Jean-Luc Annone  
President, Yachts du Cœur

 

  • Dramatic Drop in Yacht Presence on the Côte d’Azur in July : This year, we are witnessing an extraordinary decline in the number of crewed yachts gracing the azure waters of the French Riviera in July—unseen since our founding in 2009.This sharp downturn has led to a significant decrease in the donations we traditionally collect from yacht crews—donations that are vital to supporting our humanitarian partner associations through Yachts du Cœur.

  • The reasons behind this steep decline are manifold:

    • Additional government-imposed taxes on air travel, which have forced many airlines to suspend numerous routes to France;

    • Restrictions have found their way aboard yachts, as bad economics incite yacht owners to cut down expenses;

    • The increasingly unstable political and geopolitical climate in France;

    • And a severely tarnished national image due to growing concerns around public safety and insecurity.

To all our supporters and partners, we express our deepest regret for this shortfall, which gravely impacts those in need along the Côte d’Azur.

 

Beach of Bouches du Loup, Villeneuve-Loubet, deserted. July 27, 2025.
Economic catastrophy on the French Riviera: “The Beach of Bouches du Loup in Villeneuve-Loubet stood deserted on July 27, 2025, its usual summer crowds nowhere in sight.” 

Published July 27, 2025
Jean-Luc Annone  
President, Yachts du Cœur

 

 

 
Sigle Les Yachts du Coeur
 
 
What are the Yachts du Coeur?

 

Yachts du Cœur: A Beacon of Solidarity and Sustainable Development

France boasts the second-largest maritime territory globally, with the French Riviera’s yachting industry as a key economic pillar. Renowned for its stunning marinas and top-notch services, this sector also leads in sustainable development efforts at sea, funding significant R&D programs and demonstrating exemplary solidarity.

 

Yachts du Cœur: Shining Globally

Among the most concrete examples of this solidarity is the Yachts du Cœur initiative. With yachts sailing across the world’s oceans, the Yachts du Cœur spreads its influence globally. This remarkable program thrives thanks to the generosity of yacht crews and yachting professionals, who play a crucial role in its success.

  • Since 2010, the association EcoMer Yachts du Coeur has organized these collections among seafarers and yachting professionals, with three primary goals:

    1. Helping People in Need: Providing essential support to those facing hardships.
    2. Fighting Against Waste: Promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste.
    3. Demonstrating Cohesion and Solidarity: Showcasing the natural solidarity within the maritime community, setting an example for all.

 

A Reminder of Our Shared Responsibility

Through the Yachts du Cœur, we remind everyone that we are all aboard the same ship, “Planet Earth.” The ocean is an integral part of our planet, reflecting both economic activities and the spirit of solidarity. For us, it symbolizes a commitment to supporting one another and protecting our shared environment.

 

“Every sailor knows that on a ship, you can only save yourself together!”

 

EcoMer Les Yachts du Coeur: Promoting Sustainable Maritime Environment

Yachts du Coeur du 22 juin 2017 au profit de la Croix RougeSince 2010, EcoMer Les Yachts du Coeur has spearheaded the Yachts du Cœur events, working diligently to support sailors and promote sustainable maritime ecology. By adhering to a high-quality charter, the organization collaborates with cities to implement eco-friendly practices and initiatives.

 
Remarkable Achievements
  • Food Collection: Over 22 tonnes of food, equivalent to 44,000 meals, have been collected and donated to the Food Bank since 2010.
  • Clothing Donations: More than 250m³ of linen and clothing have been provided to the French Red Cross, battered women’s associations, Solidarité 06, the Maraudes of Nice, and the Order of Malta.
  • First Aid Supplies: 28m³ of first aid materials were delivered to Caribbean populations affected by hurricanes.
  • Boat Restoration: A fishing boat from the Cannes fishing authority was restored to full working condition.
  • Beach Cleanups and Sailor Support: Numerous beach cleanups and assistance for sailors in distress have been conducted.
  • Educational Initiatives: Authored an environmental children’s book, “Where is the Sea Urchin Family?” to educate young minds about marine conservation.
 
Environment Advocacy
  • Eco-Friendly Yachting Advice: Provides practical ecological advice for yacht owners and sailors via our Seas Quality Charter edited in partnership with the city of Cannes.
  • Scientific Partnerships: Engages in special maritime scientific partnerships to address complex environmental issues.
  • Toxic Substances in Port Sludge: Actively investigates solutions for dealing with harmful substances like PCBs, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead in port sludge, a problem still lacking a satisfactory resolution.

 

EcoMer Les Yachts du Coeur continues to make a significant impact in promoting maritime sustainability, supporting humanitarian efforts, and advocating for environmental conservation. Join us in making a difference on and off the water.

The results are there: 22 tonnes of food, or the equivalent of 44,000 meals have been collected since 2010 to the benefit of the Food Bank.

In addition to our comprehensive services, we have significantly contributed to various humanitarian and environmental causes. Over 250m³ of linen and clothing have been delivered to the French Red Cross, battered women’s associations, Solidarité 06, the Maraudes of Nice, and the Order of Malta. Moreover, we provided 28m³ of first aid supplies to populations in the Caribbean devastated by hurricanes.

We also restored a fishing boat from the Cannes fishing authority to full working condition. Our environmental efforts include beach cleanings and support for sailors in difficulty. Additionally, we have authored an environmental children’s book titled “Where is the Sea Urchin Family?” to educate young minds about marine life.

We actively advise on environmental actions aboard yachts and have established special maritime scientific partnerships. These partnerships address critical issues, such as the management of plastics and  of harmful substances like PCBs, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, and Lead in port sludge— a problem that remains unresolved to this day.

Our dedication to these causes underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on both the community and the environment.

 

Sigle Les Yachts du Coeur
 
 
– Visit our “Coeur de Yachts” ® onboard gifts shop for guests
  • Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Coeur de Yachts®, where each product is meticulously handmade under the guidance of Laurence Eloy, a renowned craftswoman from the French Riviera and a dedicated Yachts du Coeur volunteer. Our top-quality creations not only embody elegance and sophistication but also serve a greater purpose.By purchasing Coeur de Yachts® products, you directly support our mission to fund future humanitarian and environmental initiatives. Our immediate focus is to uplift individuals in precarious situations, offering them the opportunity to regain their dignity and sense of purpose through active training, hands-on work, and valuable experience in our workshop.Our ultimate vision is to alleviate poverty by promoting self-sufficiency. At Coeur de Yachts®, we teach essential trades that empower individuals to build sustainable livelihoods. Each handcrafted item is a testament to the skill and dedication of our artisans, transforming lives one creation at a time.Join us in our mission to create a brighter future. With Coeur de Yachts®, every purchase is a step towards a world where craftsmanship meets compassion, and every product tells a story of hope and empowerment.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for the day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime!”

 

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