Ocean Family Foundation: Meet the driving force behind Ocean Talks

With Ocean Talks 2026 now approaching, BOAT takes a closer look at the organisation behind this important annual event, Ocean Family Foundation, and its mission to drive meaningful change for the world’s oceans.

For many in the superyacht and wider marine community, Ocean Talks has become a key date in the calendar. It’s an evening that brings together yacht owners, designers and builders, together with conservationists and scientists to explore the future of our oceans. At the heart of the event’s long-standing support is Ocean Family Foundation, a marine conservation organisation dedicated to protecting ocean health and biodiversity for future generations.

A foundation rooted in a shared love of the ocean

Ocean Family Foundation was established in 2018 by four founding families who share a deep personal connection to the sea and a commitment to safeguarding it. Built on the belief that those who benefit most from the ocean also carry a responsibility to protect it, the foundation channels its efforts into funding and supporting impactful marine conservation initiatives worldwide.

As the foundation describes, its purpose is to “fund and actively support a variety of sustainable marine conservation programmes”, with the goal that “the rich biodiversity of the world’s largest and most important wilderness, the ocean, may be protected and thrive for generations to come”.

What Ocean Family Foundation does

Ocean Family Foundation supports a wide range of marine conservation projects across the globe, working with organisations that are actively delivering measurable impact for ocean ecosystems.

The foundation “seeks out existing or start-up conservation projects that have a positive impact on marine life and ocean health across diverse global locations”, ensuring funding is directed where it can create meaningful and lasting change.

Its focus spans marine biodiversity protection, plastic pollution reduction, habitat restoration and coastal community engagement, alongside initiatives that raise awareness of ocean issues through education and storytelling.

One example of its practical approach is the “Beach Bin & Bag” initiative, created in collaboration with North Sails and Vripack, which repurposes reclaimed sail material into tools used for beach clean-ups.

A natural link to the superyacht community

With one of its founding families closely connected to the yachting world, Ocean Family Foundation has developed strong ties within the superyacht sector. This relationship has helped build a network of owners, captains, designers and industry stakeholders who are increasingly engaged in ocean conservation efforts.

That connection makes Ocean Talks a natural extension of the foundation’s mission - a platform where industry influence and scientific expertise meet to encourage informed discussion and meaningful action.

Supporting Ocean Talks

Ocean Family Foundation has been a long-standing sponsor of BOAT International’s Ocean Talks, supporting the event’s growth into one of the most important conversations in the superyacht calendar.

The ninth edition of Ocean Talks will return to central London on 11 June 2026 at The Magazine, Serpentine North Gallery, in Hyde Park. The event will once again bring together leading voices from science, conservation and yachting, continuing its role as a forum for ideas and discussion around ocean health.

So far, two speakers have been announced. Keynote speaker Olivia Swaak-Goldman, executive director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, will outline how the Wildlife Justice Commission applies a law enforcement-based approach to marine conservation. Hanli Prinsloo, freediver, ocean advocate and founder of I AM WATER, will explore the human connection to the ocean and the role of personal experience in driving conservation awareness.

Further details are set to be announced in due course, so stay tuned for updates as the 2026 line-up develops.

Tickets to Ocean Talks are free, but registration is required to secure your place.

For more information, please contact the BOAT International events team.