SEA THE PLASTIC, sailing around the Atlantic fighting plastic pollution

Help us sail around the Atlantic to raise awareness on plastic pollution in the oceans and to collect microplastic samples.

Project visual SEA THE PLASTIC, sailing around the Atlantic fighting plastic pollution
Successful
184
Contributions
22/04/2020
End date
€10.910
Out of €10.000
109 %

SEA THE PLASTIC, sailing around the Atlantic fighting plastic pollution

<p>SEA THE PLASTIC in short ...</p> <p>We are two Belgian adventurers planning on <strong>sailing around the Atlantic,</strong> for a period of one and a half year starting in May 2020, in order to <strong>raise awareness on&nbsp;plastic pollution in the oceans</strong>. Throughout our trip we will collect samples all over the Atlantic ocean in partnership with Ocean Eye, who will conduct an analysis of these microplastic samples in a lab. The data generated by this research will be transmitted to the GRID department of the United Nations Environment Program and made available worldwide with its &ldquo;geodata&rdquo; geographic information system.</p> <p>Another aspect of our project is to <strong>raise public awareness</strong> on plastic pollution in our oceans and<strong>&nbsp;change people&#39;s habits</strong>. Our goal is&nbsp;to reach as many people as we can. Thus, we&nbsp;will organize&nbsp;meetings during our trip,&nbsp;small gatherings / workshops with our partners, promote it on our website&nbsp;and&nbsp;our social media, and write&nbsp;articles&nbsp;along the way. Moreover, we will also collaborate with a Belgian school,&nbsp;launching a project with students from different grades.</p> <p>Visit our website: <a href="http://www.seatheplastic.com" target="_blank">www.seatheplastic.com</a> !&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644390/Explication-16-1580232274.png" width="100%" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644405/Explication-05-1580232672.png" width="100%" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644391/Explication-17-1580232285.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>&laquo; My name is Damien, I&rsquo;m 28 years old and I have been sailing for over 16 years. As a sailing instructor, member and skipper of ULYC, it is at sea that I feel the best. Graduated in electro mechanics, I feel ready to make Sanzaru fully seaworthy again for the big departure. I&rsquo;m looking forward to the beginning of this epic adventure with my best travel buddy! &raquo;</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644392/Explication-18-1580232294.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>&laquo; Hi, I&rsquo;m Aline, a 26-year-old Belgian who is passionate about photography and nature. 3 years ago, Damien introduced me to his world of sailing. I always have been concerned by the climate raising and interested in finding ways to address this challenge, and especially ocean protection. I have decided to temporarily pause my career as an architectural engineer to dedicate my time to this cause. &raquo;</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644393/Explication-19-1580232310.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>&laquo; Built in Sweden in 1995, I&rsquo;m a Maxi 1000 sailboat that has already traveled thousands of nautical miles. I have lived for a longtime in the Mediterranean Sea and just came back from a two-year journey around the Atlantic Ocean. Damien and Aline ended up adopting me in May 2019. I&rsquo;m looking forward to be restored to begin new adventures with them and make this awesome project come true! &raquo;</p> <hr /> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644434/Explication-22-1580246337.png" width="100%" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644399/Explication-24-1580232585.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>Together with Ocean Eye, we will <strong>collect</strong> <strong>samples </strong>during our trip around the Atlantic Ocean as a <strong>volunteer sailboat</strong>. Our geolocated samples will be sent to Ocean Eye who will count and weight the <strong>micro plastic particles</strong> in the lab&nbsp;of the EPFL. The generated data will complete an already existing global open access database.</p> <p>But&hellip; we would also like to collect <strong>unique samples</strong> in a poorly mapped area, by extending our journey to <strong>Montreal </strong>via the St. Lawrence River. We would be the <strong>first sailboat</strong> of Ocean Eye to go in this area and we would thus significantly expand the database.<strong> That&rsquo;s why we need your help!!</strong></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644394/Explication-20-1580232323.png" width="100%" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644400/Explication-25-1580232592.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>Through social media and meetings throughout our journey, we would like to <strong>contribute to the global awareness </strong>of plastic pollution in the oceans. We aim to <strong>cooperate with schools</strong> that will follow the project&nbsp;in class. We would also like to reach as many people as possible and contribute to a general awareness.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644401/Explication-26-1580232600.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>We will travel in autonomy, thanks to the wind, on our <strong>10m sailboat</strong> during one and a half year. Many challenges will present themselves: sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, getting to know our boat by heart, accomplishing some great performances, interpreting weather files and managing our navigation programs; in brief, perfecting our sailing skills. Thanks to our sailboat, we will be able to <strong>travel across the world with an emission free transport</strong>. Together we want to rise to these challenges.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644395/Explication-21-1580232338.png" width="100%" /></p> <hr /> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644435/Explication-23-1580246356.png" width="100%" /></p> <h3><strong>Extension of the itinerary, thanks to you!!</strong></h3> <p>We need your financial help&nbsp;to extend our trip to Montreal and be the first expedition to make microplastic samples for Ocean Eye in these poorly mapped areas!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Allocation of funds

<p>Convinced of the merits of our project and for the sake of credibility to our partners, we finance more than half of the adventure on our own. However, we cannot cover all of the costs related to preparation, new equipments, repairs and the microplastic mission.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644402/Explication-27-1580232612.png" width="100%" /></p> <p>The project total budget is 80,000 euros. <strong>This crowdfunding will be used to</strong> collect funds from the categories &ldquo;Microplastic mission&rdquo; and &ldquo;Preparation of the trip&rdquo;. We are aiming to raise for a total of <strong>10,000 euros</strong>. It will help us <strong>raise awareness on plastic pollution,</strong> buy the <strong>sampling</strong> and <strong>safety equipment</strong>.</p> <p>Microplastic mission&nbsp;:</p> <ul> <li>Purchase of the sampling net: 2500&euro;</li> <li>Training with Ocean Eye in Switzerland: 700&euro;</li> <li>Water flow meter: 600&euro; (to measure the amount of water passing through the net)</li> <li>Anemometer&nbsp;: 1&nbsp;500&euro;</li> <li>Sending samples by post&nbsp;: 500&euro;</li> <li>Inmarsat subscription (communication with satellite networks): 1000&euro;</li> </ul> <p>Preparation of the trip (navigation, safety and health):</p> <ul> <li>Stage World Sailing (EX ISAF): 1000&euro;</li> <li>Life vests: 400&euro;</li> <li>Satellite distress beacon: 500&euro;</li> <li>Personal distress beacon (2): 500&euro;</li> <li>AIS installation (anti-collision system): 800&euro;</li> </ul> <p>Little anecdote: According to the renowned sailor, Roger Swanson, to estimate the cost of a sailing trip: make a detailed estimate of the planned expenses, and then double it! ... oops;)</p> <p>If you want to know our detailed budget for the other categories, we invite you to visit our website: <a href="http://www.seatheplastic.com" target="_blank">http://www.seatheplastic.com</a>.<br /> For your information, there is a 5% commission for KissKissBankBank, as well as a 3%&nbsp;bank charges on the total&nbsp;collection.</p> <hr /> <h4>If we manage to exceed the &euro; 10,000 mark, the extra money will be used to extend our journey to CANADA to collect unique samples!</h4> <p>Up to now, no Ocean Eye volunteer sailboat has gathered sampling measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Our trip would become a real added-value&nbsp;for research if we manage to navigate in this area of the planet. However, sailing in these regions lengthens our journey by almost 4000 nautical miles (7408 km). We need your help!</p> <hr /> <h4><strong>Rewards for you!</strong></h4> <p>To thank you for your contribution, we have put together many awesome reward packs. From the Brussels Pack to the Montreal Pack, help us chase&nbsp;our dream!</p> <h4 style="text-align:center">Many thanks to all our partners who allow us to spoil you with rewards!</h4> <p style="text-align:center"><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644403/Explication-14-1580232642.png" width="100%" /></p> <h4 style="text-align:center">And thanks to our partners who already support us:</h4> <p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/644404/Explication-15-1580232654.png" width="100%" /></p>

Rewards

Brussels Pack

€10

  • 22 contributions
Your name will remain forever engraved in our hearts, but above all, it will be mentioned on our beautiful website among all the official partners of SEA THE PLASTIC! THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

Nieuwpoort Pack

€20

  • 32 contributions
In May 2020 we will hoist the sails for the great adventure, it will be the start of our long journey around the Atlantic. Come and enjoy our farewell party with us in Nieuwpoort, sipping a good cold beer under the Belgian sun (hoping that he will also point his nose)! + your name on our awesome website THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

British Pack

€35

  • 33 contributions
Receive a signed postcard from the crew during the trip with a beautiful picture and an anecdote of the adventure! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

Biscay Pack

€50

  • 32 contributions
What could be better than a gift that would allow you to discover an alternative without plastic? Therefore, we offer you a set of reusable bamboo straws from the brand “Bambaw”. Perfect for sipping good cocktails this summer! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard THANK YOU so much for your contribution! Go for it, we have only 25 gift packs !

Estimated delivery: May 2020

Lisbon Pack

€75

  • 21 contributions
Want to discover another alternative without plastic? No more plastic food films, we offer you a reusable film from the Belgian super brand "Simonette à Bicyclette" (15x20cm). They are full of beautiful patterns, we love them! But that's not all! We also offer you a solid shampoo or soap from the brand “WashWashCousin”. They are zero waste, Belgian and they smell good! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard + a set Bambaw straws THANK YOU so much for your contribution! Go for it, we have only 25 gift packs !

Estimated delivery: May 2020

Maderia Pack

€100

  • 27 contributions
Here is the complete pack with ALL the plastic-free alternatives that we offer, so go for it! In addition to the previous gifts, we are adding a cotton tissue or reusable makeup remover pads from the Belgian brand “Koshi”. They are soft, zero waste and so beautiful! We will also be adding “Habeebee” lip balms with tissues! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard + a set Bambaw straws + reusable film "Simonette à Bicyclette" + a solid WashWashCousin soap THANK YOU so much for your contribution! Go for it, we have only 25 gift packs !

Estimated delivery: May 2020

Canarias Pack

€300

  • 1 contribution
Come and have an aperitif with us on our awesome sailboat Sanzaru in Brussels before our departure. It will be an opportunity for you to see the boat with your own eyes and to discuss our project around a good Belgian beer! The first three of you will also receive a great Gift Pack from the Brussels Beer Project! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

Estimated delivery: April 2020

Cabo Verde Pack

€500

  • 1 contribution
Have you ever dream about a candle lit delicious meal on the water ? Here is your chance! Come and enjoy a good dinner with us on our awesome sailboat Sanzaru in Brussels before our departure. We will show you the boat and answer all your remaining interogations about the adventure we're about to start. What's waiting for you ? a good Belgian beer and a delicious meal cooked with love (it is told that Aline makes great chocolate desserts)! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

Estimated delivery: April 2020

Transatlantic Pack

€700

Come live the experience with us for a weekend! How many times in your life will you get the chance to be part of an unique experience like this? Join us on board Sanzaru during our journey to help us collect microplastic samples and experience life on board! (for 2 people; date to be defined together; excluding transport to the sailboat and on-board cash) + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

Caribbean Pack

€1.000

Come live the experience with us for a week! How many times in your life will you get the chance to be part of an unique experience like this? Join us on board Sanzaru during our journey to help us collect microplastic samples and experience life on board! (for 2 people; date to be defined together; excluding transport to the sailboat and on-board cash) + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

Montreal Pack

€3.000

Would you like to see your logo cross the oceans on our sailboat? It is of course possible ! Also we are more than happy to make you one of our major partners and offer you personalized partnership. Contact us and let's talk about it together! + your name on our awesome website + invitation to the departure party + signed postcard THANK YOU so much for your contribution!

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