Winch Design Launches NFT Series to Help Save Our Oceans

Winch Design continues to find innovative and effective ways to raise funds and awareness for ocean conservation.

Andrew Winch may be the founder of a design firm that’s created some of the world’s most exclusive superyachts, private residences, and private jets in the world, but he’s also a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. His London-based firm—Winch Design—was founding sponsor of the Blue Marine Foundation’s London to Monaco charity bike ride that’s helped raise millions to protect the world’s most fragile ecosystems.

Winch Design has always done more than just give money. Winch and his committed team of cyclists/fundraisers have ridden thousands of miles for ocean conservation since the London to Monaco ride was founded in 2016.

“Winch Design has been a proud partner of the Blue Marine Foundation since its inception,” Winch told me recently. “Our collective love of the ocean drives what we do every day and our projects are designed with nature in mind. We want to ensure that not only our oceans remain bountiful and beautiful, but that they are able to continue to support our expanding population and delicate ecosystems.”

So, I was not surprised to hear that Winch Design, in conjunction with Boat International and Cloud Yachts, created a series of NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain to help raise money for ocean conservation.

Winch Design’s “Message in a Bottle” is an NFT series of three very distinct visuals. These NFTs are themed around B.O.B. (Bio Observation Bottle) and oceanographic marine research pods.

All proceeds will go to Oceans Without Borders and Yachts for Science. Oceans Without Borders is dedicated to marine conservation and community development, working to care for land, wildlife, and people through a partnership between Africa Foundation and &BEYOND. Yachts for Science brings together yacht owners and crew with marine scientists and researchers to create relationships that provide a vital platform for information sharing, to bring about the protection and recovery of our oceans.

“I am delighted that Winch Design has created the world’s very first yacht NFT to raise funds for ocean conservation, in partnership with BOAT International and Cloud Yachts,” said Aino Grapin, CEO of Winch Design, at the recent launch.

“The brief we gave our talented designers was to let their imagination run wild, incorporating our two passions at Winch: innovative design and marine conservation. Message in a Bottle is a fantastical digital asset, which belongs in the realm of limitless creativity, drifting in the imaginary oceans as it saves them. It is a call to slow down and take a look at the oceans: if we save them, they could save us.”

“Winch Design and Boat International are truly embarking on a historic event in the NFT space,” said Zach Mandelstein, Founder of Cloud Yachts. “This NFT charity project could be the ultimate gift that keeps giving to our oceans. Our charity NFT vessels will never be decommissioned, they will forever live on the Ethereum blockchain and provide precise clarity on the amount of funds raised. Every time one of these iconic NFTs resell, an automatic payment of Ethereum will be made to the charity’s digital wallet. Cloud Yachts is proud to be part of this project and optimistic about the long-term results.”