Y.CO and RMI Join Forces to Support Sustainable Energy in the Caribbean

Leading yacht company Y.CO has announced its partnership with RMI (formerly the Rocky Mountain Institute) to drive the energy transition across the Caribbean. By supporting RMI's initiatives to enhance climate resilience and affordable energy in the region, Y.CO seeks to give back to the island communities that are integral to yachting.

To kickstart the collaboration, Y.CO has made an initial investment of 20,000 USD towards a solar microgrid project that will benefit two primary schools in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The company is also encouraging its yacht charter clients to donate 1 per cent of their yacht charter fee to RMI’s Island’s Energy Program, which aims to empower island economies to leverage their natural resources to generate clean energy.

“Our goal is not only to operate ethically and sustainably but also to contribute to the communities that support yachting," says Charlie Birkett, CEO and Co-Founder of Y.CO. "We strive to leave our industry in a better state than we found it in, and we believe that investing in sustainable practices and supporting local initiatives is one step towards achieving this goal. We are proud to support the great work RMI is doing in the Caribbean, which is having such a positive impact on these communities."

Y.CO is also encouraging its charter clients to donate 1 per cent of their yacht charter fee to RMI's Islands Energy Program, which aims to empower island economies to leverage their natural resources to generate clean energy. By doing so, the program hopes to stabilize electricity costs, improve health, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and bolster climate resilience across Caribbean Island nations.

"Caribbean island nations are experiencing some of the worst impacts of climate change" says Vikram Singh, Senior Principal / Program Director, RMI Global South Program. "But they are standing up to the challenge and pioneering resilient energy solutions today. RMI is excited to be working with Y.CO to direct more funding and support to scale these solutions, realizing a just, resilient, and thriving future in the Caribbean."

Through its support of these projects, Y.CO aims to promote sustainability in the yachting industry and make a positive impact on the Caribbean. Y.CO hopes that its contributions, as well as those of its charter clients, will create a legacy that will benefit future generations in the region.