Each year, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) marks World Maritime Day as a celebration of the vital role played by our oceans. Established in 1978, it was originally observed in March, but is now regularly celebrated in the final week of September, and in 2025 will fall on Thursday 25 September.
The theme for 2025, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, aims to highlight the strategic importance of the ocean to the global economy – more than 80% of world trade moves by sea – as well as the moral imperative to protect it, and the opportunities emerging for sustainable and responsible maritime development.
World Maritime Day is not just about maritime transport, however, it is an urgent call to safeguard the sea and all it contains. It is about protecting unique and fragile biodiversity: from the corals that weave underwater forests to the tiny plankton that generate oxygen; from the majestic cetaceans that migrate across oceans to the countless organisms that form part of the marine ecosystem.
Recognising the sea as a vital resource means respecting those who depend on it and ensuring that this rich heritage is not compromised. Marine biodiversity supports entire ecological, economic and cultural systems: protecting it is a collective responsibility, an opportunity and, at the same time, a duty towards future generations.
Respect for the sea is a guiding principle that the YCCS is committed to pursuing. From measures to reduce the environmental impact of the land-based facilities and using only renewable energy, to obtaining Platinum certification from the international organisation Sailors for the Sea for its main regattas, the club is committed to minimising its impact and protecting the environment.
To mark World Maritime Day, we are pleased to share some striking images of Sardinia’s underwater life and marine biodiversity, generously provided by photographer Daniele Macis.
A wonder to be preserved.
