Mercy Ships Yachting Day, an industry-led fundraising initiative supporting free surgical care in Africa, is inviting the marina community to join its growing network of yachting professionals and businesses. The invitation follows its second annual gala in Cannes, France, on 9 September 2026, which raised more than $1 million USD.
Modelled on Mercy Ships Cargo Day in the commercial shipping sector, Yachting Day builds on the relationships and contributions of maritime professionals to help fund free surgical treatment and other healthcare services aboard the organisation’s two hospital ships, Africa Mercy and Global Mercy. More than 2,500 medical professionals from over 60 countries volunteer aboard the ships annually.
The initiative has attracted support from yacht builders, refit facilities, brokers, law firms, lenders, yacht managers, owners, suppliers and trade associations. Its second annual gala at the Carlton in Cannes reflected that growth, attracting more attendees and raising over $1 million, nearly double the approximately $600,000 raised in 2025. Proceeds from its latest gala are expected to help provide almost 2,000 free surgeries in coastal sub-Saharan Africa.
The marina community is another area the Mercy Ships Yachting Day committee hopes to reach, given the regular contact marinas have with yacht owners, captains, crews and marine service providers. The invitation opens opportunities for the sector to become part of the initiative through the 2027 gala at the Carlton in Cannes on 8 September, sponsorship or by sharing Mercy Ships’ work through marina newsletters, events and on-site communications with berth holders, captains and crews.
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Romina Bompani, a member of the Mercy Ships Yachting Day committee, said: “We don’t see this as a charity ask. It’s an invitation to our professional family. Marinas sit at the heart of our industry’s daily life, and they can carry this movement further than any single event. We’d love to welcome them at the Carlton next September, and to help them bring the story home to their own docks.”
Bryce Wagner, chair of the Mercy Ships Yachting Committee and Cargo Day, added: “The goal is not simply to hold a successful gala each year. It is to build a movement within the yachting industry – one that continues to grow, involve more people and translate our collective relationships and generosity into transformed lives for so many that would otherwise not have access to this type of healthcare.”
Images from Mercy Ships.
