Open Arms United with Yachting (OAUY)
ABOUT US
Open Arms United with Yachting (OAUY) is a Barcelona-based non-governmental and non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness within the Superyacht industry about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.
Our mission is to highlight the unprecedented number of deaths occurring as migrant boats attempt to reach Europe in search of safety and a better life.
We believe the yachting community has a unique opportunity to contribute to this critical cause. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, OAUY aims to mobilise resources and expertise from within the Superyacht industry to support rescue operations and humanitarian efforts.
By engaging yacht owners, captains, crew, and industry stakeholders, we strive to foster a culture of compassion and responsibility, encouraging everyone to take an active role in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and refugees at sea.
Through various initiatives, including fundraising campaigns, awareness-raising events, and educational programs, OAUY seeks to unite the yachting community in a collective effort to save lives and promote human rights.
Together, we can harness the power of the Superyacht industry to create positive change and work toward a future where everyone can live safely and in dignity.
Meet the team
People Behind Open Arms United With Yachting
Kirsten Schwalgien, Co-Founder, Open Arms United with Yachting
Kirsten Schwalgien is the founder and creative director of Schwalgien Yacht Design. Kirsten joined the yachting industry in 2004 and has been involved in projects including MY Luna (115m), MY Sapphire (73m), MY Triple Seven (65m) and most recently, the studio delivered the support vessel MY Nebula (68m). The studio’s work covers interior and exterior yacht design, high-end residential interiors and hospitality spaces and collectable design editions. Kirsten is a regular on industry judging panels and a lecturer in Transportation Design and Interior Architecture in Nautical Spaces at IED University Barcelona.
Richard Pearce, Co-Founder, Open Arms United with Yachting
Richard Pearce is the CEO and co-founder of Waterproof Consulting, with over 25 years of maritime experience. A naval architect by training, he initially worked on submarines and frigates before transitioning to the yachting industry as an owner’s representative. Since launching Waterproof in 2011, the company has specialised in super yacht building management, offering technical expertise and independent advice. Richard has played a key role in the construction of some of the world’s most iconic superyachts, including MY Eclipse (163m), MY Solaris (140m), and MY Luna (115m), among others.
Mikaela Zehnder, Co-Founder, Open Arms United with Yachting
Mikaela Zehnder crossed from sea to land in 2013, making her a permanent home in Barcelona. After nearly 10 years at sea instructing sailing for the RYA, then moving to work on board superyachts – building and managing the interior, she began her land-based career in yachting. Bringing her expertise in yacht life and structure to shore-based jobs, she has been involved with the development of a yacht training centre, yacht management and development and has continued to grow in her career, now focusing on yacht build and project management for an owner’s representative and design office.
WHY WE
GOT INVOLVED
Having both reached milestones in their professional journeys Kirsten and Richard have developed a profound sense of responsibility towards society and a desire to make a positive impact.
Motivated by setting a compelling example for their children and a wish to inspire others to contribute to a better future, they established the foundation Open Arms United with Yachting – for a cause deeply connected to their beloved hometown Barcelona.
Given their extensive experience within the maritime industry and deep connection with the sea, it was natural to support an initiative in this field.
After watching the film “The Mediterranean: The Law”, of the Sea, which documents the origins of Open Arms, they realised the gravity of the humanitarian situation at sea and contacted Open Arms.
From the initial meeting, there was an immediate sense of connection and engagement, and they were deeply moved by their transparent approach and wanted to support their work.
How We
Are Helping
Open Arms United with Yachting (OAUY) is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation that aims to raise awareness within the superyacht industry of the humanitarian crisis and unprecedented numbers of deaths in the Mediterranean from migrant boats attempting to reach Europe.
We are exclusively supporting the Barcelona-based NGO Open Arms, who focuses on sea rescue to save the lives of people in international waters who are fleeing from war, prosecution, and poverty.
On the mainland, we collaborate with healthcare and frontline research teams to face health emergencies or any other kind of crisis requiring immediate action.
Open Arms United with Yachting was born in Barcelona in 2022. Schwalgien Yacht Design and Waterproof Consulting united to collaborate with the local NGO Open Arms to highlight their mission in the yachting sector.
By merging the two worlds, OAUY aims to raise yachting industry awareness of the humanitarian crisis and initiate collaborations, donations, and crew training.
All donations and support to OAUY go directly to Open Arms.
OAUY
OUR GOALS
Open Arms United with Yachting (OAUY) goals are as follows:
1. Awareness: To raise awareness within the superyacht industry of Open Arms and their work.
2. Connection: Connect Open Arms and the yachting industry and demonstrate ways to help and support.
3. Community: Create impactful platforms and networks within the community.