Law firm Ince is releasing a single recorded by seafarers worldwide to raise cash for crews hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rousing rendition of Rod Stewart's evergreen ballad Sailing will be released on 25 June, which is the IMO's Day of the Seafarer.
The Sailing: Sing for Seafarers campaign is also designed to raise awareness of their crucial role as key workers in the global economy, Ince said.
The track was put together by an online choir and band featuring mariners on board vessels worldwide.
Employees from Royal Museums Greenwich can also be heard belting out the tune on the historic Cutty Sark in London.
Kids and choirs
The single also features crewing companies from Europe, marine investigators from the US, primary school pupils from Wales, members of The Watch Ashore and Hong Kong Women’s Choir, as well as Ince employees.
Retired mariners from Nautilus International even set up a Covid-19-secure recording booth on Merseyside to contribute.
The band features Ince's global senior partner Julian Clark, a keen amateur musician, recording on the UK navy's frigate HMS Monmouth, as well as regulatory solutions partner Alex Ktorides, property partner Sally Roberts and others from the UK and Argentina.
The charity effort is being supported by The Mission to Seafarers, Sailors’ Society, Stella Maris and The Seafarers’ Charity.
Big names involved
Multi-platinum record producer George Shilling and award-winning film director Athena Xenidu contributed their expertise.
The recording will be available to buy through all major audio platforms, and donations can be made to the project’s Just Giving page.
"While crew welfare is a priority for many shipowners and operators, the coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented operational challenges at sea," Clark said.
"Through Sing for Seafarers, we want to make the voices of the seafarers heard and show our support and admiration for the unsung heroes of the pandemic."
The company believes that building awareness of the role of seafarers, and the unprecedented hardships they have suffered as a result of the pandemic, is its obligation as an active and committed member of the maritime community.
More information is available here.
