We’re Veronica and Nigel, a couple sailing around the world aboard Novara and promoting climate change action. Originally from New Zealand, we’ve been working on climate finance and leadership coaching for the past 30 years. We’re now taking this experience with us on board Novara as we document the stories of coastal communities around the world grappling with climate change.
Dr Nigel
Nigel has worked on climate change research, action, policy and finance for 30 years. He’s provided advice to the highest levels of government and managed billions of euros in climate finance funds. He’s established one of the largest city environmental finance programmes in the world and overseen climate and environmental action plans for dozens of cities from Ankara to Zenica. And somehow that’s not enough. The Novara project gives him an opportunity to get out from behind his desk and combine his passion for sailing and the environment.
Nigel has RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and 12,500 nautical miles in his log book.
Veronica
Veronica is excited about the Novara project, particularly meeting new people and gaining wisdom from cultures she has not experienced before. As CEO and founder of her company, Leading with Humanity, she is focused on supporting those who go out into the world and make a difference – which she will continue to do while onboard.
She enjoys sailing and is aware that she has a lot to learn – especially about sailing a unique and go-anywhere adventure yacht. She expects her biggest contribution on board will be as a listening ear and her selection of easy-to-make vegan recipes that she is currently developing.
Steve Brown
Steve is an extraordinary sailor, climber and businessman. In 2019 he won the Tilman Medal from the Royal Cruising Club and the 2020 Cruising Club of America’s “Far Horizon” Medal for displaying the highest standards of seamanship and determination on his 32,000 mile circumnavigation of the Americas. During this time on passage to the Falkland Islands, he endured the most challenging conditions with hurricane force headwinds that necessitated the use of a drogue and running SE away from his destination for 42 hours.
The Crew
Dr Andy McKeown – Mechanical Engineer and Researcher
Andy is a mechanical engineer with a PhD from Glasgow University and brings significant experience in research and development of heating/cooling technologies and water treatment systems to the Novara One Planet project. He enjoys sailboat racing, surfing, kitesurfing and travelling his native Scotland in his van in his spare time – ‘sail fast, live slow’ is his motto.
Maddy Win – Marine Engineer
Maddy is a Royal New Zealand Navy Marine Engineer and brings expertise and experience in onboard propulsion and auxiliary systems to the Novara project. When not overseas, she enjoys sailing her yacht, The Runaway Bean, around the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, and is keen to be more involved in the technical side of climate change adaptability action with Novara.
Seagar Clarkson – Navigator
Seagar is with the NZ Navy as one of their top navigators. On Novara, he’ll work with Steve to make sure we know where we are, and where we’re going. Seagar sailed with us in Scotland and to the Shetland Islands in 2023. We know him as ‘Mr Cool under pressure’. Fun fact – when we were taking Novara through the Caledonian canal, he climbed Ben Nevis in bare feet (!). The locals had never seen hobbit feet before!
Prof Bruce Glavovic
Bruce is one of our Advisors and has been working with us since the beginning. He’s a lead coordinating author in the IPCC so he brings deep climate change knowledge. Despite the years of zoom calls, Bruce hasn’t yet been on Novara. We’re looking forward to welcoming him. He will be joining us in June 2025 and sail with us from Maine, USA, to Newfoundland, Canada where he’ll get off and hand over his bunk to Steve.
Would you like to join us on board ?