The travels and transformations of Amyr Klink

Unconcerned about getting social status or titles, Amyr Klink summed up in his lecture that the true concept of sustainability lies in simplicity. This can be translated into choosing well the tools we need to survive: if it is possible to get somewhere in a car with a 125-hp engine, why using another with twice as much power? His home in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, is an example of this attitude, since it has an energy-efficient project.

Speaking to an audience of hundreds of people, Amyr stressed that the mere discussion of sustainability-related themes will not lead to major changes. In his opinion, “the practical example and the individual initiative are the best path to follow”. This is what he does when building his sailboats by not using paint as a result of environmental concern – but rather as a search for esthetics that does not value foolish beauty. Social concerns are also part of the shipyard daily routine. Amyr Klink hires homeless and alcoholics instead of specialized professionals in the construction of his boats. The latter only perform a good job, whereas the once excluded from society handle the tools with the awareness that they are transforming their lives. “By learning a job, they become the best professionals in the world, because they put their heart and soul into it”, said Amyr.