Rhode Island-based Sailors for the Sea has opened registration for the 2014 Clean Regattas program, which aims to make on-water events more eco-friendly.
Last year, 163 events including the America’s Cup took the pledge. So far this year, 11 events have signed on. They include prominent races such as the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, BVI Spring Regatta, Vineyard Cup and Hyannis Yacht Club Regatta. All registered events pledge to achieve higher levels of environmental responsibility through recycling, composting and going litter-free.
“The enthusiastic support and participation in our Clean Regattas program continues to grow annually, and while the specific efforts of each regatta varies from one event to the next, what remains consistent is the growing concern for protecting oceans and local waters for use and enjoyment of this and future generations,” R. Mark Davis, president of Sailors for the Sea, stated in a press release.
Three levels of certification are available with options for everything from oil-spill prevention to bottom cleaning and boat maintenance. Global warming, carbon offsets, biofuel conversion and even use of recycled materials in regatta awards can count toward compliance. Participants get discounts on eco-friendly products, and some events have used compliance to attract new donors, sponsors and investors.
Learn more at www.sailorsforthesea.org.
