Green Regattas
As part of our mission as the national governing body for the sport of sailing, we develop and support programs with broader social impacts. We have a commitment to environmental consciousness and stewardship. US Sailing has partnered with Sailors for the Sea, the only non-profit organization working solely with boaters to protect and restore ocean, lake, and coastal water health. Briefly, through its Clean Regattas program, Sailors for the Sea works with yacht clubs, sailing programs and regattas that want to:
• Provide a means for sailors to become stewards of the ocean.
• Maintain high levels of environmental responsibility
• Do their utmost to protect and restore the waters they sail upon
The Clean Regattas program offers independent, third-party verification and free certification to assist regatta organizers, yacht clubs and sailing programs to achieve higher environmental standards. Past successes include 2010 Vanguard 15 Nationals, Buzzard’s Bay Regatta, New York Yacht Club Women's Match Racing Clinic & Regatta, and Marblehead Junior Race Week, plus dozens of sailing programs, schools and yacht clubs from around the continent. The 2013 America's Cup will be a green regatta as well.
Our shared goal is to certify all US Sailing Championships as Clean Regattas. Most of the requirements are already being fulfilled by most events:
• Run a Trash Free Regatta - Keep your shores and waters clear of debris. Prohibit overboard discharge of trash and littering at shore facilities (e.g., rigging tape, boxes, bags, plastic bottles)
• Encourage recycling from boats and shore facilities.
• Require that motorized vessels shall carry and use at least one bilge sponge and one fueling spill pad.
What would your event need to do to qualify?
- Make the Clean Regatta Commitment by including in the Sailing Instructions a rule requiring conformance with the requirements of Clean Regattas.
- Include a list of "green" cleaning products in skipper's packet -if applicable
- Set up refilling stations for water bottles, both on shore and on the water, including on coach, mark and umpire boats.
- Assign a volunteer "Clean Regattas liaison" to communicate with Sailors for the Sea, and present the program at the skippers meeting. This would be a great addition to the evening of registration.
- Create a Green Team by assembling a team to work on shore and sea cleanup, oversee recycling operations and communicate the goals of the program throughout the event. This can be a great opportunity for community service hours
Sailors for the Sea will work with you to implement specific actions, develop the best strategies for your particular location, and provide discounts on items like non-toxic products and reusable water bottles that can help you achieve certification.
Learn more about refillable water stations.