Sunsail demonstrates commitment to sustainability

by RYA on 2 Nov 2013 The Green Blue, a joint RYA and BMF (British Marine Federation) environment initiative, congratulates Sunsail which is now certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to international level for sustainable event management.

Successful implementation of the new ISO 20121 sees Sunsail join an elite list of venues and events like London 2012, Goodwood, Millennium Stadium and Manchester United.

ISO 20121 is an internationally recognised management standard that helps organisations to maximise economic, social and environmental opportunities in their events, reducing negative impact through improved planning and processes.

The Green Blue worked closely with Sunsail and helped implement the management system.

'As the largest sailing and watersports company in the UK, Sunsail provides us with an excellent opportunity to inform people coming into our sport about how they can enjoy the marine environment whilst ensuring their activities keep it in great shape for future generations,' said Dan Reading, The Green Blue Sustainability Officer.

'Implementing an ISO third party certified management system is no small task and we congratulate Sunsail for achieving ISO 20121 with significant commitment and effort during the busiest time of the sailing season.'
Standard shows Sunsail’s commitment

As a leading provider of RYA courses and owner of the largest yacht charter fleet in the UK, Sunsail already integrates sustainability into its training, events and regattas, but was keen to achieve formal recognition by way of a British Standards kite mark.

Jackie McLean, Sunsail UK Operations Manager, commented 'We have been implementing environmental best practice for some time and wanted to highlight our achievements as well as identify opportunities for further improvements.

'We hope that our new ISO 20121 status will demonstrate Sunsail’s long term commitment to sustainability to both our current customers as well as prospective corporate clients with similar sustainability aspirations to ours, and hope that this will be a key factor for them when choosing us for their corporate sailing events.'
Achieving ISO 20121

To achieve ISO 20121, Sunsail had to implement a management system to review all its activities and provide evidence of best practice embedded into its operation.

Examples include the installation of inline bilge filters on all F40 yachts to ensure no oily bilge water is discharged into the sea; the provision of spill kits for clients and skippers to have close to hand when refuelling to ensure all spills are quickly dealt with; a no plastic bag policy on the boats; and supplies of phosphate free detergents and cleaners on board to minimise grey water pollution. Sunsail has to demonstrate continual improvement and works with its supply chain to achieve Read Sunsail Worldwide Sailing's Sustainable Development Policy for ISO RYA Cruising