America's Cup partners with environmental sustainability program

by Sail-World on 16 Jul 2011
With the first event on the journey to the 2013 America’s Cup just over four weeks away, so too begins the Cup’s sustainability journey, a key component of the 34th America’s Cup legacy program.

The America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) is partnering with global and local ocean conservation efforts to reach people around the world who have an affinity for our world’s oceans, and motivate them to act to improve the health of the oceans. The move will result in the two partner programs receiving substantial exposure as part of the racing broadcast coverage.

As the launch of the new America’s Cup World Series in Cascais, Portugal this August draws near, the ACEA is proud to introduce the first of these partners, Sailors for the Sea, and to announce its commitment to their Clean Regattas program.

'Sailors have the responsibility to ensure that our sailing grounds remain protected for future generations to enjoy. And as we are delivering the most prestigious sailing regatta in the world, we believe that we have an even greater responsibility,' said Neill Duffy, ACEA, Director of Sustainability. 'Looking at the way we manage the on-the-water event is a natural place to start on our sustainability path towards setting a new standard for our sport. We believe that our partnership with Sailors for the Sea will demonstrate our commitment to delivering the 34th America’s Cup as an event with a positive social purpose.'

Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas certification provides independent, third-party verification that a yacht club, sailing program, or regatta is environmentally responsible, and is doing its utmost to protect the waters upon which people sail. By making the Clean Regattas Pledge, regattas, yacht clubs, and sailing programs commit to protecting clean waters and shores. Participants vow to fulfill, and encourage others to fulfill, the goals and requirements of Clean Regattas, and to work to protect waters for the use and enjoyment of this and future generations.

'Sailors for the Sea is proud to work with the America's Cup Event Authority to implement our Clean Regattas program that supports a clean and healthy ocean ecosystem while reducing the environmental footprint of the America's Cup World Series, the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup Finals,' said Sailors for the Sea CEO Daniel Pingaro. 'We are excited to support the sustainability initiative of the 34th America's Cup. A clean, diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem is good for the environment, for recreation and the economy. The America's Cup is moving into a new era and has committed to supporting a healthy ocean.'

In addition to profiling a new global model for sailing event organizers, the ACEA will utilize the global platform of the America’s Cup in partnership with leading NGOs to create awareness about the urgent issues facing our oceans. From public service announcements woven into America’s Cup broadcasts to visible identification on all America’s Cup boats and events, ocean conservation and environmental stewardship will be pervasive throughout the America’s Cup as it travels to global destinations over the next three years, culminating in the America's Cup Finals in 2013.


About Sailors for the Sea
Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect oceans and local waters. For more information on or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to become a member and support the organization, visit www.sailorsforthesea.org.

Simple ways sailors and Regatta Organizers can reduce their impact on our oceans... (more best practices are available here)

Water Bottle Reduction - Reduce single-use, disposable water bottles at the event site by providing Water Stations and Reusable Bottles to participants (participants can also be expected to provide their own reusable bottles).

Trash Free Regatta - Keep shores and waters clear of debris. Overboard discharge of trash and littering at shore facilities (e.g., rigging tape, cigarette butts, bottles and cans) should be prevented.

Regatta Awards - Present race awards and trophies that contain recycled materials, as available.
Alternatively, present awards that have a practical use, such as foul weather gear or boat gear.

Green Team - Assemble a team to work on shore and sea cleanup, oversee recycling operations and communicate the goals and agenda of the program throughout the event.

Recycling - Provide recycling services at shore facilities for participants to deposit separated recyclable materials (e.g. bottles, cans, paper).