Sailing toward sustainability: How 29er Class is charting a greener future with Sailors for the Sea
by International 29er Class 2 Jan 08:26 PST
29er Class is charting a greener future © 29er Class Association
The International 29er Class is not just about high-performance racing; it's also a leader in promoting sustainability on and off the water.
Through its participation in the Sailors for the Sea Clean Class Initiative, the 29er Class is tackling environmental challenges head-on, aligning with World Sailing's Agenda 2030 to ensure a sustainable future for competitive sailing. By educating sailors, event organizers, and communities, the class is creating a legacy of environmental stewardship in the sailing world.
Commitment to cleaner events
The 29er Class's journey toward sustainability gained momentum in 2022 when it achieved Platinum Level Clean Regattas certification for the European Championships in Denmark. In 2023, the class raised the bar by making both the European and World Championships paperless and plastic-free, proving that large-scale events can incorporate meaningful sustainability practices.
From 2024 onwards, the commitment continues: all EuroCup events, as well as the European and World Championships, will participate in the Clean Regattas Program, a globally recognized framework for sustainable sailing. This move reflects the 29er Class's determination to embed environmental responsibility into its culture.
What is the Clean Regattas Program?
The Clean Regattas Program, run by Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, supports events in adopting sustainable practices. Regattas earn certifications—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—based on the number of Best Practices they achieve in areas such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and educating participants. By committing to this program, the 29er Class ensures its events actively minimize their environmental footprint while inspiring others to do the same.
Sustainability status of 29er events
Here's a closer look at the 29er Class's event calendar for 2023-2024, highlighting which events are Certified with the Clean Regattas Program:
- Christmas Race 2023 - Palamós - Bronze
- 2024 RYA Youth Nationals - Weymouth - Gold
- MEDSAILING Regatta - Club Nàutic El Balís - Silver
- Young European Sailings - Kieler Yacht-Club e.V. - Gold
- 29er World Championships 2024 - Aarhus International Sailing Center - Bronze
A legacy of sustainability
The 29er Class was founded in 1998 by Australian skiff designer Julian Bethwaite and has since grown to over 3,000 boats worldwide. As the class continues to thrive, its commitment to sustainability ensures it is not just a global leader in sailing but also in environmental responsibility.
By embedding sustainability into its events and empowering its sailors, the 29er Class is charting a course toward cleaner seas and a brighter future for sailing. Whether it's a local regatta or a world championship, the 29er Class is proving that racing responsibly is the only way forward.