Klaipeda ORC Europeans 2026 raise the bar for sustainable sailing in the Baltic States
by Offshore Racing Congress 17 Oct 21:39 AEDT
Klaipeda ORC European Championship 2026, Lithuania © Domas Rimeika
To earn Platinum certification, the organisers of the 2026 ORC European Championship in Klaipeda, had to meet at least 20 specific requirements designed for events of this kind.
The 2026 ORC European Championship, held in Klaipeda in August for the first time in Lithuania, has earned international recognition by receiving the highest Platinum-level certification under the global Clean Regattas sustainability programme.
Just over 200 events worldwide have received this distinction, making Lithuania the first of the three Baltic states to achieve this recognition.
"We are delighted that our efforts to organise an event that not only met the standards expected of a championship of this calibre but also responded to contemporary opportunities and expectations regarding sustainability have been successful. This is the result of the entire team's work. Thanks to their efforts, we have shown that this is possible and, at the same time, set a standard that we will encourage other sailing events in Lithuania and neighbouring countries to follow," said Raimundas Daubaras, President of the Lithuanian Yachting Union.
In the Baltic region, Finland had previously received this highest-level sustainability recognition for an offshore sailing event, having organised the Garmin ORC Double-Handed European Championship in Helsinki in 2025.
To earn Platinum certification, the organisers of the ORC European Championship in Klaipeda had to meet at least 20 specific requirements designed for events of this kind. These covered commitments of competitors, visitors, suppliers and organisers alike.
"This is a comprehensive international programme that takes a systematic approach to sustainability. It is not about a one-off initiative, but about rethinking the organisational principles of an event so that virtually every decision takes into account its potential impact on the natural environment," Daubaras explained.
Among the structural measures introduced at the championship was the development of sustainability infrastructure throughout the Regatta Village, including waste-sorting bins, water refill stations and clear signage. Suppliers participating in the event were also involved in the sustainability effort: they were required to avoid single-use plastic tableware, offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives and, where possible, use locally sourced products to reduce transportation-related emissions.
"I think the championship helped us realise that many simple, everyday habits can also make a difference when it comes to sustainability. We can make better use of modern technology by relying on digital platforms and apps wherever possible and avoiding paper documents. During the warmer months, we can choose more sustainable ways of getting around, such as walking or cycling. Or simply carry a reusable water bottle with us at all times to avoid single-use plastic bottles. These may seem like small things, but they matter," Daubaras said.
Sustainability was also a key theme in the event's communications, both at the Regatta Village at Klaipeda's Cruise Ship Terminal and across the championship's public-facing channels.
Younger visitors could take part in sustainability-focused activities in the children's area, making maritime souvenirs from sustainable materials and joining educational sessions organised by Žaliasis taškas, Lithuania's packaging waste management organisation. Visitors could also learn more about threats to the Baltic Sea through the virtual reality film The Baltic of the Future: Dystopia or Reality, presented by the Lithuanian Sea Museum.
The ORC European Championship took place in Klaipeda from 7 to 15 August 2026. The international organisation Sailors for the Sea awarded the Platinum certification under the Clean Regattas programme after assessing the event's detailed report and verifying that the organisers fulfilled all sustainability commitments.
The Offshore Racing Congress welcomed Klaipeda's achievement as part of a wider commitment to sustainability across ORC championship events.
"This development follows the event sustainability initiative submitted by the Finnish Offshore Racing Association and supported by the ORC Offshore Classes and Events Committee in 2023," ORC said. "While not every recent ORC title event has applied for Clean Regattas certification, organisers have increasingly incorporated sustainability principles and practical measures into their events. Klaipeda's Platinum certification demonstrates what can be achieved when this shared commitment is pursued through a structured international programme."
For more information, please visit: orc.org/europeans2026 and orceuro2026.com