Marine life and vital coastal habitats are straining under the increasing pressure of global use. The ocean, which was once considered inexhaustible and resilient, is, in fact, finite and fragile. Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and coastal waters. The boating community has a profound passion for, and understanding of, the world's seas and Sailors for the Sea was founded to galvanize the sailing and boating community around ocean health issues.

David Rockefeller, Jr., an avid racing sailor and deeply committed to the environment, founded Sailors for the Sea as a direct result of his work on the Pew Oceans Commission that identified profound and alarming ocean health issues. The list of these issues is extensive and includes marine debris, overfishing, habitat alteration and degradation, non-point source pollution, invasive species and inconsistent ocean management policies.

Sailors for the Sea works with many organizations to leverage the effectiveness of our projects and programs. As co-supporters of the Around the Americas expedition, a circumnavigation by sail of North and South America that began on May 31, 2009, we plan to raise awareness of ocean conservation issues. Such awareness building efforts also include the co-sponsorship of the recent release of a powerful new documentary film - A Sea Change - that focuses on ocean acidification. 

In addition to these projects, Sailors for the Sea has three core programs. Our nationwide Clean Regattas program assists and certifies yacht clubs and regatta organizers to provide clean events that minimize impacts upon our oceans. The web-based Ocean Watch program which consists of essays on current ocean conservation issues, and serves as a resource for further information and engagement with stewardship activities. The Certified Sea Friendly program is a voluntary, LEED-style certification program that is in development and will be designed to transform the marine manufacturing industry and make the construction, maintenance and operation of vessels more environmentally friendly.

Sailors for the Sea invites you to learn more about our programs, ponder the role you can play in making a difference and then consider how you might help Sailors for the Sea build awareness of ocean issues and improve your local ocean waters. Become a member. Introduce Clean Regattas to your club or race organizers. Consider a contribution by visiting our donation page. The oceans are at risk, but there are many ways to save them.

Thank you for visiting our website and we hope you will make a commitment to the ocean and to Sailors for the Sea.

Welcome Aboard,
Daniel Pingaro, CEO
Sailors for the Sea