- Seeks Clean Regattas Certification

Race organizers put in place policies and procedures to make the Atlantic Cup a model race for ocean conservation and protection

Newport, Rhode Island - February 17, 2011 - The Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing, a new, professional Class40 race showcasing the top short-handed sailors in the U.S., announces their pledge for Gold level Clean Regattas certification from Sailors for the Sea, the only ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating communities.

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. This program is an effort by Sailors for the Sea, in conjunction with committed participants, to reduce our impact on oceans and coastal waters.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to work with 11th Hour Racing and the organizers of the Atlantic Cup to support efforts to serve as a model for ocean conservation and protection," said Dan Pingaro, executive director and CEO, Sailors for the Sea. "By committing to our Clean Regattas program the Atlantic Cup extends the mission of 11th Hour Racing - promoting a fuller understanding of the impact of human activity on the world around us. 11th Hour Racing showcases conscientious behavior and ocean stewardship and serves as a catalyst to promote and propagate this attitude. The Atlantic Cup is a wonderful new regatta designed with eco-conscientious as the basis of its formation."

The Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing will start from New York Harbor on May 7th, 2011. From there, competitors will sprint double-handed the 240 nautical mile course to sailing hub, historic, Newport, Rhode Island. Once in Newport, skippers will race a two-day, inshore series with a crew of six. The combined overall winner of both stages becomes the first Atlantic Cup Champion and receives the $15,000 prize purse, which is one of the largest purses for professional sailing in the United States.
As part of their partnership with 11th Hour Racing, race organizers have worked on implementing green technology throughout the race, which includes ensuring at least four boats in the fleet use hydro-generators and convert their engines to run on bio-diesel. Race Director Hugh Piggin stated, "Manuka Sports Event Management has committed to minimizing our environmental impact from the outset. Committing to Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas certification is a terrific next step for us to formalize and monitor our efforts and run an environmentally responsible, entertaining event."
 
The Atlantic Cup together with Sailors for the Sea will undertake several efforts in their Clean Regattas campaign, including:

• Buying carbon credit for boats not using a hydro-generator to offset their diesel usage
  
• Using canteen water bottles on the boats while racing and set up and maintain water filling stations during the event
  
• Using environmentally friendly cleaning products on all boats
  
• Recycling at all sites during the race
  
• Recycling by all boats when completing the off-shore and in-shore portion of the race
  
• Using biodegradable plastic throughout the race including at pre and post-race parties and dinners
  
• Using 100% post-consumer recycled paper for all event packets
  
• Organizing a green team to maintain a trash-free site at both hospitality events
  
• Preventing discharge of untreated sewage or blackwater in harbor areas and on race courses throughout the event
  
• Asking all race participants to use water only when washing down their boats during the course of the regatta
  
• Requiring that motorized vessels carry and use at least one bilge sponge and one fueling spill pad

Information on the race, competitors and the clean technologies used by race organizers is available at www.AtlanticCup.org

Benefits of Clean Regattas - Make the Pledge
By making the Clean Regattas Pledge, regattas, yacht clubs, and sailing programs commit to protecting waters and shores by participating in Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regattas program, a third-party certification program that helps participants achieve higher environmental standards. Participants vow to fulfill the program's goals and requirements and to work to protect waters for the use and enjoyment of this and future generations.

With three levels of certification (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) available, participants select their level of engagement, and work to fulfill the related certification requirements by first forming a Clean Regattas committee for the event or a permanent committee for all club/organization governance and events to oversee the certification criteria related to:

• trash and recycling collection and disposal
  
• discharge
  
• oil spill prevention
  
• green cleaning products and bottom paint usage
  
• bottom cleaning and boat maintenance
  
• global warming and carbon offsets
  
• biofuel conversion
  
• use of recycled materials in regatta awards

Details about specific criteria standards are available online at www.cleanregattas.org.

A Clean Regattas designation by Sailors for the Sea means all competitors agree to abide by Clean Regattas Certification Level requirements. Sailors for the Sea provides support and materials, and the final certification that a club or event is a Clean Regatta.

The Program, found worldwide, is available for all interested yacht clubs, regattas and sailing programs and provides a range of immediate economic benefits including:

• saving money by reducing reliance on plastic bottles, fossil fuels, and disposable products
  
• receiving discounts on environmentally friendly products
  
• reducing excess spending by anticipating regulations and avoiding abrupt and costly changes due to new laws and related cleanup efforts
  
• attracting new sponsors, donors, investors, and foundations for non-profit clubs through the positive awareness of the Clean Regattas efforts

To make a club or an event a Clean Regattas, email chris@sailorsforthesea.org or visit www.cleanregattas.org for more information.

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 coastal 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.

About 11th Hour Racing - Advancing winning sailing practices, one degree at a time.
Through our sponsorship of winning sailing teams and clean regattas, we work to advance sailing practices that improve the energy profile and performance of racing boats, and increase the personal investment of sailors in the health of our waters.

11th Hour Racing, a program of the 11th Hour Project, establishes a dynamic new platform for public education about the responsible use of energy and resources in the context of an exciting recreational and competitive sport.

About The Atlantic Cup
Manuka Sports Event Management, LLC created the Atlantic Cup to provide a top-level premier sailing race in the United States. The goal is to produce a hard fought, intense sailing competition featuring the top U.S. and international short-handed sailors. The race will be surrounded by entertaining, engaging events that will engage the casual fan's interest and grow a new generation of sailing fans and enthusiasts.

• Presented by 11th Hour Racing
  
• Open to Class40 boats
  
• $15,000 prize purse
  
• Run under Sailors for the Sea 'Clean Regattas guidelines
  
• Boats will use hydro-generators and bio-diesel for power
  
• One day of Pro-Am racing held May 6, 2011 in New York Harbor
  
• Depart New York Harbor May 7, 2011
  
• Race double-handed from New York to Newport
  
• Off-shore course is approximately 260 nautical miles
  
• Two days inshore fully crewed buoy racing held over the weekend of May 14 in Newport, RI
  
• Hospitality party on the start line in New York
  
• Finish Party and prize giving in Newport

For more information:

Atlantic Cup Contact
Julianna Barbieri
917-693-1656
Julianna@ManukaSEM.com
www.AtlanticCup.org

Sailors for the Sea Contact
Lauren Curley
781-383-6406
lauren@sailorsforthesea.org
www.SailorsfortheSea.org