About Us

Uniting Boaters to Protect the Ocean

Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana is the world’s only ocean conservation organization that engages, educates and activates the sailing and boating community toward restoring ocean health.

Boaters see firsthand many of the issues that our oceans face, from pollution which fouls their playground, to overfishing and habitat destruction, which threaten marine life and the source of food for billions of people around the world. Through our solution-oriented programs, we unite a core constituency of sailors and boaters, nearly 12 million strong, whose support helps to win victories to save the world’s oceans.

green boating, sailors for the sea, clean regattas, marine science activities

History

Sailors for the Sea was co-founded in 2004 by David Rockefeller, Jr. and Dr. David Treadway, two avid sailors who recognized the importance of educating and activating this constituency of ocean enthusiasts. In 2018, Sailors for the Sea joined forces with Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Together, we are creating a global network of active, engaged ocean champions within the sailing and boating community who are taking action to save our oceans.

Creating a Wave of Change

We have 3 key programs that give you the tools and knowledge to take action.

Green Boating

Green Boaters are part of a leading community of ocean conservationists that are taking action to address pressing ocean health issues. By becoming a Green Boater, we will provide you with the latest information and resources on sustainable boating practices and opportunities to act on critical policy issues that are needed to combat plastic pollution, prevent habitat destruction, source responsible seafood and limit overfishing.

Clean Regattas

The world’s only sustainability certification for water-based events, Clean Regattas offers sailors, race organizers and marina managers a tool kit of 25 best practices to improve their environmental footprint. Used globally by Opti sailors to the America’s Cup competitors - over 2,000 regattas and 595,000 sailors have participated in the program.

KELP

Kids Environmental Lesson Plans (KELP) are downloadable activities that educate junior sailors and school children about marine science and give them the tools to learn, discover and protect our precious waterways. The lessons are easy to teach and use items found around the house or sailing center.