Sail Martha's Vineyard Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea - Sailors for the Sea

Sail Martha’s Vineyard Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea

Press Release

Seeks Clean Regattas Certification and commits to ocean conservation for Vineyard Cup RegattaRegatta organizers put in place policies and procedures to make the Vineyard Cup Regatta a model regatta for ocean conservation and protection

 

Vineyard Haven, MA – July 6 2010 – Sailors for the Sea, the only ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community, is proud to announce Sail Martha’s Vineyard, organizers of The Vineyard Cup Regatta, have taken the Clean Regattas Pledge for Bronze level Clean Regattas certification.

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 and restore 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 our oceans and coastal waters.

“It’s with great pleasure that we’re working with Sail Martha’s Vineyard, the organizer of The Vineyard Cup Regatta as they commit to Clean Regattas certification,” said Chris Mancini, Program Director, Sailors for the Sea. Working with Tisbury Waterways, Sail Martha’s Vineyard and The Vineyard Cup already have a strong commitment to environmental protection, and have many of the Clean Regattas requirements already in place. We are happy to help extend their conservation efforts and educate participants on the need for conscious protection of natural resources.”

The Vineyard Cup (July 16-18, 2010) regatta kicks off at Vineyard Harbor with three days of yacht racing with all of the proceeds going to support Sail MV’s many year round maritime programs. The event attracts and welcomes sailing enthusiasts – professionals, amateurs, bystanders – who love the sea, wish to support Sail MV, and want to enjoy the sights, music, and entertainment offered throughout the festival. Information on the weekend, as well as on-line registration forms and the Notice of Race (NOR), is currently available at www.vineyardcup.com or by calling Sail MV at 508-696-7644.

Managed by Sail MV, an island organization now in its 18th year dedicated to preserving and promoting Martha’s Vineyard’s seafaring traditions and offering free sailing instruction for the Island’s youth (over 300 kids in 2010), The Vineyard Cup Regatta is emerging as a premier venue in the Northeast’s summer racing scene that attracts many of the area’s most competitive racers. According to Brock Callen, program director, Sail Martha’s Vineyard, “Now in our 5th year, The Vineyard Cup continues to draw growing attraction and attention from sailors and the general public – people who love to live and play on the ocean. Our Board and the Event’s participants are acutely aware of the importance of protecting the oceans and local waters. The commitment to the Clean Regattas program from Sailors for the Sea is a natural extension of the love we share for the ocean.”

Benefits of Clean Regattas – Make the Pledge
By making the Clean Regattas Pledge, regattas, yacht clubs and sailing programs commit to protecting clean 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, and encourage others to fulfill, the goals and requirements of Clean Regattas as set forth by Sailors for the Sea, and to work to protect and restore waters for the use and enjoyment of this and future generations.

With three levels of certification (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) available, participantsselect 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. The criteria relates 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

A Clean Regattas designation by the Sailors for the Sea organization 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 Clean Regattas program is available for all interested yacht clubs, regattas and sailing programs, and is found across the U.S. and in the Caribbean. By participating in the program, clubs and regattas can realize a range of immediate economic benefits including:

  • saving money by reducing reliance on plastic bottles, fossil fuels, and disposable products
  • getting discounts on environmentally friendly products through the Clean Regattas program
  • 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

About The Vineyard Cup Regatta
The Vineyard Cup Regattais held on the waters of Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound off the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. The 2010 regatta is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 16, 17 and 18, 2010.Sail Martha’s Vineyard (“SMV”) is the organizing authority and invites vessels to come and enjoy a fun and affordable event. All proceeds of the event help to support the year round maritime mission of Sail Martha’s Vineyard.

About Sail Martha’s Vineyard
Sail Martha’s Vineyard was established in 1992 to offer programs for Island children in elementary sailing, seamanship and wooden boat building, and to attract historic vessels to the community. From modest beginnings, Sail MV has grown into an organization that has taught more than 2,500 children, produced a successful high school sailing team, and now offers an extensive range of programs in maritime education, rowing and sailing for young and old, seasonal and year-round residents. 

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 and restore our 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.

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Media Contact

Jennifer Brett
Communications Manager, Sailors for the Sea
jbrett@oceana.org
Sailors for the Sea
449 Thames Street, 300D
Newport, RI 02840

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