US SAILING Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea - Sailors for the Sea

US SAILING Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea

Press Release

US SAILING National Championship Hosts Participate in Clean Regattas Certification Program

 

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. January 24, 2011 – US SAILING, the National Governing Body of the sport, is proud to announce a new partnership with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation nonprofit organization focused on the sailing and boating community. Yacht clubs and sailing centers around the country hosting US SAILING’s 2011 National Championships have taken the Sailors for the Sea 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.

“US SAILING is committed to increasing awareness of ocean preservation and encouraging the protection of our environment,” explained US SAILING Executive Director Jack Gierhart. “The future and health of sailing is dependent upon the health of our environment and waterways, and it is important for us to adopt best practices for environmental stewardship at our events and encourage sailors to support them wherever they may sail.” 

US SAILING organizes up to 18 National Championship events annually, which are hosted by volunteer yacht clubs and sailing centers throughout the country. US SAILING’s National Championships provide an opportunity for U.S. adult and youth sailors to compete at the national level and test themselves against the best in a variety of disciplines, including one-design, multihull, match racing, team racing, and offshore.

US SAILING’s National Championships will undertake several efforts in their Clean Regattas campaign, including:

  • Recycling at all sites during race weekends, and throughout the season
  • Providing water stations to help reduce single-use plastic bottles

According to Chris Mancini, program director, Sailors for the Sea, “The commitment shown by US SAILING to ocean conservation through its pledge to our Clean Regattas program is greatly appreciated. Educating and empowering individuals to effect behavioral change are key to ensuring healthy oceans for all boaters across future generations. We thank each volunteer organization hosting a US SAILING Championship this year for their dedication and efforts.”

With three levels of certification (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) available, Clean Regattas 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. 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

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

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 worldwide. 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

For more information on US SAILING’s National Championships, please visit http://championships.ussailing.org/ or contact US SAILING’s Championships Director Liz Walker at lizwalker@ussailing.org.

Contact:
Jake Fish, US SAILING Communications Manager
401.683.0800 x614
jakefish@ussailing.org
or
Lauren Curley, Sailors for the Sea
781.383.6406
lauren@sailorsforthesea.org

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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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