Innovative eco initiatives
Etherow Sailing Club, RYA Green Club of the Year triumphs over adversity
Etherow Country Park Sailing Club was named the RYA’s Green Club of the Year for their efforts in sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Despite significant challenges, including theft and subsequent loss of water and electrics, the club took the opportunity to embrace their green initiatives and reduce operational costs in the process.
Here’s their story...
In November 2021, thieves attacked a nearby substation, destroying the club’s electricity feed. Just three months later, they faced another blow when their water supply was compromised due to a copper pipe theft.
Not to be deterred, the club rallied together to continue operating with borrowed generators. Members brought water to the site while they began to explore alternative eco-friendly solutions.
“Our electricity bill is now so low”
Michael Hollingworth, club Commodore, explains: “Because we didn’t have water, we weren’t able to flush the toilets for example, so we were able to implement water harvesting.
“We lost electricity, so we changed all the lights to off a Kilowatt generator then once we got the electricity back, we’d reduced our consumption right down and our electricity bill is so low now.”
“Once we had completed the work we just kept going”
By monitoring electricity usage, adopting recycling practices for waste materials and upcycling and mending donated boats, the club has now significantly reduced its carbon footprint.
"As a result of us losing the water and electricity, we were able to push the green policies forward. It was pushed on us, but then once we had completed the work, we just embraced it and kept on going.
We’ve also been able to develop the club to make the most of being in a country park. Things like recycling the old dinghies that can then be sold to members make a huge difference in terms of make sailing affordable.”
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, the club now plans to further enhance their sustainability efforts. Projects include adding occupancy sensors for lighting control, expanding boat recycling initiatives, and exploring alternative energy generation through solar panels. They also aim to improve insulation and reduce heat loss.
As a prize, Etherow Sailing Club were awarded an electric engine donated by RYA Innovation Partner ePropulsion.
This has not only been a welcome upgrade from their previous petrol outboard motors but is also a huge benefit to the park which is full of wildlife.
Michael encouraged clubs who may be also aiming to be more sustainable to assess their facilities and seek incremental improvements. "Every club is different, but you can find ways to improve."
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