Silver success for GBR at Offshore Double Handed Worlds
Celebrations in Cowes for Zeb Fellows and Willow Bland
The University Sailing Sustainability Challenge
The University Sailing Sustainability Challenge (USSC), launched by The Green Blue, is an annual competition that champions sustainability in sailing. Since it first launched in 2015 the challenge has successfully engaged with University Sailing Clubs (USCs) across the UK to encourage the adoption of environmental best practices.
About the challenge
The USSC encourages and recognises USCs across the UK that are actively implementing sustainable practices. The challenge runs from September to February, culminating in an Awards Ceremony at the BUSA Awards. Clubs achieving the challenge’s criteria are awarded certificates and prizes, highlighting their dedication to sustainability.
The USSC 2024-25 introduced an updated criteria, offering opportunity for more creativity, flexibility, and variety in how USCs undertake and present their sustainable actions. Each USC aims to complete five actions from nine provided.
RYA Marlow Ropes Women’s Match Racing Championship 2025
Winning ways seal title for team from Rutland Sailing Club
Welsh Youth & Junior Championships 2025
More than 80 young sailors competed from across Wales
‘Pay what you can’ model boosts membership at Yeadon
Find out how an innovative membership approach has helped the club to reconnect with its community and thrive
iQFOiL World Championship coming to Weymouth in 2026
RYA named as host for pinnacle windfoiling regatta
RYA's New Horizons Project inspires young sailors in Bristol
Introducing an on-going initiative that's making waves in the community
Challenge Goals
Skill and Knowledge Development: Empower young people by enhancing their skills and knowledge in sustainability and leadership.
Sustainable Sailing Advocacy: Create advocates for sustainable sailing to inspire the broader boating community towards sustainable choices.
Guidance and Recognition: Offer guidance and recognition to USCs committed to making their clubs and sailing venues more sustainable.
Collaboration and Innovation: Foster collaboration and innovation in developing environmentally sustainable solutions.
Sustainable actions have included:
- Making sailing events more environmentally sustainable e.g. eliminating single use plastics by ensuring re-usable sports bottles and coffee cups are used at training sessions and events.
- Raising awareness of sustainable boating best practice e.g. following the Check Clean Dry approach to removing harmful Invasive Non-Native Species from dinghies, equipment and kit.
- Promoting The Green Blue Boating Pledge to encourage members to Respect, Protect and Enjoy our waters, wildlife and habitats, including sharing the official Communications Toolkit and organising a group pledge photo.
- Conducting an environmental assessment of our sailing venue to identify improvements for water quality and overall sustainability and sharing recommendations with the sailing club venue.
- Developing innovative solutions to reduce waste and promote circular economy practices, such as kit swap programmes, upcycling old sails into useful items, and installing refill stations to eliminate single-use plastics.
- Collaborating with venue management on energy efficiency initiatives, researching green technologies and proposing measures to reduce carbon emissions in operations and facilities.
How to get involved
Don’t miss the opportunity to show your USC’s dedication to sustainability and inspire the wider sailing community. By getting involved, your club’s efforts will not only get recognised but will also make a real impact on your local environment.
For more information and to enter your University Sailing Club into the challenge, contact the RYA Green Blue at environment@rya.org.uk.
