23-26 October 2024 marks the ‘London School of Economics Environment Week’ - a time when people around the world are encouraged to spread awareness about the need to protect the environment.
For the sailing community, this is an especially important time, because as an outdoor sport it draws attention to the need to protect our oceans.
Environmental protection is something which the RYA are driven towards and initiatives such as The Green Blue include helpful resources and information about how sailors can limit their environmental impact and reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean.
The environmental impact of large-scale sailing competitions can be difficult to manage, but in July, Ballyholme Yacht Club demonstrated that it can be done when they hosted the ILCA 6 Youth Europeans.
Over 360 competitors took part in the competition, meaning that over 500 people from around the world had travelled to the Bangor area.
Ballyholme Yacht Club ensured that the competition was plastic free and other environmental issues were minimised with the following steps.
Their efforts have been recognised as they recently won a ‘Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas, Platinum Award.’
The world faces a huge challenge when it comes to protecting our environment, so it is important that clubs across the country are united in taking positive steps in this direction.
Like Ballyholme Yacht Club, other clubs have also established ‘Green Teams’ which is a fantastic way to implement an environmental plan.
Resources can also be found by visiting The Green Blue.