New Zealand’s biggest multiday keelboat sailing event, CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week, has received a Gold Level Clean Regattas certification for its “extraordinary waste management efforts” during the January 2020 event.

Ocean conservation group Sailors for the Sea operates the Clean Regattas programme, which it says is ‘the world’s leading sustainability certification for on-water events’. CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week Chairperson Manuela Gmuer-Hornell says the award is a clear indicator of their commitment to operating in an environmentally responsible way.

“We’re all sailors, organisers and participants, and we all love the ocean,” she says, “so it’s important we do our bit to protect it. The beauty of the local area is a big drawcard for us too, so we want to preserve it for the future.”

The regatta’s sustainability initiatives included waste minimisation, carbon reduction, buying local, educating participants and engaging with sustainability partners.

“We looked at every aspect of being more sustainable,” says Gmuer-Hornell. “One of the simpler changes was switching to reusable bottles with free water-refilling stations. Considering that there are probably 1,000 sailors and volunteers drinking at least a couple of bottles of water a day, over three days, that saved 6,000 single-use plastic bottles alone.”

They worked with local community group Russell Recyclers to help with waste minimisation, composting and recycling wherever possible, which resulted in a 75% reduction in waste going to landfill.

The organising committee also used video conferencing for committee meetings (eliminating the need for car travel), created an app to communicate documents digitally instead of printing, and enforced a no-discharge rule for competitors to eliminate pollution from boats entering the water.

The next CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week is scheduled for 26–29 January, 2021. Organisers say they will be looking for ways to upgrade to Platinum level next year – the highest possible sustainability certification under the Clean Regattas programme.

Photo: Lissa Reydon