Club News

SDYC competitors have participated in Certified Clean Regattas around the globe.  Now SDYC joins in with our first Registered Clean Regatta, the Etchells Worlds June 6-11. The Club and Regatta Chair, Chuck Driscoll, are counting on all SDYC members to make the pledge:

We pledge our commitment to clean waters and shores by participating in Sailors for the Sea’s Clean Regattas program. We vow to fulfill, and encourage others to fulfill, the goals and requirements of Clean Regattas as set forth by Sailors for the Sea, and to work to protect and restore our waters for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect oceans and local waters. 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 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 local waters.

Please visit the Sailors for the sea web site, www.sailorsforthesea.org, and view their video and support materials.

The Etchells Worlds regatta is registered at the Bronze Level which includes these commitments:

• Clean Regatta Liaison, Mark Reynolds, will communicate with Sailors for the Sea, and present the program at the skipper’s meeting.
• Trash Free Regatta – Keep your shores and waters clear of debris. Overboard discharge of trash and littering at shore facilities (e.g., rigging tape, cigarette butts, beer cans) is prohibited.
• Recycling – Encourage recycling from boats and shore facilities.
• Relying upon re-usable bow numbers.
• Eliminating the use of plastic straws and disposable bottles throughout the entire regatta.
• Using biodegradable products, such as cups, coffee cups, household towels, toilet tissues and garbage bags.
• Providing journalists with electronic press kits to reduce paper usage.
• Green Team of SDYC volunteers to work on shore and sea cleanup, oversee recycling operations and communicate the goals and agenda of the program throughout the event.
• Non-Toxic Cleaning Products – Include a list of “green” cleaning products in skipper’s packet.
• No Discharge – DO NOT allow discharge of untreated sewage or blackwater in harbor areas or no-discharge zones (NDZs).
• Oil Spill Prevention – Motorized vessels shall carry and use at least one bilge sponge and one fueling spill pad.

More Information on the Clean Regattas Program

More information on Green Cleaning Materials (Non-Toxic Cleaning Products)

- Lynlee Slayter