CLEAN REGATTAS
Clean Regattas is an effort by Sailors for the Sea in conjunction with yacht clubs, sailing programs and events to reduce our impact on our oceans and coastal waters.
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Clean Regattas is a third party certification program that helps regattas, yacht clubs and sailing programs voluntarily achieve higher environmental standards. Participants have the option of choosing a Bronze, Silver or Gold level of engagement, and work to fulfill each of the requirements necessary to be certified at that level. Sailors for the Sea provides support and materials, and the final certification that a club or event is a Clean Regatta.
The Lake Ontario 300 Challenge has achieved a Bronze Level in previous years:
Clean Regatta Best Practices - Include in the Sailing Instructions a rule requiring conformance with the requirements of your chosen Clean Regattas Certification levels.
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1. Green Team
Form a team of volunteers who can manage your Clean Regattas efforts.
2. Water Bottle Reduction
Reduce or eliminate the use of disposable plastic bottles.
3. Trash Free Regatta
Keep your regatta site trash free.
4. Recycling
Provide and promote recycling services during your regatta.
5. Compost
Provide composting at your regatta site for food scraps and/or compostable food service products.
6. Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Use only non-toxic cleaning products during your event.
7. Gray Water Reduction
Reduce gray water runoff from your event.
8. No Discharge
Prevent the discharge of treated and untreated sewage in nearshore environments.
9. Oil Spill Prevention
Prevent oil spills from happening during your event by using oil spill kits and creating an Oil Spill Response Plan.
10. Paper
Reduce paper usage by switching to paperless communications. Use recycled paper for required printing.
11. Biodegradable Products
Use biodegradable, compostable or durable products for your events.
12. Bottom Paint
Use copper-free bottom paints on all event vessels.
13. Bottom Cleaning
Ensure that bottom cleaning takes place in approved areas and at approved times.
14. Maintenance
Ensure toxic emissions from maintenance practices are properly contained.
15. Carbon Footprint
Reduce your regatta’s carbon footprint.
16. Recycled Trophies
Use recycled or practical items as regatta awards.
17. Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Prevent stormwater pollution from your event.
18. Alternative Fuels
Use alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, in regatta boats and generators.