Environmental responsibility will be a key part of the 2026 ILCA 6 Youth European Championships & Open European Trophy, with a week-long sustainability programme designed to engage sailors, coaches and visitors both on and off the water.
The sustainability initiatives have been planned by the event organisers, the Nautical Athletic Club of Kalamaria Thessaloniki, following the guidance of the EurILCA Sustainability Programme. Together, they aim to reduce the environmental footprint of the championship while encouraging participants to adopt sustainable practices both during the event and beyond.
Running alongside the racing in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, the programme combines education, practical action and environmental awareness, reinforcing the sailing community’s commitment to protecting the waters in which it competes.
Throughout the championship, participants will have access to water refill stations across the venue, while every competitor will receive a reusable water bottle to help reduce the use of single-use plastics during the event.
From 10:00 each morning, a series of environmental activities will highlight different aspects of sustainability:
- 14 July: Representatives from the State Solid Waste Management Agency will deliver a presentation on recycling and composting, encouraging participants to adopt more sustainable waste management practices.
- 16 July: Sailors, coaches and volunteers will be invited to take part in a coastal clean-up organised with Cleanigans, helping to preserve the local shoreline.
- 18 July: Two divers will carry out an underwater clean-up of the harbour before sharing their findings with competitors and raising awareness of marine litter and its impact on the marine environment.
In addition, the Greek Eco Project will host an environmental information kiosk at the venue every day from 11:00 to 13:00, providing educational resources and engaging participants on a range of environmental topics.
By combining elite competition with meaningful environmental initiatives, the 2026 ILCA 6 Youth European Championships aims to inspire the next generation of sailors to become ambassadors for cleaner seas and more sustainable sporting events.
Every refill, every piece of litter collected and every conversation about protecting the environment contributes to a lasting legacy beyond the racecourse.
To learn more about the EurILCA Sustainability Programme and its initiatives to promote more environmentally responsible events and sailing practices, visit eurilca.org/sustainability
By Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Photo: Maria Vogiatzopoulou – NAOKTH