EurILCA Sustainability Programme

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We had the incredible opportunity to present the EurILCA Sustainability Programme during World Sailing’s Sustainability Sessions. The session focused on the future of sustainable sailing and the steps we can take to protect our sport and the environment. If you weren’t able to attend live, don’t worry — the full presentation is now available to watch online!

Our presentation covers the most important aspects of the EurILCA Sustainability Programme, including our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of sailing and promoting green initiatives within the sport. We dive into the specific actions we’re taking, the challenges we face, and the positive changes we’re already seeing.

As sailors, our love for nature began in childhood and has shaped the course of our lives. Driven by the wind and waves, day after day, we’ve grown deeply connected to the oceans that inspire and sustain us.

Our wonderful seas deserve all our admiration and respect. And just as we have enjoyed them all this years, we surely want future generations to do so as well. Due to plastics and other types of pollution caused by humans, not only our playground but also the whole life as we know it is at risk.

That’s why we created EurILCA’s Sustainability Programme. Our mission is to raise awareness among sailors about this critical issue and encourage changes in our daily habits and choices. Together, we can reduce harm and begin the healing process for our oceans. Let’s take action for ourselves, for our seas, and for the sailors of tomorrow.

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• Embed sustainability as a fundamental aspect of every EurILCA sailing event, ensuring environmental responsibility at all levels.
• Establishing sustainability as an essential principle for sailors, as vital as wind to sailing.
• Raise awareness within the sailing community, encouraging the adoption of eco-conscious practices and habits.
• Inspire and guide other class associations, federations, and sailing clubs to embrace and implement our sustainability initiatives.

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• Developed comprehensive guidelines and a toolkit to help host eco-friendly championships (click here to download).
• Incorporated sustainability requirements into contracts between EurILCA and event-hosting clubs (click here to download).
• Provided event organizers with fully digital services, including online notice boards, messaging, and results management, to significantly reduce printed communication at European championships.
• Introduced reusable mast sleeves to identify fleets, eliminating the need for plastic stickers on hulls, which previously contributed to waste and pollution.
• Implemented reusable coach flags to replace single-use plastics like stickers, reducing environmental impact.
• Promoted use of electronic marks to replace traditional ones at most events.
• Promoted compostable or reusable alternatives to single-use plastic cups, plates, and utensils at all events.
• Promoted the installation of water refilling stations at all European championships, encouraging sailors to refill bottles instead of relying on single-use plastic bottles.
• Implemented environmentally-friendly materials for trolley identification.
• Promoted the installation of bins for waste separation.
• Helped organising beach and boat park cleanups.
• Leveraged social media platforms to raise awareness about sustainability initiatives (click here to follow).

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Whether you’re a sailor, coach, race organizer, or sailing enthusiast, we’d love to have your support as a volunteer. Together, we can accelerate our sustainability efforts and make a greater impact.

Ready to make a difference? Get in touch with us today!