The RS Venture Connect Class World Championship 2024 has been awarded Silver Level Clean Regatta Certification by Sailors for the Sea.
Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana is an ocean conservation organisation. Clean Regattas is one of their key programs; a globally recognised sustainability certification for water-based events. There mission is to empower event organisers with the knowledge, tools and strategies needed to create more sustainable events that are better for the planet. This program has reached 1.7millions sailors and attendees across 53 countries.
The RS Venture Connect World Championship, which saw teams from 16 nations competing for titles in both the Para and Inclusive categories, was held earlier this year at Rutland Sailing Club, September 30th to October 3rd. Rebecca Videlo, Sustainability Executive at World Sailing, advised and supported the World Championships on sustainability initiatives for the Clean Regatta qualification.
Key actions included:
- Elimination of single-use items – removal of one-use straws, dinnerware, plastic bags and water bottles (counteracted by the provision of water refill stations)
- Responsible waste management – ensured by proper bin placement and signage, and diverting food waste from landfill
- Community involvement – publicising sustainability efforts and serving locally sourced food
- Environmental stewardship – increasing awareness of wildlife and habitat protection, promoting alternative transportation, and offering vegetarian or vegan food alternatives
- Green boating practices – preventing toxins from entering the water
Dan Jaspers, RS Venture Connect Class Builders’ Representative, is thrilled with the achievement: “This is a great award and a testament to a lot of hard work from many people, including Rebecca who was an awesome support in the planning and delivery of the sustainability related aspects of the event.”
Michiel Geerling, Commercial Director at RS Sailing, also attended the event. “Promoting sustainability is one of the key drivers at RS Sailing and it’s great to see like-minded values in our Class Associations. I look forward to seeing more events in 2025 working together with clean regatta initiatives like Sailors for the Sea.”
