The Clean Sailing Guide



Simple, practical ways to protect the sea every time you sail, whether you race, cruise or charter.

 

As sailors, the sea is our playground, our passion and, for many of us, our profession. That puts us in a unique position to look after it. The good news is that sailing cleaner doesn't mean sailing differently. Most of these changes take seconds, cost little or nothing, and soon become second nature.

On board

1. Choose ocean-friendly products
On land, what goes down the drain is treated before it reaches the sea. On most boats, it isn't: water from the sinks, shower and deck goes straight overboard. Switch to biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives for:

  • Washing-up liquid and cleaning products
  • Shampoo, soap and body wash (bars cut down on plastic, too)
  • Toilet cleaner, and avoid bleach altogether

Keep showers short, too, because fresh water is precious on board. If your boat allows it, a greywater filter adds an extra layer of protection.

 

2. Nothing goes overboard
If it didn't come from the sea, it doesn't belong in it. That includes food scraps, sail ties and especially cigarette butts. Butts are made of plastic fibres and leach toxic chemicals as they break down. Store all waste securely on board and dispose of or recycle it properly ashore.

 

3. Cut single-use plastic
Plastic's durability is exactly the problem: it can persist at sea for decades. Before you set off, pack:

  • A refillable water bottle
  • A reusable shopping bag
  • A stainless steel mug or flask

Buy loose fruit and veg where you can. Less packaging also means less waste to store on board.

 

4. Protect your skin, and the sea
Some common sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to harm to coral and marine life. Choose a mineral sunscreen based on non-nano zinc oxide, and cover up with hats, UV tops and shade. Brands we like include Himaya. 

 

Looking after your boat

 

5. Rethink your antifouling
Most antifouling paints work by releasing biocides such as copper, which harm marine life at its most vulnerable stages. As the paint wears, it also sheds particles that add to microplastic pollution. The best option is to move away from paint altogether. We've tested ultrasonic systems and foul-release films such as Finsulate. If you're removing old antifoul, work on a still day, contain the area, use a vacuum sander, and dispose of the dust as hazardous waste.

 

6. Refuel carefully and maintain your engine
Major spills make the headlines, but much of the oil in our seas comes from everyday sources such as refuelling, small leaks and engine emissions. Oil and fuel can harm marine life for months or even years.

  • Fill slowly and keep absorbent pads to hand
  • Don't overfill your tanks
  • Check your engine regularly for leaks
  • Dispose of oil, filters and old fuel at proper facilities ashore

7. Use pump-out facilities
Black water from the heads and grey water from sinks and showers carry bacteria, chemicals and nutrients that damage marine ecosystems. Use pump-out stations wherever available and always follow local discharge rules. Never pump oily or contaminated bilge water into the sea. If in doubt, don't flush it out.

 

At anchor and ashore

8. Anchor with care
Seagrass meadows, reefs and kelp forests are nurseries for marine life, and a single anchor can tear up years of growth. Check your chart for sensitive habitats and protected areas, use designated anchorages or moorings where available, and aim for sand. As a rule of thumb, let out at least four times the depth in chain, and more in strong winds, to avoid dragging. 

 

9. Choose seafood thoughtfully
Industrial fishing and bottom trawling are among the most damaging activities in our seas, and lost "ghost" nets keep trapping wildlife for years. Eat seafood less often, buy from local and small-scale fishers where you can, and choose line-caught over trawled.

 

10. Give old kit a second life
Most old sails end up in landfill. Through ReSail, you can drop off old sails and wetsuits to be turned into bags, clothing and more. 

And if the wind drops?

Grab a bag and do a beach clean. It's a great way to explore the coastline, and every piece you pick up is one less heading out to sea.

Chartering? 

Chartering is one of the best ways to explore new waters, and a few extra steps help you leave them just as you found them.

  • Choose sail over motor. Wind-powered holidays are cleaner, quieter and more relaxing.
  • Pack your own eco products. Charter boats are often stocked with conventional cleaners.
  • Ask at your briefing about pump-out facilities, recycling points and local anchoring rules.
  • Plan your provisioning to cut down on packaging and food waste.
  • Leave nothing behind. Take all rubbish back to your base or to proper facilities ashore.