The Clean Sailing Guide - Dinghy Edition

 

 

Simple ways to look after the water, from your kitchen to the boat park to the start line.

You don't need a big boat to make a big difference. Every time you rig, launch and race, you're part of the ocean's story. Here's how to make it a good one.

Every day

Clean sailing starts before you even get to the club.

• Shop smart. Choose loose fruit and veg and products with less packaging, and bring your own bag.
• Skip bottled water. Check whether the tap water is safe to drink, and fill a reusable bottle instead.
• Sort your rubbish. Learn your local recycling system and use the right bins, at home, at the club and at events.
• Share the ride. Car-share to training and regattas where you can. It cuts fuel, and the journey's more fun.

In the boat park

• Look after your kit. Choose fittings and fixes that last, and repair before you replace. Well-cared-for kit creates less waste.
• Do an evening sweep. Before you leave, check around your boat for tape, sail ties, wrappers or bottle tops, and bin them. Wind will blow anything left behind straight into the water.
• Use eco-friendly products. Pick biodegradable cleaners, lubricants and maintenance products for your boat.
• Check, Clean, Dry. If you sail at different venues, rinse your boat, foils and kit and let them dry before moving on. This stops invasive plants and animals hitching a ride to new waters.

On the water

• Nothing overboard. From food wrappers to sail ties, if it didn't come from the water, it doesn't belong there. Keep snacks and rubbish stowed securely.
• Be a litter picker. If you spot rubbish floating nearby and it's safe to grab, pick it up and pass it to your coach.
• Protect your skin, and the sea. Wear a UV rash vest or tech top, and use a mineral sunscreen based on non-nano zinc oxide. It's better for you and for marine life.

 

Give old kit a second life

Outgrown your wetsuit? Retiring a sail? Don't let it go to landfill.

Drop it off at your nearest ReSail by Clean Sailors point, where it can be turned into something new.

Coaches' corner

Coaches set the standard for everyone on the water.

• Refuel with care. Take extreme care when filling the coach boat, and try not to spill a drop. Keep absorbent pads on board.
• Go easy on the throttle. Avoid unnecessary idling and high revs. It saves fuel and cuts pollution.
• Make the RIB a litter boat. Carry a bag for anything your sailors pick up.
• Lead by example. Introduce the Clean Sailors Code at your briefings and make clean sailing part of your squad's routine.