Today the first America's Cup Sustainability Series Forum was held. Sailors for the Sea Executive Director, Dan Pingaro, welcomed the America's Cup's ongoing commitment to operating a Clean Regattas policy at all of its events, starting with this first America's Cup World Series event in Cascais, Portugal. Sailors for the Sea is working with race organizers to reduce the regattas environmental impact and meet the requirements of the Clean Regatta certification. In Cascais they are focusing on:  

  • Recycling
  • Trash Free Regatta
  • Using Non Toxic Cleaning Products

    Clean up and removal of invasive species - Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget. Click here to view a video of the clean up.  

  • Oil Spill Prevention
  • Composting
  • Plastic Water Bottle reduction     
  • A Sustainability Forum on ocean conservation   

Additionally approximately 100 sailors and staff took time this morning to clean up the cliffs of Boca de Inferno. The group was led by a local environmental organization, Cascais Atlantico. The volunteers removed trash and sour figs a local invasive species that competes with native flora, which helps prevent erosion. Chris Draper the skipper of Team Korea said: "I am happy to be here we are glad to help the environment and glad to have Sailors for the Sea as a part of the team." 

 

To support ocean conservation and the Clean Regattas program please consider becoming a member of Sailors for the Sea. 



Dan Pingaro, Executive Director of Sailors for the Sea, is in Cascais, Portugal experiencing firsthand the America's Cup World Series. In fact, he was lucky enough to secure a spectator spot on the AC45 during racing and sail with Green Comm Racing from Spain.  

Dan sailing on Green Comm Racing. Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget

 

According to Dan, "The boats are fast. Even racing in light winds of 6-10 knots was

exciting...we were able to fly a hull! The wing comes so close to the floor of the boat when you tack, the helmets are definitely necessary.  I drove the boat between races...very little helm! The crew works hard on this boat; adjusting the wing take a lot of effort in light air. Following three races everyone looks exhausted. I can't imagine what it will be like in big breeze in San Francisco! Thanks so much to Green Comm Racing for having me out on the water!"


Sailors for the Sea educates and engages the boating community in the worldwide protection of the oceans
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