Bermuda Race Certified as Clean Regatta by Sailors for the Sea

The 2012 Newport Bermuda Race has been awarded a Silver Certificate as a Clean Regatta by Sailors for the Sea, a non-profit organization founded and chaired by David Rockefeller Jr. that is dedicated to educating the boating community about protecting the oceans. The Clean Regattas program offers an independent third-party certification process intended to help regattas voluntarily achieve higher environmental standards.
 
When asked to participate in the Clean Regattas program, the race’s organizers, the Cruising Club of America and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, said “of course.” Sailors in the 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race are deeply concerned about the health of the water they sail in, from the start in the mouth of Narragansett Bay, then across the Gulf Stream into the fragile waters off Bermuda's reefs.
 
Instead of plastic bottles, Bermuda Race crews use non-disposable mugs, one for each sailor. On this boat the mugs are kept handy to facilitate staying hydrated. CREDIT: John Rousmaniere

Crews follow environmentally friendly routines according to “leave no trace” guidelines enforced by the race’s rules. For example, since a major concern is keeping plastic out of the ocean, non-disposable drinking mugs are routinely set aside, one for each sailor, for exclusive use as the boats sail the 635-mile course.
 
Newport Bermuda Race Silver Clean Regatta Certification (click to enlarge)

For more about Sailors for the Sea, http://sailorsforthesea.org/.