Highest attainable level was obtained by implementing multiple new sustainability initiatives for the 2022 Race 

The Newport Bermuda Race was informed by Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, that the 2022 Race has achieved their Platinum-Level certification after submitting their Sustainability Report recapping the multiple initiatives undertaken by the new Green Team led by Chan Reis.

Reis, who authored the report, commented that “one of the most gratifying experiences in writing the report was chronicling some of the best practices of the (50) onboard e-stewards and learning about the important work of several organizations helping lead the way in sustainable boating.”

Sailors for the Sea’s Clean Regattas program outlines 20 Best Practices to implement that range from eliminating single-use plastics to utilizing green products in boat maintenance. What was unique about the Bermuda Race was the effort by the organizers to ask teams to appoint an environmental steward onboard whose role was to encourage adoption of the practices amongst their teams while also sharing lessons-learned via an online forum on bermudarace.com. 

“Platinum level is our highest Clean Regattas Certification, where organizers complete at least 19 of our 20 best practices and are encouraged to incorporate novel practices of their own. These regattas develop new solutions to common problems that help serve as templates for future events,” says Sailor for the Sea’s Program Manager Emily Conklin.  “The Newport Bermuda Race is unique because of the long preparation timeline and visibility of an offshore race are very different from many other regattas, so we recognize the ideas the Green Team developed have the potential for a larger impact on the future of sustainability in our sport.”

The Green Team is now sharing their clean regatta strategies and lessons-learned with organizers of other offshore races including the 2023 Marion to Bermuda Race and the 2023 Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race. 

“I envision extending our reach to other race organizers, yacht clubs and the wider sailing community by sharing our experiences and lessons learned from 2022,” concludes Reis in his report. “We look forward to continuing our engagement with Sailors for the Sea in support of their clean regatta best practices and new approaches in all areas of environmental sustainability.”

The Newport Bermuda Race encourages all sailors to read the report and find ways to incorporate the recommendations into their own boating practices.