E-Steward Resources

We've deployed a Watt-and-Sea hydrogenator to keep vessel batteries topped up. Can mount on port or starboard side transom mounts, tilts up (like a dinghy outboard), and tethers to the lifelines (so it won't fall in while moving!). The drag at moderate speed aren't material, and whatever we lose we will gain by carrying less fuel. We've tested thoroughly and are confident it can keep up with all of our shipboard energy needs.

We all are stewards of the sea and want to do our part to ensure we do no harm and do the right thing.
I've raced and cruised through Bermuda many times.
Reducing and eliminating plastics is a goal we all share, and I'm certain we all want to ensure we do not put any fuel or oil in the sea.
Discharging oil & fuel from a bilge is not just for older boats with leaky engines, as only one fuel filter or oil change job gone bad or a leaking fuel tank or fuel hose on a new or clean boat is enough to make any boat have a perpetual issue with discharging a sheen of oil on the water every time the bilge pump operates.
The common solution is using oil-zorbs that soak up hydrocarbons which are essential for any vessel, but I have another solution using the completely non-toxic product called De-Oil-It (DOI).
DOI is on the EPA National Contingency List as a surface washing agent, but instead of washing the oil away, it disassembles hydrocarbons with the colloidal micelle process rendering the once hydrocarbons into their basic elements of H20 & CO2, hydrogen & carbon particles. Anything left is easily consumed by natural biodegradation but is rendered non-toxic after application of the DOI. Odor and flammability are also immediately resolved.
Once treated, a previously oily bilge can be discharged into the water without risking any sheen or EPA fine.
Go to YouTube and search for this video

The risk analysis (see uploaded document) is a brainstorm to capture potential hazards to the environment that a 40' racer/cruiser could potentially have in the context of an offshore race. The hazards are graded 1-5 for how often we might expect them to occur ("almost never" to "very likely") and graded according to the severity of the risk, if it happens-- 1 to 5 (from "minimal impact" to "catastrophic".) Obviously, leaking 5 or 10 gallons of diesel into the water isn't going to be an actual environmental catastrophe, but I graded this "high severity", as it's one of the worst things I could imagine happening while sailing in a place like Bermuda. Then, multiplying the occurrence with the severity gives a score with 25 being the highest risk score. The higher the risk score, the more important it is to do something to reduce that risk. Listed are 3 mitigations that could be put in place to reduce the likelihood or impact of the incident happening and then make a few notes for what/why/how to implement some or all of those mitigation strategies. Most of the mitigations were easy, inexpensive, and only required a little time and foresight to put into effect. Many of those will be effective in preventing the incident in the first place. Not everything can be prevented, so some of the mitigations are reactionary, but having a plan and tools to address specific issues is a good start if the issue can't be fully mitigated.

Sea Bags encourages donations of used sails which are turned into handbags and other attractive accessories. Sails can be dropped off at any of their retail locations or you can arrange for a pick-up.

Pre-race briefing for 2022 Newport Bermuda Race sailors on the subject of whale sightings and marine mammal interaction while at sea. NBR sailors are encouraged to log sightings and marine mammal strikes. https://us.whales.org/

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This link provides some of the best options for purchasing flight and travel carbon offsets.

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Here are a few last minute food prep tips: cooking communal meals ahead of time and freezing them in reusable containers to keep our other perishable food cold (we don't have refrigeration on board). Repackaging other food at home where it is easier to properly recycle packaging

We are racing with (6) and are thinking about our shoreside impacts, especially travel to and from the race. Age-old ideas like car-pooling are cool again! We're renting a van so our crew (6) can dramatically reduce our transportation carbon emissions. For those flying home (like myself), purchasing a carbon offset is an option. The link attached gives a great overview of carbon offsets - what they are and why they are good.

The Green Team editor adds that there is something noble about Abigail, Jesse Terry's beloved 1956 Alden ketch (pic attached), storing carbon in the ribs, hull, deck and spars.

Open the document for links and ideas!

Hi! I'm part of the NBR Green Team, don't hesitate to reach out if you want to talk ideas 🙂

Guidance for trash & recycling at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club for arriving 2022 Newport Bermuda Race sailors. This 2-minute video was excerpted from the captain's meeting in Newport, June 16, 2022. Presenter is Commodore Craig Davis, RBYC. Please pay special attention to his guidance on reusable drink cups.

Green Boating Plan for Safir NBR 2022 including tips and action plans

Fuel - We typically burn one tank (37 gallons) or less per year as we do not have a generator and at cruising speed, we use approximately .7 GPH...which is around 50 hours run time. In the Bermuda Race, we may use as much as 10 gallons total between start/finish and occasionally charging batteries, which are lithium (quick charging, high capacity). We typically use what is available locally...ValvTect Premium Diesel, which contains Bio Guard biocide.

Plastic - We do not use plastic anything; everyone has their own water bottle, and we have 100 gallons of freshwater capacity PLUS a water maker that can produce 37 GPH. Water bottles are re-filled in the galley, which has filtered fresh water. We can use sea water for washing dishes. All kitchen utensils, cutlery, dishes (melamine), etc. are washable and re-usable; nothing disposable.

Waste - Onboard trash goes into a designated bin, clearly marked in the galley area and gets properly disposed upon reaching land; basically, nothing goes overboard that is not biodegradable. Tissue paper is marine specific, bio-degradable, as well.

Sails - As Raven is relatively new (to the owner and crew), we do not have any excess sails; thus, cannot claim to have recycled any...but may at some point, as we wear out the carbon sails. (Incidentally, that is why we will use cruising sails for delivery...they say every time a carbon sail luffs, it costs about $100...PER FLAP

E- Steward notes re Potable Water:

“We are using 5 gal Poland Spring bottles (w/ handles) and a rechargeable pump. These bottles fit perfectly secured to our table (see pic). This method & pump was suggested by a crewmember who did the TransAtlantic (Race) last year. We will have 5 onboard for drinking in addition to our (2) smallish water blatters which we will use for dishes and such. The pump is rechargeable, lasts 4-6 bottles and costs $10. I have a manual pump as well as a backup, and a flexible large funnel to refill for the return trip. Extra bottles stashed in a couple places - (3) under the port aft bunk (balances out opposite fuel tank) and (1) under the bunk in the salon.”