Yachting New Zealand recently launched the Clean Club program, a world-leading initiative for yachting and boating clubs to help protect coastlines, oceans and waterways around the country.
A key aim of the program is to help and encourage clubs to become more environmentally focused. A three-star rating system based on best-practice criteria will recognise the environmental efforts of clubs.
“We’re really excited about the Clean Club programme,” says Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive, David Abercrombie. “Sailors often talk about the ocean being their office or playground, which is why it’s so important for every yachtie and boatie to do a better job of looking after what we have. Knowing where to start is often the hardest part, which is why we’ve researched and developed these easy-to-follow guidelines on how to become a Clean Club. It really simplifies everything and helps take clubs through the journey, and we want to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements along the way by calling them a Clean Club.”
The program has been endorsed by leading ocean conservation organisation Sailors for the Sea. Yachting New Zealand has also partnered with the New Zealand SailGP Team to help raise awareness of the program and encourage local clubs to embrace sustainability. “It’s great to see Yachting New Zealand leading the charge for national sailing bodies worldwide and providing a practical framework for clubs to get involved with,” says Peter Burling, New Zealand SailGP Team co-CEO. “We’re really looking forward to engaging with the clubs who get their Clean Club certification and hope we can learn from them too.”
Visit www.cleanclub-yachtingnz.org.nz/
For more boating news and events, check out the February-March issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine and subscribe to Nautilus Marine Magazine here.