It was announced at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show on Saturday that a record breaking 17 university sailing clubs (USCs) successfully completed this year’s The Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge, sponsored by Rooster.
Following several months of undertaking green actions at their clubs, and proactively seeking methods of lowering their impact on the water, the Challenge came to a close today as this year’s students took to the Suzuki Main Stage at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre for the Challenge awards ceremony.
Now in its eighth year, the Challenge has continued to develop to reflect the growing interest and concern from students in the health of their local sailing environment. Students are asked to complete a range of tasks to increase the sustainability of their club and to lower the impact of their activities on surrounding waters, wildlife and habitats.
Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue Campaigns Manager, said: “The University Sailing Sustainability Challenge really encourages students to think outside of their individual behaviours and to look at the larger impact that their sport may be having as a club. It supports teamwork, opens discussions about the environment, and also encourages students to spread the message of sustainability to their home sailing clubs and inspire the wider boating community.
“We’ve been thrilled with the interest from the students this year, their commitment to finding positive solutions to lower their club’s impact has been fantastic to witness. Being able to welcome the successful clubs onto the stage at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show is always a highlight for me.”
Kate Morrison, Rooster Product and Marketing Manager, joined Kate and representatives from each of the USCs, on stage for the awards ceremony and prize draw. The successful clubs were entered into a cash prize draw of £1000, sponsored by Rooster. £100 was won by the University of Aberdeen Sailing Club in the Bronze category, £200 in the Silver category was won by Leeds University Sailing Club, and £300 was won by University of Plymouth Sailing Club in the Gold category, £400 was won by University of Bath Sailing Club in the new Platinum category.
Commenting on the success of the Challenge, Kate Morrison, said: “We’ve loved following The Green Blue’s University Sailing Sustainability Challenge journey, and it’s great to be part of encouraging awareness around environmental impact, and sustainability – a matter at the heart of our brand.
“Well done to all the teams that participated throughout the year, the initiative has been inspiring seeing many young adults getting involved, and a particular well done to the winning teams for their hard work.”
You can find out more about the Challenge by visiting the University Sailing Sustainability Challenge page on The Green Blue website, or by emailing: environment@rya.org.uk.
The Green Blue is a joint environment programme between the RYA and British Marine to encourage a more sustainable recreational boating sector.
To find out more about The Green Blue visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk
