Sea Clean Regatta program

Published 20:06 on 12 Jun 2025

Langstone Sailing Club aiming for a 'Clean Regatta'

"The Clean Regattas program is the world's leading sustainability certification for all on-the-water events.

Since the program's inception in 2006, over 4,000 events have shown their commitment to sustainability by becoming Clean Regattas. This program has reached over two million sailors and attendees in 54 countries.

This year we are aiming to get a certificate from the Sailors of the Sea Clean Regatta programme.

To do this some of the areas we will look at during the regatta are:

• No single-use plastic:

As usual we won't be providing and single-use water bottles or plastic cups so please bring your own water bottles. These can be filled up at the outside sink area under the stairs to balcony.

• Keeping tidy:

Please make sure you put all your rubbish in the correct bin or take it home with you.

• Sunscreens:

One thing many of us may not consider is our choice of sunscreen. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate and petrolatum (commonly known as mineral oil). Instead use products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (in micro, not nanoparticle form), which are less toxic to the environment.

The wording below from a very well-known brand so it isn't difficult to avoid these chemicals.

"We use no animal-derived ingredients or by-products in our formulas and we don't test on animals. All of our products are free from the chemical UV filters Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, ensuring they comply with the Hawaii Reef Bill.

The Hawaii Reef Bill is a law that passed in Hawaii in 2018 to protect the oceans which bans the use of these ingredients."

• Travel:

Think about how you might travel to the club. We have plenty of bike racks (although I know it isn't easy to cycle with large sails, we don't all bring sails with us). There is a bus stop right outside the club. The bus service from Havant to Hayling Island is very reliable these days.

• Be aware of the wildlife and our resident bird populations.

Remember there is lots of advice on The Green Blue about giving our wildlife space, washing our boats down, especially when moving to different locations.

As an open water swimmer this has made me think especially about how important it is that I wash my swimming gloves, shoes etc when swimming in different locations.

If you want to find out more then please do ask myself or the sailing secretary (Jane) or have a look at the link to Sailors of the Sea ( https://sailorsforthesea.org)

Claire Ashton (Environmental Officer)