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Green Propulsion for Eco Catamarans

While dependency on wind remains an inevitable source of propulsion for sailing catamarans, Sunreef Yachts Eco has witnessed remarkable technological advancements with hybrid and electric engines.

Renewable Energy on Yachts

Apart from powering our solar catamarans with sunlight, we also adapt to other forms of renewable energy to further reduce our carbon footprint and improve reliability and resilience onboard.

Energy Efficiency on Yachts

Eliminating energy wastage is the key principle for Sunreef Yachts Eco. Our research and development team consistently evolves their modus operandi to facilitate sustainable cruising.

Sustainable Finishing Materials

Our eco catamarans capitalize on ethical and sustainable furnishings to encourage a prolonged lifecycle and ease of recycling for an additional benefit action in the environment.

GREEN CONCEPT

Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans are the future of sustainable yachting. With a 360° approach to eco-responsible cruising, they offer cutting-edge green propulsion solutions, naturally-sourced finishing materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a proprietary composite- integrated solar power system produced in-house to power their newest range of solar catamarans .

This new philosophy of yachting is present in each and every aspect of the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans. Their design incorporates ultralight custom- engineered batteries, a revolutionary air-conditioning system, wind-generators, nontoxic bottom paints, green composite structures as well as state-of-the-art watermakers and water-saving systems.

ECO Q&A

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Harnessing the Power of Hydrogen Yachts – The Future of Sustainable Yachting

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How does Sunreef bring Sustainability & Luxury together?

Justin Ratcliffe stepped aboard Marie-Joseph, the first Sunreef 80 Eco, to speak with founder Francis Lapp and his son

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7 Eco-Conscious Yachts That Are Changing the Future of Boating, From Zero-Carbon Catamarans to Hybrids

Pure-electric trawlers and hydrogen-powered sailing vessels sound like sci fi, but they'll be on the water soon..

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Yachting and sustainability may sound like a paradox, but we’re steadily seeing the marine world embrace eco-change. For the yachting world, there are an increasing number of ways to boat with a lower carbon imprint. From electric-diesel hybrids to zero-carbon catamarans powered by alternative fuel sources, here is a closer look at the newest eco-conscious yachts on the water—as well as several concepts that will be on the market in the next year, and a sailing vessel that helped start the emissions-reduction trend among superyachts.

Azimut Seadeck

Having the world’s largest yacht builder embrace sustainability promises to exert pressure on hundreds of smaller builders around the world. When the three-model Azimut Seadeck  series is launched, the combination of complementary emissions-reducing technologies promises to be a major milestone for yachting.

“This is the most efficient yacht ever designed by Azimut,” said Federico Lantero, head of Product Design at Azimut/Benetti, at an event announcing the series. “We’ve identified the most recent technologies over the years, so we sat together said let’s raise the bar once again. Let’s push these technologies to the limits. It’s been like assembling a big puzzle.”

The Italian shipyard promises above-average efficiency at a wide range of speeds: The official estimates predict an emission reduction of 40 percent, thanks to Seadeck’s diesel-electric hybrid systems, lightweight carbon-fiber superstructure, solar panels, and other energy-absorption solutions.

Monaco-based designer Alberto Mancini, who penned the exterior, teamed up with other Italian designers Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, who completed the sleek interior design. Thun and Rodriquez infused the interior with the newest sustainable materials, including cork, which they describe as the “best alternative to teak.”

The concept of Seadeck’s large open aft section—dubbed “Fun Island,” follows the success of the extended deck of sister builder’s Benetti Oasis. That design was a game-changer in its wellness-outdoor living approach. Azimut will release the Seadeck models in the next 20 months, starting with the Seadeck 6 in early 2024.

Alva Yachts Ocean Eco 90 H2

In the past couple of years, German catamaran and sailboat builder Alva Yachts has turned heads with its innovative solar catamarans.  But now it’s pushing boundaries farther with the announcement of what it’s calling “the first zero-emissions superyacht catamaran to run without fossil fuels.”

The Ocean Eco 90 H2 is a special 90-foot version of the Ocean Eco 90 series, the shipyard’s flagship model. It comes in two versions: full electric and hybrid diesel-electric. The new model is the company’s first venture into hydrogen. Dubbed a “fuel-less superyacht catamaran with wings,” the H2 was requested by an existing Alva owner. It is powered only by sustainable sources, including the sun, wind, electric energy, and hydrogen fuel cells. The company’s signature solar cells generate up to 40kWp of power while twin performance electric motors give power, with the aid of the Ayro Oceanwings wind-propulsion system.

Oceanco ‘Black Pearl’

The world’s biggest sailing superyacht— Black Pearl —is also the most sustainable boat on water. Energy is saved at every turn on board the 350-foot yacht, from the HVAC system to three carbon-fiber masts, striking black DynaRig sails and aluminum superstructure that combine to make the Oceanco yacht lightweight and efficient. Controllable pitch propellers feed power back into the yacht via a pair of shaft generators providing enough power to support the yacht’s hotel load. Equipped with battery banks and a waste-heat recovery system, the gigayacht is capable of sailing across the Atlantic using only renewable energy.

Sunreef 80 Eco Marie-Joseph

Formula One champion Fernando Alonso so enjoyed his Greek charter aboard the Sunreef 80 Eco Marie-Joseph last summer that he now has a Sunreef 60 Eco in build. Equipped with electric engines, Marie-Joseph is fitted with nearly 1,800 square feet of solar panels integrated into the yacht’s composite structures, including the mast, boom, superstructure and hull sides. It’s enough to generate up to 45.5kWh, which leaves the deck areas free for guest enjoyment. In addition to the yacht’s “solar skin,” the vessel also has a hydro-generation system, which recovers energy from the propellers as well as high-efficiency batteries.

Steeler 61S Electric

Designed by Vripack and built by Steeler, the 61-foot Steeler 61S Electric is a full custom electric trawler built for a liveaboard owner. Sustainable materials, such as steel, wood, leather and Flexiteek decking, give a nod to the owner’s determination to have a lighter carbon footprint—though the biggest sustainability breakthrough lies with the boat’s propulsion and slow-boating efficiency. Though equipped to run a 75kW diesel generator, the Steeler 61S Electric is also equipped with a 90kW electric motor and can run on shore power. In true Dutch style, solar panels and windmills mounted on the roof help feed the 184kWh battery pack.

Newcastle Marine ‘Safira’

When it comes to sustainability, every little bit helps. Powered by azipod drives, which provide 20 percent more efficiency than conventional shafts, the 129-foot Safira can also run on 15-percent biodiesel. The boat is fitted with LED lighting and good insulation, which allows for smaller generators and reduced fuel consumption. Environmental considerations extend to the choice of materials as well, with reclaimed oak, remnant stone and Esthec—a synthetic replacement for teak—being used for both cabinetry and exterior decks.

Rossinavi ‘No Stress’

Italian designer Enrico Gobbi’s latest project comes in the form of Rossinavi’s first hybrid yacht. Delivered earlier this month, the 169-foot, full-aluminum sports yacht, No Stress , is powered by two MTU 16V diesel engines and two electric motors. In electric mode, the dual power system is managed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system that monitors fuel consumption. No Stress forms part of the Italian shipyard’s aim to develop boats with BluE technology. In addition to more environmentally-friendly cruising, the inclusion of AI means the owners “can enjoy the electric experience on board to the fullest,” said Rossinavi’s COO Federico Rossi, in a statement.

The Italian yard recently launched another hybrid-electric “BluE” concept called Infinity , a sailing yacht with an exterior by Fulvio de Simoni. The 138-footer has solar panels that can be stored so that yacht can navigate in full-electric mode for 90 percent of an average day. De Simoni also penned Rossinavi’s Sea Cat hybrid cat, which is currently under construction.

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WINDELO, ECO-ADVANCED CATAMARANS

Performance, events  where to meet windelo.

000 days 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds

Windelo catamarans  A Windelo for you

At Windelo, we know you & your crew are unique. Whilst we all have the same drive for sailing & passion for the sea, our dreams of adventures, travels, and sailing plans are varied.

That’s why we offer Windelo in different sizes and each available in three versions : Adventure , Yachting and Sport .

An extensive options list covering almost anything you’ll need is available to combine with either of the versions. Any special requests ? Our team is here to help !

15.24 meters

7.95 meters

Light displacement

From 1 045 000€ EX-VAT

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16.24 meters

7.98 meters

From 1 380 000€ EX-VAT

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From 1 495 000€ EX-VAT

  The environment is our priority.

Windelo’s innovative catamarans, combining recycled and bio-sourced materials, electric motors, and renewable energy sources as prime, received a special mention for “Sustainability” from the European Yacht Of The Year 2022!

    Innovation is the way to go.  

Windelo is the desire to expose oneself to something new, innovative, powerful, and bigger than oneself. So, we seek innovations in eco-composite materials, industrialization techniques, and sailing uses to propel a new economic reality.

  Performance , our DNA.

Designed by architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, Windelo catamarans are recognizable by their slim, well-balanced hulls, designed to enhance our catamarans’ performance and seaworthiness. True bluewater cruisers, Windelos are built for the pleasure of sailing and exploring long distances and getting their fast.

    The comfort  of your home.  

The Windelo team designs spacious modern catamarans that offer maximum comfort, even during your long sailing journeys. The key was to provide a feeling of both space and light and an ultimate open-plan layout, eliminating the barriers between indoor and outdoor space by creating a vast living area. Rethinking how to live and sail a catamaran means life on board is cleverly organized right by the center of gravity for increased stability and comfort.

They chose Windelo !

And they share their stories.

The Windelo Spirit  by Gautier and Olivier Kauffmann, founders of the company

“Windelo is the desire to expose oneself to something new , innovative , more significant than oneself. To seek innovations in materials, industrialization techniques, uses and to propel a new economic reality.

We design and build blue water cruisers that offer comfort while you explore the world. Our Windelos are designed for sailors who dream of adventure and memorable moments, cruising the seas and oceans while respecting our planet.

We want to be part of this transformation related to respecting our environment ; and respecting nature with all its richness and beauty that it offers, and not forgetting the people who are part of this adventure. Our team is at the heart of the project, and we seek to build and form a team of passionate Windelo sailors”.

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SALES MANAGER

Windelo is a new conception brand of innovative catamarans. Ecology is at the heart of the company with the ambition to significantly reduce the environmental impact of our boats. A range of 44 to 60 foot catamarans offering sailors the opportunity to sail with pleasure and safety on eco-friendly boats.

In full development, we are hiring a sales manager:

JOB AND MISSIONS: Managed by the director of the company, and in connection with our various services and partners, you are a key player in the launch of this new brand.

Real project manager: 1. You co-build the Windelo sales and services office, 2. You recruit, train, and drive progressively a team of passionate experts, 3. You develop and innovate in the strategy of selling Windelo boats in Europe, 4. You recruit and lead a global network of sales partners, 5. You co-build and animate the company’s service strategy: port mapping places; insurance and financing; training; owner’s manual etc.

YOUR PROFIL 1. Passionate about sailing, you practice regularly, 2. Your sense of service and customer leads you to satisfy your customers every day, 3. You are enthusiastic and motivated to work in a start-up, 4. You have 2 to 5 years’ experience in the sale of boats, 5. Bilingual French – English, you also speak a third language: German, Italian, or Spanish.

EVOLUTIVE JOB Director of sales

AVAILABILITY / PLACE OF WORK 1st Quarter 2019 / Occitanie Region, Canet en Roussillon FRANCE

TYPE OF CONTRACT AND REMUNERATION Permanent contract / fixed to be defined according to experience + variable.

If you are a passionate of sailing and this challenge to participate in the development of a company in full creation arouses your enthusiasm, welcome to send your application by e-mail to:  contact@windelo-catamaran.com

RESPONSABLE DES VENTES

Windelo consiste en la création d’une nouvelle marque de catamarans innovants. L’écologie est au coeur de l’entreprise avec pour ambition de réduire fortement l’impact environnemental de nos bateaux. Une gamme de catamarans de 44 à 60 pieds offrant aux marins la possibilité de naviguer avec plaisir et sécurité sur des bateaux éco responsables.

En plein développement, nous recrutons un(e) responsable des ventes

POSTE ET MISSIONS

Managé(e) par le directeur de l’entreprise, et en lien avec nos différents services et partenaires, vous êtes un acteur clefs du lancement de cette nouvelle marque. Véritable chef de projet :

1. Vous co-construisez le bureau des ventes et des services de Windelo, 2. Vous recrutez, formez, et animez progressivement une équipe d’experts passionnés, 3. Vous développez et innovez dans la stratégie de vente des bateaux Windelo en Europe, 4. Vous recrutez et animez un réseau mondial de partenaires de vente, 5. Vous co-construisez et animez la stratégie de service de l’entreprise : mapping des places de port ; assurance et financement ; formation ; entretien ; manuel du propriétaire etc.

VOTRE PROFIL 1. Passionné(e) de nautisme, vous naviguez régulièrement, 2. Votre sens du service et du client vous anime pour satisfaire vos clients au quotidien, 3. Vous êtes enthousiaste et motivé(e) à l’idée de travailler en équipe dans une « start-up », 4. Vous disposez de 2 à 5 ans d’expérience dans la vente de bateaux de plaisance, 5. Bilingue français – anglais, vous maitrisez également une troisième langue : allemand, italien, ou espagnol.

POSTE EVOLUTIF Directeur des ventes

DISPONIBILITÉ / LIEU DE TRAVAIL 1ier Trimestre 2019 / Région Occitanie, Canet en Roussillon FRANCE

TYPE DE CONTRAT ET REMUNERATION CDI Cadre / Fixe à définir selon expérience + variable.

Si vous êtes un(e) passionné(e) de l’univers du nautisme et que ce challenge de participer au développement d’une entreprise en pleine création suscite votre enthousiasme, merci d’adresser votre candidature par e-mail à : contact@windelo-catamaran.com

As part of the creation of new types of catamaran made in Occitanie, an audacious choice of ecological innovation has been selected in partnership with the Materials Center of « Mines d’Alès » (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard, France). It’s a question of combining ecological performance in terms of minimizing the environmental footprint and structural resistance, and this, in a global approach of circular economy on all parts of the boat. To do this, and in connection with the IMT MINES ALES, Windelo has relied on the use of secondary raw materials, competitive  virgin petroleum-based materials, that fully comply with the specifications in terms of mechanical performance. This is a real first step to the development of a 2.0 fleet ships fully integrated into the challenges and ecological challenges of the 21st century.

Associated with an ecological approach of circular economy integrating a not insignificant part of competitive secondary raw materials from virgin materials, the architectural design and the resistance of materials on the new Windelo catamarans are mechanically tested in the Materials Center of « Mines d’Alès » (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard, France) in connection with the architects and designers of the project. The design of the ship, and in particular the hulls and bows, go through a search for efficient structuring and arranging of materials composing it, combined with a mechanically optimized geometrical assembly. To this end, specific test developments, such as the study of distortion of the structure and of the panels constituating the hull of the ship, are studied by digital image correlation techniques coupled with standardized strength tests.

Founder of Catana

“The cruising program for this new boat raises the question of the antagonism between the search for performance under sail and the pleasure of navigation, and the development of pleasant living spaces. The originality of the answer is provided here in the arrangement of the cockpit bringing together the helm and maneuvers to the center of the boat and in the arrangement of living space that occupies the rear of the nacelle.

Just behind the mast the outer cockpit offers two helm stations protected from the wind and spray, a beautiful view of the sails and bows, and allows to have all the maneuvers on hand while limiting the needs to circulate on the bridge. Out of navigation, the cockpit can be more widely protected from the outside and open to the rear space.

Fully opened behind this cockpit, we have not developed two living spaces duplicating one inside the other but a single large space which is ajustable. We have focused our efforts on the geometry of the material and visual limits of this space and on the opening kinematics of the bays. Once opened, they “disappear” to transform the interior into an exterior. The generosity of these openings also allows to modulate the ventilation of this space by playing on a wide range of opening on its four sides

This work on the modularity and the disappearance of limits is found at the extreme rear of the nacelle, with an articulated platform to the davits transforming it into a floor when anchored, and in the rear cabins, whose wide turning porthole eliminates the angle between side plating and back side. The cabin space is therefore generous despite the relative narrowness of the hulls.

All these choices allow us to combine a contained hold of the nacelle, pledge control of the weight estimate, to a generous living space, with a central part given to navigation and maneuvering. The slenderness of the forward spikes, the significant free height under the platform, and the attention paid to the centering of the masses, complete the marine qualities expected for an offshore navigation program.

The other originality of the project brought by this new construction site is in the approach of “eco-design” on materials and construction. Strongly limiting the use of molds, the latter brings a greater margin of freedom in the variations and evolutions of the boats thus conceived. ”

Christophe Barreau et Frédéric Neuman

Architects and Naval Engineers

Who could know if it is the father or the son who is the most  passionate? It doesn’t matter. The important thing  is to write an innovative project within a family culture, for today and for generations to come. Hand over the guiding light, this is Olivier Kauffmann’s will. “At first I wanted to make my own boat, for me and my family; go on trip around the world living on a  efficient and pleasant catamaran. I dreamed of a new quality of space. Today, the dream has matured, and I want to share it with the great family of sailors. »

Windelo is the desire to expose us to something new, innovative, powerful, bigger than oneself. To seek innovations on materials, techniques of industrialization and uses to impulse a new economic reality. “We want to be part of this transformation related to the respect of our environment, it is for us, essential to work in this respect of men and nature. Men are at the heart of the project with the desire to recruit and form a passionate team, surrounded by experts recognized as the best in their field.

And the innovation doesn’t stop here, because the constructive process makes it possible to envisage fast evolutions from one boat to another while remaining well priced. An ambitious and respectful project ; Welcome to the Windelo adventure.

Dans le cadre de la confection de nouveaux types de catamaran made in Occitanie, un choix audacieux d’innovation écologique a été retenu en partenariat avec le Centre des Matériaux des Mines d’Alès (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard). Il s’agit à la fois d’allier performance écologique en termes de minimisation de l’empreinte environnementale et résistance des structures, et ce, dans une démarche globale d’économie circulaire sur l’ensemble des parties du bateau. Pour ce faire, et en lien avec l’IMT MINES ALES, Windelo a misé sur l’utilisation de matières premières secondaires, compétitives des matériaux pétrosourcés vierges, et parfaitement conformes au cahier des charges sur le plan des performances mécaniques. C’est un réel premier pas vers l’élaboration d’une flotte de navires 2.0 s’intégrant complètement dans les enjeux et défis écologiques du XXIème siècle.

Associées à une démarche écologique d’économie circulaire intégrant une part non négligeable de matières premières secondaires concurrentielles des matières vierges, l’architecture de conception et la résistance des matériaux des nouveaux catamarans de Windelo sont éprouvées par des tests mécaniques réalisés au Centre des Matériaux des Mines d’Alès (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard) en lien avec les architectes et designers du projet. La conception du navire, et en particulier les bordées et étraves, passe par une recherche de structuration performante de l’agencement des matériaux le composant, combinée à une géométrie d’assemblage optimisée sur le plan mécanique. Pour ce faire, des développements d’essais spécifiques, comme l’étude de la déformation de la structure des panneaux constituant la coque du navire, sont étudiés par des techniques de corrélation d’image numériques couplés à des essais de résistance mécanique normalisés.

La rencontre avec Olivier et Gautier a été une agréable surprise pour moi, dès l’exposé de leur projet, j’ai vu réunis tous les ingrédients d’une réussite, l’expérience de gestion d’entreprises mais avec une modestie rassurante, le souci de former une équipe des meilleurs experts (sourire) et une réelle écoute de leurs avis. Au fil des rencontres, les discussions ont ravivé mes souvenirs de la création puis du développement de Catana. Les mêmes motivations, la même recherche de perfection, la même audace teintée de modestie que nous avions au départ du projet. Windelo est centrée sur le produit ; une ligne de catamarans performants construits avec les techniques les plus modernes. Je n’en avais pas conscience à l’époque mais je crois que le succès d’un bon bateau vient de cette passion pour la mer avec la volonté de marier confort sécurité et performance. Je retrouve ici cette passion, et aujourd’hui ce qui a fini de me conquérir c’est le souci de préservation de la nature, tant dans les matériaux choisis que dans les méthodes de production.

Le programme de grande croisière auquel se destine ce nouveau bateau pose la question de l’antagonisme entre d’une part la recherche de performances sous voiles et du plaisir de navigation, et d’autre part l’aménagement d’espaces de vie agréables et généreux. L’originalité de la réponse apportée ici réside dans la disposition du cockpit rassemblant poste de barre et manœuvres au centre du bateau et dans le traitement de l’espace de vie qui occupe l’arrière de la nacelle. Juste en arrière du mât le cockpit extérieur offre deux postes de barre protégés du vent et des embruns, une belle vue sur les voiles et sur les étraves, et permet d’avoir l’ensemble des manœuvres à portée de main tout en limitant les besoins de circuler sur le pont. Hors navigation, le cockpit peut être plus largement protégé de l’extérieur et s’ouvrir sur l’espace arrière. De plein pied en arrière de ce cockpit, nous n’avons pas aménagé deux espaces de vie dupliqués l’un à l’intérieur et l’autre à l’extérieur mais un seul grand espace dont le degré d’ouverture est très largement modulable. Nous avons porté notre effort sur la géométrie des limites matérielles et visuelles de cet espace et sur les cinématiques d’ouverture des baies. Une fois ouvertes elles « disparaissent » pour transformer l’intérieur en extérieur. La générosité des ouvrants permet également de moduler la ventilation de cet espace en jouant sur une large gamme d’ouverture sur ses quatre côtés Ce travail sur la modularité et sur la disparition des limites se retrouve à l’extrême arrière de la nacelle, avec une plateforme articulée aux bossoirs se transformant en plancher au mouillage, et dans les cabines arrières dont le large hublot tournant fait « sauter » l’angle entre bordé latéral et face arrière. L’espace de cabine est donc généreux malgré la relative étroitesse des coques. L’ensemble de ces choix nous permet de conjuguer une emprise contenue de la nacelle, gage de maîtrise du devis de poids, à un espace à vivre généreux, avec une place centrale accordée à la navigation et aux manœuvres. L’élancement des pointes avant, l’importante hauteur libre sous nacelle, et l’attention portée au centrage des masses, complètent les qualités marines attendues pour un programme de navigation hauturière. L’autre originalité du projet apportée par ce nouveau chantier se trouve dans l’approche d’« éco-conception » portant sur les matériaux et le mode constructif. Limitant fortement le recours aux moules ce dernier apporte une plus grande marge de liberté dans les déclinaisons et évolutions des bateaux ainsi conçus.

Qui sait lequel du père ou du fils est le plus passionné ? Peu importe. L’important ici est d’écrire un projet innovant au sein d’une culture familiale, pour aujourd’hui et les générations à venir. Passer le flambeau, le relais ; c’est la volonté d’Olivier Kauffmann. « Au début je voulais me faire mon propre bateau, pour ma famille et moi ; partir faire un tour du monde sur un catamaran performant et plaisant à vivre. Je rêvais à une qualité d’espace inédite. Aujourd’hui, l’envie a mûrit, et je tiens à le partager avec la grande famille des marins ».

Windelo c’est l’envie de s’exposer à quelque chose de nouveau, d’innovant, de performant, de plus grand que soi. Aller chercher des innovations sur des matériaux, des techniques d’industrialisation, des usages et impulser une nouvelle réalité économique. « Nous voulons faire partie de cette transformation liée au respect de notre environnement, c’est pour nous indispensable d’œuvrer dans ce respect des hommes et de la nature. Les hommes sont au cœur du projet avec la volonté de recruter et former une équipe de passionnés, entourés d’experts reconnus comme les meilleurs dans leur domaine ».

Et l’innovation ne s’arrête pas là, car le process constructif permet d’envisager des évolutions rapides d’un bateau à un autre tout en restant bien placé en prix. Projet ambitieux et respectueux, bienvenu(e) dans l’aventure Windelo.

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The world's most eco-focused yachts

From hybrid engines to high-tech wastewater treatment, new developments in naval architecture and design are helping superyachts reduce their environmental impact. Such topics are placed under the spotlight each year at the Superyacht Design Festival and this year will be no different with a panel of designers addressing the realities of a fossil-free future. But until then, we take a look at some of the innovative technologies already in action on board the world's most environmentally-conscious boats...

An early adopter of the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III emissions regulations, Artefact features solar panels and a wastewater recycling system, as well as a large battery storage system, which means the yacht can at times operate completely independently of internal combustion engines. Although   Artefact is a sizeable yacht measuring 80 metres with a volume of 2,999 GT, the yacht is incredibly silent, extensively soundproofed and equipped with custom six-bladed propellers that minimum noise pollution and vibrations while at sea. Part of what contributes to the yacht's quiet cruising is its hybrid diesel-electric system that integrates lithium batteries and which the builder, ABB, says saves 30% of energy and emissions.

More about this yacht

Royal Huisman 's 43.5 metre ketch Juliet was relaunched last year following a hybrid conversion that lasted two years. The upgrade saw the Ron Holland -designed yacht fitted with hybrid propulsion and power generation systems, allowing its owners to sail in silent operation with zero emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

White Rabbit

The 84 metre White Rabbit is the largest trimaran in the world, a fact that makes her efficiency all the more commendable. Compared to similar-sized steel monohull yachts, White Rabbit requires 40 per cent less power to hit top speeds of up to 18 knots with her hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. The 2940GT all-aluminium tri-hull is also notably quiet through the waves; in the lower deck master cabin her builder Echo Yachts recorded sound levels of just 40db when the yacht was underway at 13 knots.

Black Pearl

Black Pearl features controllable pitch propellers that feed power back into the ship via a pair of shaft generators, providing enough power to support the yacht's hotel load. Energy is saved at every turn on board the 106.7m sailing superyacht, from the HVAC system to her advanced DynaRig sails that allow Black Pearl to take advantage of the eco-friendly natural resource of the wind. 

The 76.6 metre Piriou explorer yacht Yersin , which has been classified as a Bureau Veritas Clean Ship and boasts a 15,000 nautical mile cruising range, was designed by Pierre-Jacques Kubis for private discovery voyages and has also been chartered for scientific expeditions led by the Monaco Exploration Society. The yacht was constructed from 95% recyclable materials, including recyclable resin decks that substituted wood for a more sustainable alternative. To minimise its impact, Yersin’s ice-classed hull has been coated with a non-biocide silicon antifouling layer while the yacht's dynamic positioning minimises the impact of the anchor when dropped. Additionally, Yersin is equipped with filters on all engines that reduce NOx and SOx emissions by 99.8% and retain 99.8% of soot particles.

Yachts for sale

Spirit Yachts ' 33.9 metre sailing yacht Geist manages to deliver a balance of beauty and eco-focused technology with mesmeric charm and elegance. The British yard's green-mindedness can be seen even in the way they sourced the wood for her construction. For the Douglas fir that makes up Geist 's bow and stern, Spirit went to Canada, which it knew had robust regulations when it came to distributing wood. Additionally, the yacht glides through harbours with an electric propulsion system when not under sail.

Bravo Eugenia

The 109 metre Bravo Eugenia is highly efficient despite her impressive size. The Oceanco -built superyacht is powered by a hybrid propulsion engine that offers a quiet electric mode and which allows her to consume 30% less fuel than other motor yachts in her size class. She is also equipped with a waste heat recovery system and an integrated battery for optimal operation and performance.

Delivered by Tankoa in 2018, the 72m Solo was one of the first yachts afloat to comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III regulations that were introduced to limit emissions and water pollution. The eco-friendly superyacht was also awarded the Green Plus Platinum notation, the highest level of environmental certification from the RINA society.

Falco Moscata

The 49.5 metre explorer yacht Falco Moscata boasts a number of accolades for her design. Among others, this Perini Navi superyacht was honoured with a RINA Green Plus Award upon its launch in 2010. Designed by Vitruvius and naval architect Philippe Briand , the yacht features an all-aluminium hull with a uniquely styled bow that slices through the waves with ease and enhances fuel efficiency by up to 30%. 

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Not only can this 39.3 metre superyacht run on 15 per cent biodiesel, but every aspect of Safira's interior also comes from reclaimed, recycled or remnant materials – all without sacrificing luxury. The Newcastle -built explorer, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, has been largely constructed using an eco-friendly product made in The Netherlands known as Esthec. Used as a replacement for interior woodwork and teak decking, it also helps provide sound insulation to the five cabins in her lower decks. 

The Superyacht Design festival is an event that brings leaders of the superyacht industry and guests from the luxury community together for a thought-provoking and entertaining event that celebrates the world of design through innovating discussion and exclusive network opportunities. Buy tickets below. 

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New Windelo 54: Discovering the Essence of Eco-Friendly Sailing

Windelo revealed the New Windelo 54 at the 2024 Boot Dusseldorf event in January, with plans for its World Premiere at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte, scheduled for April 2024. While awaiting the opportunity to discover it firsthand, we have decided to unveil the secrets behind the latest creation from the French shipyard. Enjoy reading!

Since its inception , Windelo has consistently demonstrated innovation in the realm of eco-friendly sailing. Since its inaugural participation in boat shows, Windelo’s catamarans have garnered enthusiastic reception, evident in the extension of their order book until 2025. This success can be attributed to several factors, including the integration of eco-friendly composite materials, electric propulsion systems, and the generation of renewable energy. Meanwhile, the success of the French shipyard is confirmed by its official debut on the American market, during the Miami Boat Show 2024 , where the Windelo 50 Yachting is docked for the first time.

Furthermore, Windelo’s catamarans distinguish themselves through thoughtful design elements such as the division of living spaces (featuring a nacelle and single-level terrace, as well as a forward cockpit at the base of the mast) and their adaptable interior-exterior modularity. Collectively, these innovations have significantly influenced the long-distance cruising catamaran market, positioning Windelo as a transformative force within the industry.

In collaboration with architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman , alongside design studio Ladida Design led by Charlotte Schiffer, the shipyard embarked on a mission to imbue their catamarans with a renewed identity. The objective was to bolster their character and infuse them with a contemporary aesthetic, while preserving the distinguishing features that have contributed to Windelo’s current success.

Through substantial modifications to the deck, superstructures, coachroofs, and layout, all Windelo models underwent a significant upscale transformation. This culminated in the introduction of the New Windelo 54.

Innovations Through Design 

When discussing Windelo’s innovations, the focus naturally gravitates towards ecological advancements, such as the incorporation of an electric engine, utilization of green energy sources for extended range, and the integration of eco-composite materials like basalt fiber and PET foam . Additionally, attention is drawn to the management of spaces, exemplified by features like the forward cockpit, interior-exterior modularity of the nacelle, and aft terrace.

Therefore, it was imperative to accentuate these aspects in the design of the New Windelo 54. The shipyard enhanced the coherence of the New Windelo 54’s hull sides, top (including decks, nacelles, and coachroof), and interior layout. Efforts were directed towards imparting a more dynamic and robust appearance, in alignment with the brand’s DNA and values.

The wave motif, historically prominent on Windelo’s sides, is now intricately woven throughout the entire boat. Symbolizing movement and energy, this wave imparts a vibrant ambiance to the catamaran, while also mirroring the performance capabilities of Windelo catamarans. As a quintessential element of the marine environment, the wave symbolizes Windelo’s commitment to eco-friendly sailing, encompassing features such as the electric engine, green energy production, and eco-composite materials (basalt and PET).

Moreover, the Windelo wave serves a dual purpose of combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. Beyond its role in facilitating assembly and water run-off, it contributes to visual organization and offers a guiding focal point by directing one’s gaze towards the horizon.

Key Features of the New Windelo 54

Enhanced Integration of Solar Panels: In an effort to optimize the integration of solar panels, the coachroofs of the New Windelo 54 have undergone an aesthetic refinement. This includes the incorporation of raised areas and variations in levels, accentuated by a wave-inspired design motif. The extension of the hardtop, by 50 cm specifically on the New Windelo 54 model, augments the solar panel capacity, thereby extending the cruising range on green energy.

Forward Cockpit Integration and Design: A notable innovation of Windelo catamarans, the forward cockpit has been further reinforced through the addition of coaming around the nacelle. This serves to enhance the assertiveness of the forward cockpit while visually harmonizing its integration with the overall design. Additionally, ergonomic enhancements have been implemented in two main areas:

• Deck Organizer Distribution: The layout of the deck organizer has been optimized, simplifying the line circuits and refining the positioning of the steering wheels.
• Seat Ergonomics: The design of the seats has been revised to offer increased depth, achieved through the remodeling of their corners for improved comfort and usability.

Windelo catamarans exhibit remarkable performance, effortlessly sailing at wind speed even in light air, owing to the meticulously crafted design of their hull and meticulous weight optimization. This inherent capability is further accentuated by the redesign of the New Windelo 54.

Characterized by curved, assertive, and dynamic surfaces, the catamaran’s aesthetic draws the observer’s gaze seamlessly from bow to stern, mirroring the acceleration of the vessel and the play of reflections. These reflections imbue the catamaran with a sense of direction and purpose, enhancing its overall dynamism and energy—a subtle yet influential aspect that resonates with the subconscious.

In pursuit of a more refined aesthetic, Windelo has extended and reimagined the coachroof to infuse it with an airier and lighter ambiance. The former sharp edges have been replaced with alluring curves, which play with variations in thickness, resulting in a dynamically elevated design. Furthermore, the redesigned tilt of the windshield, symmetrically juxtaposed with the corner of the coachroof arch, amplifies the boat’s elegant and dynamic character, even in stationary state.

If we talk a bit about prices, the French shipyard has provided quotations for the month of January, at the time of the official presentation, which obviously vary depending on the configuration chosen by the owner:

€ 1,380,000 for a New Windelo 54 version Adventure  € 1,470,000 for a New Windelo 54 version Yachting  € 1,495,000 for a New Windelo 54 version Sport 

New Windelo 54 specs

Length :16.24 m  Beam : 7.98 m  Draft of standard version : Maximum draft 2.35 m – Minimum draft 1.05 m  Light displacement : 12.8 t  Freshwater tank : 400 l  Blackwater tank : 200 l  Max. number of cabins : 4 (+1 skipper)  Max. number of people: 12  Hull materials : Basalt and PET/PVC foam sandwich  Deck materials : Basalt and PET foam sandwich  Type of rigging : Sloop  Sail area upwind : 199 mq Sail area downwind : 289 mq  Mainsail area : 99 mq  Foresail area : 45 mq Gennaker area : 190 mq  Type of engines: Electric and hybrid engines  Engines power : 2 x 20 kW  Generator : 18 kW (or 2 x 18 kW on option)  Engine transmission type : Shaftline  Energy type : Electricity and diesel 

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Green boating: tips for eco friendly sailing

• Duncan Kent
• April 6, 2022

The RYA published its Carbon Pathway to Zero document in July 2021, outlining its vision for zero-carbon boating by 2050. How can we alleviate our own emissions and waste?

Sailors should be aiming for zero emissions and zero waste, according to the RYA. Credit: Paul Wyeth

Green boating. Is it a realistic possibility?

According to the RYA’s Sustainability Strategy published in June 2020, the two most significant global environmental issues of the moment are climate change and biodiversity loss.

The report includes numerous actions that the RYA feels can be achieved cheaply and easily by boat owners and watersports participants throughout the UK in order to lessen any detrimental effects to the marine environment.

In general, sailing yachts produce a fraction of the emissions of a motorboat, however sailors of both power and sailing vessels are generally more aware of marine pollution issues than non-boat owners and can usually be trusted to do their best if presented with helpful guidance.

Hydrogen is a much cleaner fluid, but may be upstaged by electric. Credit: Alamy

Clearly, a lot of necessary behavioural changes and logistical challenges will need to be inspired, instigated and possibly financed by governmental bodies such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, along with other relevant authorities such as the RYA (leisure) and British Marine (commercial).

But there are also plenty of simple actions us sailors and boat owners can do to assist them towards achieving their green ambitions.

Green boating: waste disposal

Some of the worst pollutants created and disposed of by boaters are sewage, oily bilge water, grey water containing cleaning products and plastic food packaging.

A little more care and investment in the disposal of these items will make the world of difference to the environment in which we like to sail.

Toilet waste

Pumping raw sewage into the sea has long been considered unacceptable, although particularly frowned upon mainly in rivers , marinas and anchorages rather than open tidal waters.

Nowadays, some effective method of containing your black waste on board, such as a holding tank, really is a must.

All new boats should have holding tanks, and old boats are encouraged to fit one. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Though actually only a legal requirement on new craft since 2016, it is the duty of any responsible sailor to equip their boat with sewage containment facilities – even small craft, where a simple portable cassette-style toilet will usually suffice.

Although there are currently large swathes of coastline without any pump-out facilities, those that do exist can be found at www.thegreenblue.org.uk .

Adjusting your cruising plans to suit might be worthwhile and should soon become as natural as stopping for provisions and fuel.

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Discharging your holding tank at sea remains legal in UK waters, although you’re asked not to do it within 3 miles of the coast or near Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Other countries are much stricter, especially in the Mediterranean , and I fully expect the British government to introduce stricter regulations in the near future too.

Composting toilets are becoming more popular with inland waterway users as well, but few are compatible with the motion experienced at sea, and disposal ashore can often be more complicated than simply pumping out a holding tank.

Similar care should also be taken when disposing of grey water (the kind used when having a shower or doing the washing up in the sink).

Although fitting a grey water tank can be an unnecessary faff in a small craft, it’s easy these days to ensure any washing and cleaning products being drained overboard are of the environmentally friendly types.

Definitely avoid any cleaning products containing chlorine, bleach, phosphates or microplastics (polyethylene).

Once again, there are already areas in the Med that will fine boat owners should any detergent bubbles be seen trailing from their boat in a harbour or anchorage.

Bilge water

Particular care should be taken with this kind of water.

If you have an inboard marine diesel engine or petrol engine there are bound to be a few leaks or spillages into the bilge so ensure you have a deep drip tray under the engine.

Green boating: A bilge filter will clean up bilge water being pumped overboard

Oily bilge water should either be filtered before pumping it overboard or preferably pumped into a separate tank or sealable container for disposal ashore, rather than risk it going into the surrounding sea untreated.

In the event of an emergency, emptying the bilges as quickly as possible is a must, although a leaking boat will be letting in clean seawater from the outside, simply recirculated by the bilge pump.

Outboards frequently pollute marinas and harbours, either by poor refuelling methods or leaks of oil and petrol from the engine direct.

These can be overcome by refuelling ashore (if detachable or separate tank) or by devising a means to pump the fuel into the tank rather than pour it out of a fuel can.

Ensuring your inboard or outboard engine is well maintained will also help reduce fluid leaks to a bare minimum.

Food and packaging waste

One of the simplest solutions to limiting the amount of packaging you have on board is to unpack as much as you can before you head off and dispose of the packaging ashore, keeping the food in reusable containers or lockers on board.

If you can’t do that then at least remove any packing from foods before passing them up into the cockpit, where the wind will quickly blow empty wrappers overboard.

While most foodstuffs thrown overboard will be eaten by fish, there are some items, such as orange peel, that take a very long time to degrade so should be taken home and composted.

Green boating: auxiliary propulsion

Modern lithium batteries are safer and lighter than earlier alternatives

Time to ditch the smelly old diesel and turn your boat into a fully electric yacht ?

Along with motor vehicles, boats of all kinds will shortly be forced to change from using fossil-fuelled auxiliary engines to zero-emission propulsion systems such as HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) or hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) or electric motors.

The former is the simplest to do as most marine diesels are already able to run on HVO fuel with little or no conversion work.

But the fuel is scarce, expensive and will not be sustainable into the future.

Besides, any ICE still requires lubrication, which is another opportunity for pollution, and they remain noisy and smelly whatever fuel you use.

Petrol outboards will soon be outsold by electric outboards, which are proving themselves as realistic options. Credit: Paul Wyeth

Meanwhile, it is already possibly to propel a sailing yacht at half hull speed in relatively calm waters using an electric motor and a large battery bank.

Furthermore, the production of clean electricity for use on board has been seriously aided by the ever-improving solar photovoltaic products now available to boat owners.

All electric yachts are still in the early stages of development and currently suffer similar difficulties to those currently being experienced in the auto industry, mainly limited range and high initial costs.

The situation is rapidly evolving, however, as more time and effort is directed towards improving batteries, PV cells and regeneration systems.

Green boating: Carry a spill kit in case of fuel or oil leaks. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Five years from now the cost of conversion to electric propulsion will likely be similar, or even less than a replacement marine diesel ICE.

Solar power has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years and is now significantly less expensive and more efficient, although the number of sunny days is fairly limited in UK waters, meaning you would still need to cover almost every free flat deck surface with PV panels to survive when cruising totally off-grid.

The recent availability of low-cost lithium (LiFePO4) batteries and their inherently safer characteristics (compared to other Li-ion chemistries) has also greatly aided the introduction of the grid-free boat, although the technology is reasonably complex and usually needs at least some help from a professionally qualified installer.

That said, it won’t be long before a genuine ‘drop-in’ lithium battery replacement will be available for the DIY installer (many currently available drop-ins aren’t really that simple and can even be dangerous if incorrectly set up), which should make changing over simpler and cheaper.

Modern batteries need a carefully installed system. Credit: Rupert Holmes

One major headache for boat owners– time and money spent on engine maintenance – should also be considerably reduced by converting to electric as there are so few moving parts to wear or fail.

Battery capacity and recharge/generation will obviously be paramount, but careful planning, good system design and technological innovation will undoubtedly overcome most obstacles.

Apart from battery maintenance concerns, the only other foreseeable problem might be with the motor cooling system (essential for maximum efficiency), as these will be subject to the same concerns that ICEs suffer, such as blockages, faulty pumps and corrosion.

Gas: cooking and heating

The risk involved in storing and using LPG on board a boat has long been debated.

As well as the potential explosion hazard, burning gas for cooking or heating produces almost as much unwanted CO2 as running a petrol engine.

The simple answer would appear to be to convert to electric, but electric heating is way less efficient and often totally impractical on a small boat.

Green boating: Power generation and storage remains an issue for induction cooking on small boats. Credit: Theo Stocker/Yachting Monthly

That said, an electric propulsion motor will need cooling with water when running, so there is an opportunity to use that waste heat by storing it in an insulated tank, just as you can today with indirectly cooled ICEs.

Once again, as large capacity lithium-based battery banks and more efficient solar panels continue to be developed, more and more boat owners are finding they can just about provide enough power to run an induction plate or microwave for short periods, without totally flattening their batteries or running their engines or generators.

We might not be quite there yet, but by 2050 I’m confident battery and power generation technology will have developed so much further that we’ll look back and wonder why folk even considered carrying gas or fuel on board.

Antifoul coatings

Most conventional, ‘off the shelf’ antifoul coatings are designed to be toxic to marine life and if you take out all the harmful VOCs, biocides and metals you’re left with, well, paint!

As a result of current efforts at cleaning up this aspect of boating, boat owners are experiencing a gradual decrease in the effectiveness of antifoul products compared with a decade or two ago.

Already, marinas and boat yards are under strict rules to ensure any run-off water that might contain antifouling deposits are collected into a designated waste tank when they hose down boat hulls.

How long before boat owners are banned from scraping their hulls or applying new antifoul on the hard? Pretty much imminent, I feel.

Antifoul run-off is toxic, which is why regulations are getting even stricter

Despite the admirable DIY Safe Antifouling initiative promoted by the British Coatings, The Green Blue and the Yacht Harbour Association (YHA), I foresee a time (quite soon) when all ‘self-eroding’ types of antifouling will be banned for the quantity of polluting copper and zinc deposits they leach off to settle on the seabed, thereby forcing owners to have their hulls treated professionally with ‘regulated and approved’ products only.

Copper-impregnated epoxy coatings such as Coppercoat, might be acceptable for a while longer, but I confidently predict even they will be gone before the next decade is out, and anything containing biocides of any sort will be a definite no-no.

So, what will we be left with?

Moves towards silicone-impregnated coatings that rely on making your hull so slippery that nothing can stick to it, have proven slow to develop successfully and, despite being more eco-friendly, even they are struggling to comply with the strict new regulations being constantly introduced.

They are also too expensive currently for the leisure marine industry and not very effective on slow-moving vessels such as sailing yachts.

Green boating: Silicone based antifouls may offer an alternative

More recently, polymer-based, ‘microtopology’ coatings have been developed.

Based more around natural surface repulsion technology, they are non-toxic and are intended to make the surface physically untenable for crustaceans and other biofoulings.

The product is said to deliver a ‘biomimetic microtextured surface’ (knobbly or ridged to you and me), encouraging the formation of tiny air pockets that aquatic organisms find very hard to cling onto.

A secondary benefit is that their superhydrophobic properties also reduce surface friction, thereby reducing the energy needed to drive the hull through the water.

The efficacy of these ‘nanotech’ products has yet to be proven beyond the lab but, provided they are shown to work, can be applied easily and their price is within the budget of the average leisure sailor, these might just provide a workable and biofriendly option for the future.

I suspect however, they’ll require professional application so won’t be popular with DIY leisure boaters.

There have been numerous brands of ultra-sonic devices marketed over the past decade and most appear to function, though with varying degrees of success.

Many have yet to prove themselves effective in a wide diversity of marine environments and all require a coat or two of hard antifouling as well, which, in my opinion, somewhat defeats the object.

They also consume power continuously, which is a serious drawback for boat owners who have a mooring without shore power and no effective solar power.

Maybe, if we’re still making new GRP boats in 2050, somebody will have invented a new resin impregnated with some form of marine organism repellent, or an annual super-slippery, peel-off biodegradable film.

Alternatively we might just decide to ditch antifouling products altogether and simply rely on lifting our boats out every month for a quick hose-down and buff up.

Useful green boating websites

RYA www.rya.org.uk

British Marine www.britishmarine.co.uk

The Green Blue www.thegreenblue.org.uk

British Coatings www.coatings.org.uk

The Yacht Harbour Association www.tyha.co.uk

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Sustainable Sailboat Journeys: An Eco-friendly Adventure

Embark on a journey reminiscent of ancient seafarers, where the wind guides your sails towards sustainability. Imagine a voyage where every wave carries the promise of eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts. From harnessing renewable energy sources to engaging with local communities, each aspect of your sailboat adventure contributes to a greener tomorrow.

But how exactly can you ensure that every nautical mile leaves a positive impact on the environment? Let's navigate through the seas of sustainable sailboat journeys together, discovering the key strategies that make this eco-friendly adventure possible.

Eco-conscious Packing Tips

When preparing for sustainable sailboat journeys, prioritize eco-conscious packing to reduce your environmental impact. Opt for minimalist essentials that serve multiple purposes, allowing you to pack lighter and reduce overall waste. Choose clothing items that are versatile and made from sustainable materials to minimize your footprint. Consider packing items that can be layered for varying weather conditions, reducing the need for excess clothing.

Invest in reusable containers to store food and beverages on your sailboat. Utilizing reusable containers not only cuts down on single-use plastics but also helps keep your provisions organized and fresh. Choose containers that are durable and leak-proof to withstand the rigors of sailing. Additionally, consider bringing along a water filtration system to reduce the need for single-use plastic water bottles.

When packing toiletries, opt for solid versions of products such as shampoo bars, solid toothpaste tablets, and solid lotion bars. These items eliminate the need for plastic packaging and are TSA-friendly for air travel to and from your sailing destination. Remember to pack biodegradable soaps to ensure you aren't polluting the water while onboard.

Renewable Energy Sources Onboard

Consider integrating solar panels and wind turbines onboard to harness renewable energy sources for powering your sailboat efficiently. These sustainable options not only reduce your carbon footprint but also provide a reliable source of power during your journey. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Solar panels: Install solar panels on the deck or cabin top to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This clean energy source can help charge your batteries, run electronic devices, and even power small appliances onboard.
• Wind turbines: Mounting a wind turbine on your sailboat can also generate electricity as the wind turns the blades. This additional renewable energy source complements solar power, especially during windy conditions, providing a consistent power supply.
• Battery storage: Invest in high-quality batteries to store the energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines. Having sufficient battery capacity ensures a steady power supply, even when the sun isn't shining brightly or the wind is calm.
• Efficient energy management: Implement energy-efficient practices onboard, such as using LED lights, optimizing electronic devices' usage, and monitoring power consumption. Being mindful of energy usage prolongs battery life and maximizes the benefits of renewable energy sources.

Zero-waste Galley Practices

To further enhance your sustainable sailboat journey, implement zero-waste galley practices to minimize environmental impact and promote eco-friendly living onboard.

One key practice is composting leftovers. Instead of throwing food scraps overboard, set up a composting system on your sailboat. Collect fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, and other organic waste in a dedicated bin. This not only reduces the amount of trash generated but also creates nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish any onboard plants or even be disposed of safely on land during stops.

Another important step is to use reusable containers for storing food and leftovers. Invest in durable containers made of materials like stainless steel or glass that can be washed and used repeatedly. When preparing meals for your journey, opt for bulk ingredients that can be stored in these containers, reducing the need for single-use plastic packaging. This not only cuts down on waste but also keeps your food fresher for longer periods.

Marine Life Conservation Efforts

Implement sustainable practices to protect marine life while sailing, ensuring a positive impact on the ocean ecosystem. When embarking on your sailboat adventure, you have the power to contribute to marine life conservation efforts. By being mindful of your actions, you can help preserve the delicate balance of the ocean environment.

Conservation Efforts for Marine Life

• Reduce Plastic Pollution : Avoid single-use plastics onboard to prevent them from ending up in the ocean and harming marine life.
• Support Coral Restoration : Learn about coral restoration projects in the areas you visit and consider volunteering or donating to support these initiatives.
• Practice Responsible Fishing : If you engage in fishing while sailing, follow catch limits and avoid using destructive fishing methods that can harm marine ecosystems.
• Participate in Beach Clean-ups : Whenever you make landfall, take the time to clean up any trash you find on the shoreline to prevent it from entering the ocean.

Sustainable Anchoring Techniques

When anchoring your sailboat sustainably, ensure to choose anchoring locations that minimize impact on marine habitats. Eco-friendly mooring solutions play a crucial role in protecting the delicate underwater ecosystems. Opt for designated mooring areas or use eco-friendly anchors that don't damage coral reefs or disturb marine life. By practicing sustainable cruising methods, such as using anchorages with sandy bottoms instead of coral reefs, you can help preserve marine habitats for future generations.

Consider using anchor bags filled with environmentally friendly materials like sand or gravel instead of traditional anchors. These anchor bags aren't only effective in securing your sailboat but also reduce the risk of damaging sensitive marine environments. Additionally, using anchor lights powered by solar energy is a sustainable way to ensure safe anchoring without harming the marine ecosystem.

When anchoring in seagrass meadows or near coral reefs, be mindful of the potential impact on these habitats. Choose anchoring locations where the seabed is less sensitive, and avoid dropping anchor directly on top of coral reefs. By practicing responsible anchoring techniques and opting for eco-friendly mooring solutions, you can enjoy your sailboat journey while minimizing your environmental footprint. Remember, sustainable anchoring not only benefits the marine environment but also enhances the overall experience of your eco-friendly adventure.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies

Considering sustainable anchoring techniques is just the beginning; now, let's explore practical strategies to reduce your carbon footprint while sailing. By incorporating green sailing practices and energy-efficient navigation, you can significantly minimize the environmental impact of your journeys. Here are four essential strategies to help you achieve eco-friendly sailing:

• Opt for Renewable Energy Sources: Install solar panels or wind turbines on your sailboat to harness clean energy for powering electronic devices and appliances. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and decreases emissions.
• Practice Sail Trim and Efficiency: Master the art of sail trim to maximize wind utilization and minimize the need for motor propulsion. Utilizing the wind efficiently not only reduces fuel consumption but also enhances the overall sailing experience.
• Support Carbon Offsetting Programs: Engage in carbon offsetting initiatives to counterbalance the emissions produced during your sailing trips. By investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases, you can neutralize your carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation.
• Embrace Eco-Friendly Maintenance: Use environmentally friendly cleaning products and antifouling paints to maintain your sailboat. Implementing sustainable maintenance practices helps prevent water contamination and minimizes harm to marine ecosystems.

Community Engagement Initiatives

To foster a more sustainable sailing community, engage in collaborative initiatives that prioritize environmental stewardship and community involvement. By organizing beach cleanups and outreach programs, you can actively contribute to preserving the marine ecosystem and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. These initiatives not only help in keeping the oceans clean but also encourage others to join in the effort towards a cleaner environment.

Partnering with sustainable tourism organizations and involving local communities in your sailing adventures can further enhance your community engagement initiatives. By forming sustainable tourism partnerships, you can promote responsible travel practices and support local economies in coastal regions. This collaboration can lead to meaningful interactions with local communities, fostering cultural exchanges and mutual learning experiences.

Engaging in community outreach programs allows you to connect with a wider audience and share the benefits of sustainable sailing practices. By actively involving local schools, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, you can inspire others to take action towards a greener future. Encouraging local involvement not only strengthens community bonds but also amplifies the impact of your sustainability efforts.

Eco-friendly Port Exploration

For a more sustainable approach to your sailboat journeys, explore eco-friendly ports that prioritize environmental conservation and support green practices. When choosing ports to visit during your sailing adventures, opt for destinations that share your commitment to protecting the environment and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Here are four key aspects to consider when exploring eco-friendly ports:

• Green Transportation : Look for ports that offer electric vehicle charging stations or have bike-sharing programs available for visitors. Choosing destinations that support green transportation options can help reduce carbon emissions associated with your travels.
• Eco-Friendly Tourism : Seek out ports that promote eco-friendly tourism activities such as guided nature walks, wildlife watching tours, or sustainable fishing excursions. These activities not only allow you to experience the natural beauty of the area but also contribute to the local conservation efforts.
• Waste Management Initiatives : Consider ports that have effective waste management systems in place, including recycling programs and initiatives to reduce single-use plastics. Supporting ports that prioritize waste reduction and recycling helps minimize the environmental impact of your visit.
• Renewable Energy Sources : Choose ports that harness renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to meet their energy needs. Ports that invest in renewable energy contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i ensure my sailboat journey is safe for marine life and ecosystems?.

To make sure your sailboat journey is safe for marine life and ecosystems, focus on marine conservation and sustainable practices.

Avoid throwing trash overboard, use biodegradable cleaning products, and be mindful of your anchoring to protect sensitive habitats.

Reduce plastic waste by bringing reusable items. Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance.

What Types of Renewable Energy Sources Are Most Commonly Used on Sailboats?

To power sailboats sustainably, sailors commonly use the following renewable energy sources:

• Wind turbines harness the wind's energy.
• Solar panels convert sunlight into power.
• Hydro generators generate electricity from the boat's movement through water.
• Biofuels offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

Are There Any Specific Guidelines for Disposing of Waste While at Sea?

When out at sea, it's crucial to follow specific guidelines for waste management and recycling to protect ocean conservation and prevent pollution. Proper disposal of waste is key, separating recyclables and non-recyclables.

Avoid throwing any trash overboard. Store waste securely and dispose of it responsibly when back on land.

How Can I Minimize My Carbon Footprint While Sailing?

To minimize your carbon footprint while sailing, focus on sustainable practices and eco-conscious habits. Reduce waste by using reusable items, like water bottles and food containers.

Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products to avoid polluting the water. Sail during daylight hours to rely less on engine power.

Properly dispose of any waste on land to prevent marine pollution. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy sailing while being environmentally responsible.

What Are Some Ways to Get Involved in Community Engagement Initiatives While on a Sailboat Journey?

To get involved in community engagement while on a sailboat journey, consider participating in coastal cleanups and conservation workshops. Partner with local communities for educational outreach initiatives.

When embarking on sustainable sailboat journeys, every small eco-friendly choice you make can have a big impact on our oceans and planet.

By packing consciously, utilizing renewable energy sources, practicing zero-waste galley habits, and engaging in marine conservation efforts, you can enjoy your adventure while minimizing your carbon footprint.

Remember, every action counts in preserving our beautiful oceans for future generations to enjoy.

Bon voyage!

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• Digital Edition

Sail greener: options for more eco-friendly sails

• Toby Hodges
• April 25, 2022

Toby Hodges and Rupert Holmes take a look at some of the latest eco-friendly sails technology, from recycleable to recycled materials

Sails are predominantly made from new plastics, chemicals and virgin fibres, but some latest developments may help address that and make eco-friendly sails a real option when you buy your next set.

As consumers, looking after your sails and making them last remains key. But for manufacturers, developing circular economy products should be the holy grail – using sustainably sourced products which can be recycled again to make raw materials. While Dacron, Dyneema, carbon fibre, aramid, Mylar films, chemicals and glues remain the mainstay of sailmaking, that seems a pipe dream. However, we understand, for example, that North Sails has a team working on circular cradle-to-grave recycling for the polyester versions of its 3Di sails that would enable the company to derive raw materials for new fabric from end-of-life sails.

Meanwhile, a couple of large lofts have forged ahead with looking for solutions for high standard laminate sails using greener tech. OneSails is producing sails which can be broken down for recycling after use, while Elvstrom has launched its EKKO range of laminate sails that are made entirely out of recycled materials.

eXRP EKKO mix of black polyester fibres with white taffeta produces a grey sail

Elvstrom eXRP EKKO – Sails from plastic bottles

eXRP Cruise is the latest addition to Danish sailmaker, Elvstrom’s more sustainable EKKO line, sails made from recycled plastic bottles. Essentially, this is a high end laminate, where the main constituents are all made from recycled PET/polyester – including the UV film, the taffeta and fibres.

We got to see the product in use in La Rochelle, trialling it on a new Dufour 470 . The European Yacht of the Year jury was impressed enough with seeing the performance, and with finding out the lengths to which Elvstrom has gone to implement its construction, that we gave eXRP EKKO a special mention award.

Three different weights are offered: light, medium and heavy. To get stability in the heaviest version (the eXRP Cruise laminate we sailed with) Elvstrom had to add some UPE virgin fibres – “but only a few grams per m2 to get it up to a 50ft boat,” reasoned Flemming Christensen, product development manager and the driving force behind the new greener sails.

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Elvstrom’s tests have shown eXRP to be highly form stable, even more stable than similar laminate from market competitors, thinks Christensen: “with no real optical difference to other laminates made from virgin materials”. The EKKO option is available on Elvstrom’s performance and bluewater cruising and club racing products.

“The goal was to make as green a construction as we could,” Christensen told me while trimming the stackpack mainsail. He explained how laminate sails use a chemical on the outer layer of taffeta as a UV inhibitor. Elvstrom managed to avoid this by using a UV PET film within the sail, “which gives us a bit more protection to the polyester fibres inside”. The PU glue also has a UV inhibitor in it which helps promote longevity.

Christensen thinks using recycled content rather than focussing on trying to develop recyclable sails is the way to go for now.

“There is no product on the market that can be fully recycled because they all have glue inside. So our goal was to make a new product from scrap material,” he said.

Falling costs of recycled materials mean EKKO sails are competitively priced

Why only now?

Laminate sails largely comprise polyester products such as Dacron and Mylar, so why has it taken this long for a loft to start producing sails made from recycled products? Firstly there’s the issue of sourcing recycled materials that are a reliably high standard.

Elvstrom ended up teaming up with cloth manufacturer Challenge but first needed to establish reliable suppliers of recycled polyester. “When you recycle polyester, you have to find the right quality,” said Christensen. “It took some time, but we found some in Holland and then in China.”

He also points out that it’s to do with the demand:cost spiral. Where just three years ago it cost 10-15% more for the raw materials, such is the demand from the textile industry today that the price of recycled PET has come right down.

The result is that there is little difference in pricing, whether you choose the EKKO product or not. “We hope that the fact you do not really have to consider the price issue on this one, will make the decision to go for the more sustainable version very easy,” Christensen reasoned. “We believe we can make something equivalent to a high quality virgin fibre sail today.”

elvstromsails.com

OneSails 4T Forte sails can be broken down for recycling after use

OneSails 4T Forte – Sails you can recycle

Unfortunately there’s no way to recycle a sail that’s made out of a mix of material such as carbon, aramid, Mylar and glues. However, in 2013 Piercarlo Molta, OneSails’ R&D coordinator and CEO of Flexon Composites, producer of 4T Forte sails, set out to develop a new material that can be recycled, without compromising shape retention, longevity and reliability.

“At that time I decided to get rid of carbon and Mylar and move towards materials and processes that would be more sustainable,” he told us, “but we still had to ensure the performance would be the same.”

Conceptually the general idea is straightforward: to build the structure of the sail using a single material, plus a layer of thermoplastic melting matrix in the sandwich. These are vacuum bagged and then heated over a shaped air suspension surface, so that when the thermoplastic melts it flows through all the other layers, bonding all the elements together in exactly the right shape.

At the end of its life the sail can be recycled locally in a standard industrial recycling plant. The first stage is to mill it into small pieces, heat to extract the thermoplastic, then heat further until the fabric is molten and can be extruded into pellets. As an example, one of the sails Pip Hare used in the Vendée Globe has already been recycled in this way.

4T Forte sail fabric is constructed from multiple micro-layers

On the downside, you can’t get back to a pure polyethylene, so this is not a full circular economy model in which old sails provide the raw materials for new ones. However, the pellets can be used to create a variety of other new injection moulded products.

The engineering involved in creating such a sail is not simple. The fabric is a composite made of 16-20 micro layers, all of which are fine tuned for each sail and each boat. In addition to the structural fibres and thermoplastic melting matrix, they include a secondary grid for support and stability, a honeycomb that increases stiffness while keeping weight as low as possible, plus UV and abrasion resistant outer layers.

Other than the thermoplastic matrix, the base material for every layer is pure high modulus polyethylene (UHMWPE), a part of the same chemical family as Dyneema. This has a very similar modulus to carbon, but crucially enables the sail to be constructed from a single material – a prerequisite for recycling.

Molta is keen to point out that the thermoplastic film used is not a conventional glue. Its chemical properties are not changed at any stage of the process, which means it can be recovered entirely by heating.

In addition to producing sails for racing and cruising yachts of all sizes, he’s “very involved” in emerging technologies for wind powered shipping, developing sails for vessels with a total sail area of around 4,000m2 and individual sails of around 600-700m2 each. To give a sense of scale, a 4T Forte mainsail for the ClubSwan 125 Skorpios is around half that size at 380m2.

onesails.com

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Private Cabo Sailing, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Sunset Cruises, Tours & Activities

44′ Espiritu Santi

Espiritu santi, sailboat description, pricing and reservations, private cabo sailing tours.

• Base Charter Price $690 for 2-4 Adults
• Additional Guests +$100 per Person Up to 18 Guests Max
• Children 12 & Younger Free (Up to 5 Children) Additional Children +$100 per Child (6+ Children)
• Required Deposit Amount $200 per Charter
• 100% Eco-friendly Powered by solar panels & electric engine

Private Tour Information

Children 12 & younger

• Free (up to 5 children maximum free)
• +$100 per Child (6 or more children)

Snorkeling equipment is included for sailing, snorkeling and whale watching tours. Snorkeling is best for the morning and early afternoon departures due to better lighting and visibility however if you would like to snorkel prior to the sunset you are welcome to do so.

For sailing and snorkeling tours, Cabo Sails includes up to two paddle boards with the 44’ Espiritu Santi Sailboat  UPON REQUEST ONLY  for no additional cost.

Paddle board availability is subject to weather conditions.

• Monday-Sunday
• We operate on all major holidays
• Whale watching season is Dec. 15 -March 31

Day Tour Departures

• 3 Hour Duration

Sunset Tour Departures

• Varies Seasonally
• 2.5 Hour Duration

Deposit Information

• We will get back to you within 24 hours if the boat you booked is not available.
• Directions to our check in office will be provided on your confirmation.

You may pay the remaining balance the day of your tour with dollars, pesos, Visa or MasterCard. We do not accept American Express. Credit card payments for the remaining balance have an additional 5% bank service fee.

Pricing Information

• Prices are in U.S. dollars and include tax.
• Prices are honored for morning, afternoon & sunset tours.

Gratuities for the crew not included.

We are happy to accommodate any special requests for your tour. Below is a price listing of additional items we offer:

• Please bring your towels and sunscreen.
• Tanning accelerators are not allowed on board as they stain our cushions.
• Private Boat
• Mexican appetizers
• Fresh fruit & vegetable platter
• Premium Open Bar
• Snorkeling equipment and Floating Devices
• Sightseeing
• Full Inclusion Descriptions Below

We require 72 hours cancellation notice prior to your tour to refund your deposit.  If the weather is bad, we will do our best to reschedule your tour or reimburse 100% of your deposit through PayPal in U.S. dollars.

Photo Gallery

Private cabo trips include.

• Private Boat With bilingual, knowledgeable and very accommodating crew.
• Mexican Appetizers Appetizer size beef burritos, cheese quesadillas, Mexican chicken salad dip, fresh guacamole, salsa and chips. Please let us know if you prefer vegetarian or gluten free and have any food restrictions.
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Platter Freshly prepared fruits and vegetables
• Premium Open Bar Premium open bar with Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila, Johnnie Walker Red, Bacardi and Captain Morgan Rum, Absolut Vodka, Pacifico & Corona beer, margaritas, red & white wine, sodas (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fresca), juices (orange, cranberry, Clamato) and bottled water.
• Snorkeling Equipment and Floating Devices (upon request for Sunset Sails) Provided for guests 7 years and older.
• Life Vests Provided for guests 3 years and older.
• Sightseeing El Arco (Land’s End Arch), Lover’s Beach, Medano Beach, sea lion colony and the magnificent Finisterra Rocky Point where the Pacific Ocean meets the beautiful blue Sea of Cortes.
• Wetsuits Provided during the winter month for up to 8 guests upon request only for no additional cost.
• Paddle Boards Two paddle boards are included on board the 37’ Ave Maria Catamaran, 35´Sea Amore trimaran and 44’ Espiritu Santi sailboat upon request only for no additional cost. Paddle boards are subject to weather conditions and are only offered for the 9 AM and 12:30 PM tours. Paddle boards are not permitted for the sunset tours.

All Cabo Sails Boats Offer

• Knowledgeable, bilingual and very accommodating crew
• Delicious appetizers & premium international open bar included in the price
• Fully cushioned cockpits and decks for lounging comfort
• Clean towels covering all cushions for cleanliness and comfort
• All Mexican and US Coast Guard insurance, permits & licenses
• Snorkeling equipment for guests 7 years and older
• Life Vest for guests 3 years and older
• Music on board and bluetooth/iPod connections available
• Reliable Engines
• First aid kits
• Smooth sailing experience and not extreme sailing
• Fabulous Mexican hospitality!

Points of Interest

• The Great Sand Fall
• Pelican Rock (Snorkeling)
• The Middle Wall
• The South Wall
• Lover’s Beach
• Neptune’s Finger
• Sea Lion Colony
• The Shipwreck
• The Pirate’s Cave
• Divorce Beach, no swimming, dangerous undertows
• Solmar Beach, no Swimming, dangerous undertows

5 Eco-Friendly Boating Products Making a Difference

We’re drawn to the water for plenty of reasons, including its pristine nature and restoring effects . The only way to keep it pristine, of course, is by being respectful in how we treat it . Keeping our waterways clean and clear of trash and debris means not only you can enjoy them, but future generations can, too (learn more by reading 5 Ways to Raise Conservation-Minded Kid Boaters ).

Here are five companies and products striving to make a difference, so that you can as well.

1. Costa Sunglasses' Untangled Collection

Plastics are a big problem for the oceans, with discarded fishing nets playing a significant role. In fact, best estimates are that more than half a million tons of discarded fishing nets and gear pollute the oceans annually.

Costa Sunglasses is combatting this by making the frames for its Untangled Collection from recycled fishing nets. The collection features styles for both men and women, plus polarized lenses.

2. Super Air Nautique GS22E

When Nautique says this multi-sport boat is “quietly taking charge,” it’s a clever play on words. The 22-foot boat is an electric-powered version of its popular Super Air GS22 model. That means lower sounds and zero emissions for two to three hours of waterskiing , wakesurfing , or wakeboarding . Plug the boat in to the power back at your dock to ensure you’re ready to go all over again the next day.

Explore All Ski/Wake Boat Brands

3. Star Brite Sea Safe Biodegradable Boat Wash

Just as you shouldn’t spill fuel in the water, don’t spill harsh cleansers. Star Brite , well-known in boating, makes this soap using a biodegradable formula, so it won’t harm either freshwater or salt-water environments. Additionally, it doesn’t use phosphates, plus it’s a low-sudsing concentrate, reducing the amount of water you need.

Find out more by reading How to Clean a Boat .

4. Sunbrella Renaissance

Many boat manufacturers use Sunbrella’s marine upholstery, since it holds up well to the harshness of the sun and salt air. Sunbrella’s Renaissance fabrics are comprised of up to 50 percent “waste” Sunbrella yarns.

On a related note, Sunbrella will accept any of its fabrics back for its Recycle My Sunbrella program, after you remove zippers, grommets, or other fittings.

5. Torqeedo Electric Outboards

A previous winner of the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Innovation Award, Torqeedo is the world’s leading electric marine motor manufacturer. This past April, it delivered its 100,000 electric motor, in fact.

If you own a pontoon boat or cruise on waterways requiring electric propulsion, consider Torqeedo’s popular Cruise 10 outboard. Output is 10 kW, or about 14 HP.

Read Next: Clean Boating: Best Practices for Boaters

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Are Sailboats Bad For The Environment?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

May 11, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Carbon dioxide among sailing boats are an example of a bad environmental impact
• Sailboats are not the worst for the environment but still need proper attention
• Renewable energy will help mitigate fossil fuel use
• Leave marine life alone in their natural habitats to help their survival
• Properly dispose of chemicals and trash to avoid polluting the water

‍ Sailing is an excellent way to explore different waters and see many types of locations. But are sailboats bad for the environment?

Sailboats are bad for the environment in a few ways. These include carbon dioxide emissions, various environmental impacts, and disruption of marine wildlife. While sailing is not the worst for the environment it is important to be conscious of your activities on the water.

In my experience, there are ways to help reduce your environmental impact and on the water. By taking the time to research your actions it can make the biggest difference to become eco friendly on your boat.

Table of contents

‍ How Sailboats are Bad on the Environment

There is a long list of things that the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) does to help contribute to cleaning the pollution of the environment and ocean. Sailing or boating in general is a small fraction of these pollutants but it is still important to be mindful of your actions.

Pollution from the Boat Engine

Boat engine use is required when approaching a dock or when you want to slowly cruise in a location without the sails. There are actually two kinds of pollution from the boat engine. These are known as carbon emissions and noise pollution.

Carbon dioxide is contributing to the carbon footprint in the world. The more greenhouse gas emissions we emit from vehicles or other forms of transportation, it is believed we are aiding in global warming and air quality.

The best way to help reduce your carbon footprint is to have a fuel efficient boat since most of these run off of fossil fuels. Some boats are being built with solar panels to help power the boat which would be excellent in reducing carbon emissions.

As far as noise, two stroke engines and four stroke engines for example can be quite loud when in use. These are harmful to marine life and other aquatic animals that are sensitive to these loud sounds.

Harmful Chemicals

Various chemicals are mixed in the water every day when boats are active. These mess with the water’s chemistry and can make it more acidic or alkaline and cause it to harm wildlife.

Algae also tends to grow more in areas that have a lot of boat traffic. In combination of sediment that boats help kick up and cause negative impacts and messes with water quality.

If you use anti fouling paint you might want want to reconsider. These are a hazard to marine life and it leaches into the water. Instead you should consider using a coating free alternative such as an ultrasonic anti-fouling or other coatings that are safe for ocean wildlife.

Harm to Aquatic Life

Every time you go sailing there is a risk that nearby wildlife are harmed in the activity. They are impacted in three different ways such as:

• Biologically

Physical damage means wildlife and any vegetation that is degraded by the use of anchors, running aground, and the behaviour of animals due to noise. This also includes pollution from trash or even fishing lines that are left in the water for animals to ingest or be entangled in.

Some marine wildlife like manatees are impacted directly by boats. They do not move fast in the water and have a difficult time getting away from danger if it is moving fast at them.

Any chemical that sprayed or applied to your boat can and will be leached into the water. This also includes sewage or other liquids dumped into the water and affects the life cycle assessment ( LCA ). Ocean life are subject to diseases and cancer due to chemicals in the water.

Marine Biology

In addition to chemical issues in the water marine organisms are subject to biology changes. This means it causes a difficult impact on the environment and even death on marine life that are trying to survive.

Tips to Becoming Eco-Friendly While Sailing

Being eco-friendly on the water has a huge positive impact on underwater ecosystems and other environmental impacts. You can also check out the latest environmentally friendly trends online or environmental issues and how to combat them.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Using your sails is going to be the priority of sailing. If you are using them a majority of the time then you are not contributing to your carbon footprint and letting out carbon dioxide.

The other way to reduce your carbon footprint is to have better fuel economy. In order to have better fuel efficiency you might need to reduce weight or limit the number of people onboard your boat.

Becoming Energy Efficient

The best renewable energy in recreational boating is the wind so make sure you utilize it. You can also look into solar powered devices that help keep you boat battery charged. Try not to use a ton of electrical energy onboard to run your battery down and cause you to run your engine.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Anchors

Metal anchors have proven to last a long time. However, they leach nickel and various metals into the water that are harmful to marine life.

Try to aim for anchors that are more eco-friendly and do not leach metals into the water. You should also try to anchor in places that have sandy bottoms so that you do not disturb marine life.

Additional Tasks to Become Eco-Friendly on the Water

There are a handful of other steps you can take to become a better person for the environment while sailing.

Beaches That are Blue Flag

Blue flag beaches are ones that adhere to strict environmental practices. These include marinas and areas that follow sustainable actions to help the environment.

Catch and Release Fishing

Depending on where you are fishing, you might want to do research for what type of fish are being caught too much. There are also times of the year where you cannot catch certain types of fish in various areas. You should aim to catch and release and not over fish certain populations.

Use the Marina for Services

When you can, try to use the services offered by the marina you are at. If you have a holding tank, make sure to dump at the marina and use eco-friendly toilet cleaners.

Dumping your black tank in marine sensitive areas is not allowed. When you do clean the toilet and tank, use approved chemicals that are safe for water and recycled toilet paper so it breaks down easier.

Keep Distance from Marine Life

If you happen to see marine life, it is best to keep your distance. While up close pictures are great for social media or personal collection, you run the risk of hurting the marine life or damaging their home.

You can bring binoculars to help keep your distance and see marine life from far away. You should also maintain a steady speed on the water and not try to go as fast as you can to avoid disrupting marine life.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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How Can I Make My Boat More Environmentally Friendly?

Table of Contents

It’s on all of us to do our part to keep the waters we treasure healthy, but it’s on Boatsetter to help its Owners and Renters help propel the Clean Boating Act onward. We make sure to provide our community with everything from insights to volunteer opportunities to become environmentally conscious boaters. That said, here are seven steps we came up with that’ll help make your boat more environmentally friendly :

• Take care when topping tanks
• Buy eco-friendly cleaning products
• Limit your washdowns
• Don’t dump black or grey water
• Recycle fluids
• Consider going electric

Got an electric boat? List & Earn with Boatsetter

1. Take care when topping your tanks

You may have heard this tip a dozen times, if not more. It bears repeating because every year, fuel and oil enter waterways around the country continuing to cause damage. Even a small amount can harm fish, sea birds, and other wildlife.

If you visit a fuel dock and some fuel accidentally spills overboard, have absorbent pads on hand to clean it up quickly. If you use portable tanks, fill them onshore or at a fuel dock, where the stable ground will go a long way toward avoiding issues.

2. Buy eco-friendly cleaning products

Thankfully, many boat-cleaning products avoid bleach, phosphorous, and other harmful ingredients. Look for ones where the labels clearly state they’re non-toxic. Chemicals contribute to algal blooms, which lead to fish kills and difficulty breathing for humans.

3. Limit your washdowns

To make your boat more environmentally friendly, hose off the topsides when you return to the dock. You don’t need to scrub salt or other particles off. Similarly, you don’t need to clean the hull . If the hull starts looking slimy or needs attention, avoid cleaning it in the water if it has ablative paint.

The rubbing and scrubbing will release the paint and the biocides it contains. Also, low-pressure washing (using a pressure washer) can clean it. Better yet, have a marina or haul-out yard with dedicated concrete slabs for cleaning to do the work for you. They should also have filters for catching the water and allowing it to be reused.

4. Don’t dump black water or grey water

Blackwater (a.k.a. sewage) and grey water never go overboard. Dumping untreated sewage throughout the United States and even in Canadian waters is illegal. Instead, use a proper pump-out station at a marina. It doesn’t matter that your marine septic system may allow using disinfectants, either. Those products can contain harmful chemicals.

5. Recycle fluids

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to maintenance, congratulations! Just make sure the used oil goes into a drain pain. Take it to a marina that recycles fluids—a quick call to the main office will let you know. The same marina should take your used oil filters, too.

6. Slow down

One of the best and easiest ways to make your boat more environmentally friendly is to ease up on the throttles. Firstly, you’ll consume less fuel (and make your wallet happier). Secondly, wave action damages sensitive sea grasses, which protect shorelines against erosion. Seagrass further is a favorite food of manatees, turtles, tarpon, and other creatures. It also takes a long time to grow back if damaged or destroyed.

7. Consider going electric

More engine manufacturers and boat builders are offering all-electric or hybrid propulsion. Certainly, batteries contain acid and therefore aren’t “green.” However, current technology can help you reduce reliance on fossil fuels and eliminate emissions.

READ MORE: 8 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Boater

We all know about avoiding single-use plastics, keeping garbage contained, and practicing a host of other ecologically related measures. Still, there’s more we can do to ensure that our boats themselves are smarter stewards. Put these steps into practice to make your boat more environmentally friendly.

Recreational boating can be good for you and the planet. Check out more green boating resources and visit our Mind Your Wake page.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

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A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more. She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real interest.

Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean, Yachting, and Yachts International.

Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the United States and Italy.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Clean Sailboat Sails for Optimal Performance

Alex Morgan

Cleaning sailboat sails is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked by boat owners. Proper care and cleaning of sails not only enhance their performance but also extend their lifespan and maintain their aesthetic appeal. Cleaning sails is necessary to remove dirt, grime, stains, and mildew that can accumulate over time and affect the sail’s functionality. By following the right steps and using suitable cleaning methods, you can keep your sailboat sails in optimal condition. In this article, we will discuss the importance of cleaning sailboat sails, types of sails, steps to clean them effectively, and provide some helpful tips and tricks for sail cleaning. Whether you have Dacron, laminate, or nylon sails, the information shared here will help you maintain your sails and ensure they perform optimally whenever you’re out on the water.

Key takeaway:

• Cleaning sailboat sails improves their performance: Regular cleaning of sailboat sails removes dirt and grime, allowing them to function optimally and enhance the boat’s speed and maneuverability.
• Cleaning sailboat sails extends their lifespan: Proper maintenance and cleaning of sails help prevent damage, such as mold and mildew growth, which can lead to premature wear and tear, ultimately prolonging the sails’ lifespan.
• Cleaning sailboat sails maintains their aesthetic appeal: Sailboat sails are a prominent feature of the boat, and regular cleaning helps preserve their appearance, ensuring they look sleek and attractive on the water.

Why is Cleaning Sailboat Sails Important?

Cleaning sailboat sails is more than just cosmetic upkeep – it’s vital for optimizing performance, longevity, and visual appeal. Discover the reasons behind the importance of sailboat sail cleaning as we explore how it can enhance sail performance , extend the lifespan of the sails, and keep them looking their best. So, let’s dive into the world of sailboat sail cleaning and understand why it’s a crucial aspect of maintaining these magnificent vessels.

Improves Sail Performance

Improving sail performance is crucial for clean sailboat sails. Cleaning can enhance sail performance in multiple ways. It removes dirt and grime, which create drag and slow down the boat’s speed. By having clean sails , there is smoother airflow, reducing resistance and ultimately improving performance.

Cleaning eliminates algae and barnacles that can attach to the sails, making them rough and uneven. Removing these organisms restores the sails’ smoothness, leading to a better sail shape and increased efficiency.

Regular cleaning reduces weight as dust, debris, and moisture accumulate over time, adding unnecessary weight. By cleaning the sails, these contaminants are removed, making them lighter and ultimately improving handling and responsiveness.

Cleaning also preserves the sail shape. Accumulated dirt and grime can distort the sail shape and affect their ability to catch the wind effectively. By properly cleaning the sails, their original shape is maintained, leading to optimal sail performance.

To improve sail performance, it is important to regularly clean sailboat sails and ensure they are free from debris or contaminants. It is also essential to follow proper cleaning techniques and use suitable products to optimize sail performance and enjoy a smoother and more efficient sailing experience.

Extends the Lifespan of the Sails

Cleaning sailboat sails not only keeps them looking good but also extends their lifespan. Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, salt, and debris that can gradually damage the sails. By keeping them clean, you can prevent premature wear and tear, as well as protect the fabric from weakening.

Moreover, proper cleaning techniques help maintain the sails’ structural integrity , ensuring they can withstand strong winds and other forces without sustaining any damage. By following these practices and inspecting for any issues, using suitable cleaning products, and handling them with care, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your sails. This not only protects your investment but also ensures optimal performance while sailing on the water.

Maintains the Aesthetic Appeal

Maintaining the aesthetic appeal of sailboat sails is crucial. Regular cleaning helps maintain the aesthetic appeal by removing dirt, salt, and debris that can accumulate over time, preventing discoloration. Promptly addressing stains and using appropriate cleaning techniques not only maintains the sails’ appearance but also preserves their aesthetic appeal. To further maintain the aesthetic appeal , proper drying and storage techniques are necessary to prevent mildew. By ensuring regular cleaning, addressing stains promptly, and preventing mildew, you can effectively maintain the sailboat sails’ aesthetic appeal. Proper maintenance and cleaning play a vital role in enhancing the sails’ aesthetic appeal and contribute to their overall performance and longevity.

Types of Sailboat Sails

When it comes to sailboat sails, there are several types to consider. From the durable and versatile Dacron sails to the high-performance Laminate sails and the lightweight and flexible Nylon sails, each sub-section of this article will explore the characteristics and advantages of a specific type. So, if you’re ready to set sail into the world of sailboat sails, let’s dive in and discover which option suits your sailing needs best!

Dacron Sails

Dacron sails, also known as polyester sails, are popular for sailboat owners due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. These sails are made from Dacron , a synthetic material known for its strength and resistance to UV rays and abrasion .

Proper care and cleaning of dacron sails is essential to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. When cleaning dacron sails , follow these steps:

• Inspect the sails for any damage or signs of wear.
• Remove dust and debris by gently brushing or using a vacuum cleaner.
• Treat stains or mildew with a mild detergent or specialized sail cleaner.
• Rinse the sails thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.
• Allow the sails to dry completely before storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area.

To maintain dacron sails , handle them properly during installation and storage, use suitable cleaning products specifically designed for sails, and perform regular maintenance to prevent dirt and grime buildup.

By following these guidelines, sailboat owners can ensure that their dacron sails remain in optimal condition, providing efficient sail performance and a longer lifespan for many sailing adventures to come.

Laminate Sails

Laminate sails, also known as laminated sails, are extremely popular among sailboat owners due to their inherent durability, impressive performance, and exceptional versatility. It is important to consider the following crucial points:

1. Laminate sails are skillfully crafted by bonding together several layers of synthetic materials such as polyester film or aramid fibers using high-quality adhesive. These materials are specifically chosen for their outstanding strength and remarkable resistance to stretching.

2. One of the major advantages of laminate sails over other sail types is their superior potential for enhanced performance. This attribute allows sailboats equipped with laminate sails to achieve greater speed and maneuverability, thus elevating the overall sailing experience.

3. The construction technique employed in the creation of laminate sails also renders them remarkably resistant to damaging effects caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and abrasions. Consequently, these sails boast a significantly longer lifespan compared to those made from alternative materials.

4. Laminate sails possess the remarkable ability to maintain their optimal shape across a wide range of wind conditions. This characteristic remarkably enhances a sailboat’s overall performance and efficiency, ensuring enjoyable and successful sailing endeavors.

Pro-tip: To ensure that your laminate sails consistently deliver optimal performance, it is crucial to regularly inspect and clean them. Utilize a soft brush to delicately remove dirt and debris from the sails, and then proceed to wash them using a mild detergent and water. It is important to avoid utilizing any harsh chemicals or abrasive tools as they can severely damage the delicate laminate material. By employing proper care and maintenance, you can significantly prolong the lifespan and maximize the performance of your laminate sails, ultimately facilitating unforgettable and thrilling sailing adventures.

Nylon Sails

To clean nylon sails effectively, follow these steps and use appropriate cleaning products. The table below provides key information about cleaning nylon sails:

When cleaning nylon sails, handle them carefully to avoid tears or damage. Use mild cleaning products designed for sail fabrics to maintain the integrity of the nylon material.

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping nylon sails in optimal condition. By following these cleaning steps, you can ensure the longevity and performance of your nylon sails, enhancing your sailing experience.

Remember, nylon sails require specific care compared to other types like Dacron or laminate. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance for the best results.

Steps to Clean Sailboat Sails

Get ready to set sail with pristine sails! In this section, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of cleaning your sailboat sails. From inspecting the sails to removing dust, debris, stains, and mildew, we’ll cover all the necessary techniques to keep your sails in tip-top shape . And don’t worry, we’ll also guide you on washing, drying, and proper storage techniques, ensuring your sails are ready for your next wind-powered adventure !

Inspecting the Sails

To inspect the sails of a sailboat, follow these steps:

Step 1: Ensure the sails are fully deployed and spread out in a well-lit area.

Step 2: Examine the sails for wear or damage.

Step 3: Check the stitching and seams for loose threads or fraying.

Step 4: Inspect the sailcloth for holes, tears, or punctures.

Step 5: Verify that the hardware, such as grommets and hanks, is secure and functioning properly.

Step 6: Look for mold, mildew, or discoloration on the sails.

Step 7: Inspect the UV protection strips for deterioration.

Step 8: Note any necessary repairs or maintenance after inspecting the sails.

Thoroughly inspecting the sails allows you to identify issues that might affect their performance or lifespan. Regular inspections and maintenance will ensure that your sailboat sails are in optimal condition for safe and enjoyable sailing.

Removing Dust and Debris

Edited Removing Dust and Debris

To clean sailboat sails , start by gently shaking them to loosen any dust and debris . Then, use a soft-bristle brush or clean sponge to brush off the dust and debris , starting from the top and working your way down. Pay special attention to areas where dust and debris accumulate, such as folds and creases. For stubborn stains, create a mild detergent solution by mixing it with water. Dampen a cloth or sponge with the solution and gently scrub the affected areas, avoiding excessive force or harsh scrubbing. Rinse the sails with clean water to remove any residue. Allow the sails to air dry completely before storing them to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Pro-tip: Regularly inspect and clean your sailboat sails to maintain performance and prolong their lifespan. Removing dust and debris improves their appearance and ensures optimal functionality on the water.

Removing Stains and Mildew

To remove stains and mildew from sailboat sails, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the sails: Carefully examine the sails to locate affected areas.

2. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix mild detergent and water in a bucket. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the sails.

3. Gently scrub the stains: Use a soft brush or sponge to apply the cleaning solution and gently scrub in a circular motion. Be thorough but careful not to cause any damage.

4. Rinse with water: After scrubbing the stains, thoroughly rinse the sails with clean water to remove any remaining solution and loosened dirt.

5. Treat stubborn stains: If there are still stubborn stains, try using a specialized sail cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Apply the cleaner directly to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

6. Dry the sails: Hang the sails in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to dry. Avoid folding or storing damp sails to prevent mold and mildew growth.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove stains and mildew from your sailboat sails, maintaining their performance, lifespan, and aesthetic appeal. Remember to regularly clean and properly maintain your sails for an optimal sailing experience.

Washing the Sails

When washing sails, follow these steps for an effective cleaning process:

• Prepare the sails: Remove dirt or debris by shaking or using a soft-bristled brush.
• Create a cleaning solution: Mix mild detergent with warm water.
• Test a small area: Check for damage or discoloration.
• Apply the cleaning solution: Use a soft sponge or cloth to apply the solution in small sections.
• Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge in a circular motion, paying attention to stains or heavily soiled areas.
• Rinse thoroughly: Remove soap residue by rinsing with clean water.
• Allow to dry: Hang the sails in a well-ventilated area until completely dry before folding or storing.

Pro-tip: To prevent mildew and maintain cleanliness, wash the sails regularly, especially after each sailing trip.

Drying and Storing the Sails

To maintain sail integrity and extend lifespan, follow these steps for drying and storing the sails:

• Rinse sails thoroughly after washing to remove soap residue.
• Shake off excess water to aid in the drying process.
• Air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from sunlight, to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Avoid folding or creasing wet sails to prevent permanent damage.
• Carefully fold dry sails according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize wrinkles and fabric stress.
• Store sails in a clean, dry location, preferably in a designated sail storage bag or cover.
• Avoid storing sails in damp or humid environments to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Regularly inspect stored sails for any signs of mold, mildew, or damage, and address any issues promptly.

By following these steps, you will maintain the condition and longevity of your sails. Proper care of drying and storing sails properly is essential for regular sailboat maintenance .

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Sailboat Sails

Clean sailboat sails contribute to the overall performance and longevity of your vessel. In this section, we’ll dive into some invaluable tips and tricks to help you effectively clean your sailboat sails . From properly handling the sails to choosing suitable cleaning products, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also explore the importance of regular maintenance to ensure your sails remain in optimal condition. So, let’s embark on a journey to discover the best practices for maintaining sparkling sails that will enhance your sailing experience .

Properly Handling the Sails

– Properly handling the sails is crucial for maintaining their integrity and maximizing their lifespan. Before handling them, always check for any tears, loose threads, or damage.

– When handling the sails, it’s important to have clean hands or wear gloves to prevent transferring oils and dirt onto the fabric.

– Take care when folding or unfolding the sails, ensuring that you do it gently to avoid sharp creases or applying excessive force, as this can weaken the material over time.

– To prevent irreparable damage to the fabric, never step or walk on the sails. It’s important to preserve their integrity by avoiding any unnecessary pressure.

– When the sails are not in use, make sure to secure and protect them using sail ties or sail covers. This will prevent tangling and reduce wear and tear.

By incorporating these proper handling techniques, you can extend the lifespan of your sails and ensure they continue to function effectively for optimal sailing performance.

Using Suitable Cleaning Products

To effectively clean sailboat sails, it is important to use suitable cleaning products. When choosing the right products, consider the following options:

• Mild detergent: It is recommended to opt for a mild detergent that is specifically designed for sailboat sails. These detergents are effective in removing dirt and grime without causing any damage to the fabric.
• Sail cleaner: Specialized sail cleaners are readily available in the market. These cleaners are specifically formulated to tackle tough stains and mildew while also ensuring the longevity of the sails.
• Non-abrasive cleaners: It is important to avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials that can scratch or weaken the sail fabric. Instead, look for non-abrasive cleaners that are safe to use on different types of sail materials.
• Environmentally-friendly options: In order to minimize the impact on the marine ecosystem, it is advisable to use eco-friendly cleaning products. There are biodegradable sail cleaners available that are safe for aquatic life.
• Soft brushes or sponges: When cleaning the sails, it is recommended to use soft brushes or sponges to avoid causing any damage. It is important to avoid using rough scrub brushes or abrasive materials.

By using suitable cleaning products, you can effectively remove dirt, stains, and mildew from sailboat sails without compromising the quality or lifespan of the sails. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and conduct a patch test before cleaning the entire sail surface. Proper care and maintenance will ensure optimal performance and longevity, allowing for enjoyable sailing adventures for years to come.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping sailboat sails in optimal condition. It is crucial to follow these steps for regular maintenance:

• Regularly inspect the sails for any signs of damage or wear, such as tears, loose stitching, or worn-out areas.
• To prevent dirt accumulation and further damage , gently brush or vacuum the sails to remove dust and debris.
• If there are any stains or mildew, a mixture of mild soap or dish detergent with water can be used. Gently scrub the affected areas with a soft brush or sponge.
• Thoroughly wash the sails with fresh water to ensure that all soap residue is removed, making sure to clean both sides.
• It is important to completely dry the sails before storing them. Hang them in a well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry naturally .

By incorporating regular maintenance into your sailing routine, you can ensure that sailboat sails remain in good condition, allowing for optimal performance and a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance helps preserve the aesthetic appeal of the sails and helps avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Some Facts About How To Clean Sailboat Sails:

• ✅ Cleaning sailboat sails regularly is important for maintaining their longevity and appearance. (Source: waterbornemag.com)
• ✅ Harsh sail cleaners like bleach and chlorine can strip the sails of their protective resin coating, weakening them over time. (Source: boatloverstowel.com)
• ✅ Cleaning the sails in a washing machine should be avoided as it can cause tears in the fabric. (Source: boatloverstowel.com)
• ✅ To clean sailboat sails, mild detergent, a soft-thistle brush, warm fresh water, and a plastic bucket are needed. (Source: boatloverstowel.com)
• ✅ Vinegar can be used as a powerful cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains from sailboat sails. (Source: boatloverstowel.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: how do i remove stains from sailboat sails.

A: To remove stains from sailboat sails, start by identifying the type of stain and the sailcloth material. For rust stains, you can use a rust stain remover like CLR or a properly diluted Oxalic acid. For mildew stains on Dacron sails, a diluted chlorinated bleach solution can be effective. It’s important to be cautious with Kevlar or Nylon sails as they can be sensitive to certain cleaning agents. Always perform a spot test before applying any cleaning solution to the entire sail.

Q: Can I clean sailboat sails using a washing machine?

A: No, it is not recommended to clean sailboat sails in a washing machine. The agitation and spinning motion of the machine can cause tears or damage to the fabric. Instead, it’s best to clean sails by hand using mild detergent, warm fresh water, and a soft-thistle brush.

Q: Can I clean sailboat sails on my own?

A: Yes, cleaning sailboat sails can be done by one person. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive task that can be completed at home or at the marina. You will need a plastic bucket, mild detergent, a soft-thistle brush, and warm fresh water. Follow a step-by-step guide to ensure proper cleaning and drying of the sails.

Q: What cleaning agents should I avoid when cleaning sailboat sails?

A: Harsh sail cleaners such as bleach and chlorine should be avoided when cleaning sailboat sails. These cleaners can strip the sails of their protective resin coating, weakening them over time. It’s best to use mild detergent and avoid abrasive cleaning methods that can damage the sailcloth material.

Q: How do I prevent mildew growth on sailboat sails?

A: To prevent mildew growth on sailboat sails, it’s important to rinse the sails regularly with fresh water to remove dirt, salt, pollution, and pollen. After cleaning, make sure the sails are completely dry before storing them to avoid mildew. It’s also recommended to store the sails in a dry and well-ventilated area. Using a fabric protectant like 303 Fabric Guard can provide an extra layer of protection against mildew.

Q: Are there any commercial sail cleaning products that I can use?

A: Yes, there are commercial sail cleaning products available in the market. If you prefer using off-the-shelf options, products like Starbrite’s Canvas and Sail Cleaner can be effective for spot treatment. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product label and perform a spot test before applying it to the entire sail.

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Co-working spaces have come a long way in recent years, and they are about to go a whole lot further with Coboat — a retrofitted sailing catamaran, now providing beds and workspaces for up to 20 adventurous entrepreneurs at a time. Coboat enables inhabitants to live, sleep, work and network onboard the eco-friendly, wifi-enabled boat, all while sailing the seven seas.

Coboat is a self sustaining 82-foot catamaran that runs on solar and wind-powered electricity, and desalinated ocean water. It provides living and working space for inhabitants as well as unlimited wifi — provided by 3G and 4G along coastlines and satellite-based communications at sea. Passengers are encouraged to collaborate with their fellow travelers in their unusual work and play environment, and engage with the community on and offshore.

Coboat is sailing between various global destinations in the next 12 months, including Sri Lanka, Turkey and the Canary Islands. Tickets start at EUR 980 per person for a seven day voyage — which includes accommodation in a shared cabin, three meals a day and use of watersport equipment. We have seen everything from communal front room office spaces to hot desks in Dutch caravans . What other unusual spaces could be used as innovation hubs?

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Check out Moscow’s NEW electric river trams (PHOTOS)

Water transportation has become another sector for the eco-friendly improvements the Moscow government is implementing. And it means business. On July 15, 2021, on the dock of Moscow’s ‘Zaryadye’ park, mayor Sergey Sobyanin was shown the first model of the upcoming river cruise boat.

The model of the electrical boat with panoramic windows measures 22 meters in length. The river tram - as Muscovites call them - has a passenger capacity of 42, including two disabled seats. The trams will also get cutting edge info panels, USB docking stations, Wi-Fi, spaces for scooters and bicycles, as well as chairs and desks for working on the go. The boats will be available all year round, according to ‘Mosgortrans’, the regional transport agency. 

Passengers will be able to pay with their ‘Troika’ public transport card, credit cards or bank cards. 

The main clientele targeted are people living in Moscow’s river districts - the upcoming trams will shorten their travel time in comparison to buses and other transportation by five times, Mosgortrans stated. 

As the river trams are being rolled out, Moscow docks will also see mini-stations, some of which will also be outfitted with charging docks for speed-charging the boats.  

Moscow is set to announce the start of the tender for construction and supply in September 2021. The first trams are scheduled to launch in June 2022 on two routes - from Kievskaya Station, through Moscow City, into Fili; and from ZIL to Pechatniki. 

“Two full-scale routes will be created in 2022-2023, serviced by 20 river trams and a number of river stations. We’ll continue to develop them further if they prove to be popular with the citizens,” the Moscow mayor said .

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VESSEL REVIEW | Sinichka – Electric commuter boats designed for Russia’s Moskva River

A series of three new electric monohull commuter ferries have already begun operational sailings on the Moskva River in the Russian capital Moscow.

Built by Russian shipyard Emperium, sister vessels Sinichka , Filka , and Presnya – all named after rivers in Moscow – are being operated by the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development (Moscow Deptrans). They are the first units of a planned fleet of 20 vessels that will serve the capital city and other nearby communities. The new ferry system will be the water transport system to be operated on the Moskva River in 16 years.

Each vessel has a welded aluminium hull, an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 6.2 metres, a draught of only 1.4 metres, a displacement of 40 tonnes, and capacity for 80 passengers plus two crewmembers. Seating is available for 42 passengers on each ferry, and the main cabins are also fitted with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, tables, toilets, and space for bicycles and scooters. The cabin layout can be rearranged to allow the operator to adjust the distances between the seats and to install armrests of varying widths.

An open upper deck is also accessible to passengers and is the only area on each ferry where smoking is allowed.

The ferries are all of modular construction with each ferry’s wheelhouse, main cabin, and other structural elements being built as complete, separate components. This enables the ferries to be easily dismantled for transport to anywhere in Russia by rail and then quickly re-assembled within seven days.

The ferries are also ice-capable. Recently completed operational trials on the Moskva showed that the vessels can also easily navigate under mild winter conditions with broken surface ice, though year-round operations are planned for the entire fleet.

The ferries are each fitted with 500kWh lithium iron phosphate battery packs that supply power to two 134kW motors. This configuration can deliver a maximum speed of 11.8 knots, a cruising speed of just under 10 knots, and a range of 150 kilometres.

Emperium said the transfer of rotation of electric motors to the propeller is carried out by direct drive. As a propulsion installation, a pulling rotary propeller-steering column with double screws is used. The installation of double pulling screws, with similar power, allows an operator to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system to deliver a slightly higher speed or to reduce energy consumption. This arrangement also provides the ferries with enhanced manoeuvrability necessary for navigating in close quarters.

The batteries themselves have projected service lives of 10 to 12 years and are fitted with safety features such as built-in fire extinguishers and gas vents. Quick-disconnect features allow the batteries to be easily removed for replacement or maintenance.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country’s leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

Click here to read other news stories, features, opinion articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.

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How Michigan students pulled off eco-friendly prom

Izzy Ross , Reporter, Grist

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist , a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

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• Elk Rapids high school students are working to cut down on fast fashion in their community – starting with prom.
• The fashion industry contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, produces millions of tons of waste and consumes billions of tons of water.
• Experts say such efforts can help raise awareness about the connection between buying habits, fashion and the environment.

On a Saturday in February, high school senior Kaylee Lemmien sifts through dresses at Tinker Tailor, a small shop in downtown Elk Rapids.

“I’d call this a mermaid, sequin, light blue gown with a tulle skirt. It’s got a lace-up back, kind of open,” she says. “Very pretty.”

Tinker Tailor usually alters clothes but on this day, it’s selling prom dresses.

The dresses are short and long, and come in all sorts of fabrics and adornments — neon pink satin, muted lilac, sequins, zebra stripes, rhinestones.

The garments have been donated and consigned by people around the region, with the goal of giving them a new life at prom this spring.

The Eco Club at Elk Rapids High School worked with the store and the volunteer group Green Elk Rapids to coordinate the event, called Sustainable Style. It’s an effort to cut back on fast fashion.

“Fast fashion is a trend which is driven by newness,” said Shipra Gupta, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Illinois Springfield. “It tends to treat its products like food that spoils quickly.”

Estimates of the fashion industry’s environmental and climate impacts vary; the United Nations has said the industry creates anywhere from 2% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The industry also creates up to 20% of the world’s wastewater, and the Columbia Climate School has reported that it consumes around 93 billion metric tons of water annually, while 53 million metric tons of clothing are incinerated or thrown away.

Fast fashion is especially damaging, because it encourages people to cycle through clothing quickly. And that business model has had serious implications; a 2017 Ellen MacArthur Foundation report found that clothing production had doubled between 2000 and 2015, even as the amount of times an item was worn declined.

“Fast fashion is a driver for American consumer behavior,” Gupta said.

Constantly seeing new items in stores can trigger a desire to buy more. Gupta said younger people are particularly susceptible to this, because they’re still forming and exploring their identities.

One way to shift that mindset is to focus on individual styles.

“You are more likely to buy or wear something that is true to your identity, true to your style,” she said. “You are more likely to keep it for a longer time and you are less likely to purchase as frequently as if you were a fashion-oriented consumer.”

Donating clothes isn’t necessarily environmentally friendly . For instance, if the clothes are in poor condition it can contribute to environmental pollution, because those garments often get thrown away.

In Elk Rapids, students hope that events like Sustainable Style can cut back on consumption locally, providing a responsible place to donate and buy used evening wear.

“You try really hard to be eco-friendly — don’t use single-use plastic, recycle, compost — everything,” Macaluso said.

But sometimes there aren’t any options, especially in small towns.

“Then you kind of have to drive to Grand Rapids, and you have to go to a mall and you have to buy a new dress,” she said. “So I think this just provides another option. Another opportunity to say, ‘Oh, I have a chance here to help the environment a little bit. So I’m going to take it.’”

In the past, students searched far and wide for dresses, traveling to hubs like Grand Rapids, a two-hour drive south.

Kaylee Lemmien, who was shopping for dresses and is also a member of the Eco Club, said that along with reducing the need to buy new garments it creates an opportunity to stay closer to home.

“Not having to go down to Grand Rapids and spend that money on gas and do all of that stuff is really, really nice and freeing,” she said. “This is just such a cool idea.”

Perhaps most importantly, initiatives like these can help others think about how fashion impacts the environment.

“I think it’s very meaningful, because it starts to engage consumers, especially the young generation,” said Sheng Lu, an associate professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. Even though this effort is relatively small, it could help people think differently about fashion and the environment, and even inspire other communities to do the same.

And it has encouraged other community members to get involved.

“I honestly was pretty nervous coming in here,” said sophomore Addison Looney, who was shopping with her mom. “But there were a lot of great selections… I was pretty indecisive about it. But I picked it out.”

The dress is a soft lavender with beading in the front. Addison’s mom, Sara, said they were looking forward to the event.

“Knowing this is just a great opportunity to shop local, and to obviously save money,” she said. “But also just the resale aspect of it — to just kind of keep dresses going, because they’re usually a one-time use.”

Macaluso, the Eco Club president, said they’ve been able to stoke interest in buying used clothing. The prom event led Tinker Tailor to set up a “ Dress Vault ” in the store so people can continue consigning, donating and shopping for secondhand items.

“I think it really just builds off that idea of — hey, these dresses didn’t go bad, they haven’t expired,” she said. “And they can find a new home.”

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