A greener future for cruising?
Duncan Kent has been testing boats for more than 25 years, and is a technical and feature writer and editor for nautical magazines, including YM
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. 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 MCA, 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.
WASTE DISPOSAL
Some of the worst pollutants created and disposed of by boaters are sewage, oily bilge water,
