| How can you can reduce the impact of sailing on | | | | disturbance to wildlife and making life on board |
| the environment? | | | | more comfortable - When buying a new boat for |
| Sailing can be a fairly green hobby, but there are | | | | inland waterways, consider an electric powered |
| issues to be aware of. | | | | craft. They have no exhaust emissions and are |
| We have put together a handy guide to help you | | | | very quiet |
| think about Green Sailing. By taking a few simple | | | | Hazardous Waste Incorrect disposal of waste is |
| steps, you can keep future costs of sailing down | | | | unnecessary - by using recycling facilities and |
| and sustain high quality water and local | | | | reducing our waste, we are all contributing to a |
| environments. | | | | more environmentally friendly environment. |
| Fuel Oil and fuels are the most frequently | | | | - Cigarette ends can harm birds and last up to 5 |
| reported pollutant of inland waters in England and | | | | years. Smokers should keep a small tin in their |
| Wales. Most damage comes from refuelling, | | | | pocket to stub out and keep butt ends. - Invest |
| engine emissions and oil leaks. | | | | in starch-based rubbish bags for short trips. They |
| - Use a funnel when pouring fuel or oil - Good | | | | break down in 12-18 months rather than 20 years |
| maintenance of fuel lines, connections and seals | | | | plus for regular plastic bags. - Prevent rubbish |
| helps avoid leaks - A drip tray under the engine is | | | | from blowing overboard. Remove excess |
| a requirement on many waterways. If it starts | | | | packaging and recycle it at home. |
| getting oily, find and mend the leak! | | | | Beware of alien species Alien species are |
| Appreciate wildlife In the UK we have an | | | | non-native species that have become established |
| abundance of thriving wildlife. It is our responsibility | | | | outside their normal habitat or native country. A |
| as sailing enthusiasts to ensure that we do | | | | growing cause of concern is fast-growing species |
| everything in our power to protect it. | | | | such as Zebra Mussels. They can block engine |
| - Sow down your speed if you are causing | | | | cooling water intakes resulting in engines |
| ecessive wash - it will disturb birds nests, erode | | | | over-heating. |
| the shoreline and kill vegetation. Find out if the | | | | - Clean all parts of the boat, trailer and equipment |
| areas you sail in are protected, and why. There | | | | that come into contact with the water before |
| may be vulnerable seabed species, so beware of | | | | leaving the water catchment. Remove any visible |
| dragging your anchor - Minimise the amount of | | | | plant, fish, animal matter and mud. - Do not run |
| soaps and detergents used in onboard sinks, | | | | through water plants and weed if avoidable. If |
| showers and washing machines. Avoiding products | | | | caught up on the hull or propeller they can be |
| which contain chlorine and bleach will reduce the | | | | transferred to another area. - Risks of acquiring |
| risk of damage to flora and fauna. If you use | | | | invasive hitchhikers on the boat increase the |
| cleaning products select environmentally sensitive | | | | longer the boat is kept in the water. Consider only |
| ones. | | | | keeping the boat in the water when it is needed. |
| Limit noise and exhaust fumes Exhaust emissions | | | | We must work together to protect our shores. If |
| are made up of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, | | | | in doubt, remember the 3 R's...Reduce, Reuse and |
| nitrogen oxides and various pollutants. The | | | | Recycle! |
| Government has stated that by 2005, 5% of fuel | | | | More boating articles and marine news items are |
| must come from renewable sources such as | | | | published regularly on Sign-up to the newsletter to |
| biodiesel. | | | | keep abreast of the latest developments in the |
| - A badly maintained engine consumes more fuel | | | | marine industry. If you're a broker, dealer or |
| and expels more emissions than a well maintained | | | | private boat seller, you can sell boats on Or if |
| one, so ensure your engine has a regular service - | | | | you're looking for charter boats or boats for sale, |
| Fitting noise insulation around you engine can | | | | check out their worldwide listings. |
| reduce airborne noise by up to 85% causing less | | | | |