THERE ARE 3 MAIN PROGRAMS THAT SAILORS FOR THE SEA OFFER IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THEIR MISSION: KELP LESSON PLANS Launched in 2013 and originally targeted to educate junior boaters, it has now been used by 3,000 organizations and families reaching 300,000 children in all 50 states, and 76 countries and territories. These environmental marine science activities are free and educate on a range of topics from Coral Polyps to how whales hold their breath. CLEAN REGATTAS Celebrating its 15th year, this certification program helps organizers implement sustainability initiatives covered under their 20 best practices guide. Organizers can become certified to bronze, silver, gold, or platinum levels. To date, they have certified 2,800 events and reached out to 750,000 boaters. To illustrate the magnitude of the program, it has reached countries as far as New Zealand and Oman, where the 2021 Youth Sailing World Championships will be held. GREEN BOATING This program is described by Jennifer as the ‘Blanket Program’ for the organization. Once new members sign up, they will receive the Green Boating Guide, which is published by the organization on an annual basis; since the program was first launched in 2003, it has attracted more than 34,000 members and is engaged with campaigns such as protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale. Awareness is the key. Ocean health is a global responsibility. Jennifer stresses the importance of connecting with others to make changes a reality. “Be the squeaky wheel,” she says, “reach out to your representatives about environmental issues, your friends or neighbors might be inspired to do the same.” To get involved, simply go to sailorsforthesea.org and sign up to be a Green Boater, register a Clean Regatta, download KELP activities, or just learn more about their work.
Founded in 2004 by two avid sailors – David Rockefeller, Jr. and Dr. David Treadway – Sailors for the Sea saw the need to engage with, not only the sailing and boating community but anyone who enjoys water-based activities such as fishing and yachting. The aim is to be all-inclusive and to explore activities that will successfully educate towards restoring ocean health. Jennifer describes this as an important and ongoing opportunity; “Being intimately connected to the ocean, boaters are ideally positioned to be advocates and leaders for protecting the seas. Our mission [at Sailors for the Sea] is to engage, educate and activate the sailing and boating community toward restoring ocean health,” Jennifer says. Sometimes it just begins with little initiatives that have ripple effects into the future. A fundamental part of the overall mission of the organization is recognizing the importance of empowering youth to become the next generation of environmental leaders. Sailors for the Sea engages youth by offering free programs designed to spark curiosity and educate them on the critical issues facing ocean health. “It can be overwhelming tackling sustainability initiatives,” Jennifer says, “but it only takes small steps such as reducing the amount of single-use plastic, installing solar panels on your boat, or even changing the sunscreens we use. It all matters.” In 2018, Sailors for the Sea joined forces with Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization, that focuses solely on ocean conservation. This has not only extended Sailors for the Seas’ reach but has also been instrumental in providing significant influence for protecting the oceans through policy change.
Since it launched in 2003, the organization’s Green Boating program has been embraced by more than 34,000 members.
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N O R T H R E P O R T P R O - ‘ F I L E S ’ : S A I L O R S F O R T H E S E A
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