Having the ocean as its playing field, sailing has always had a close connection with nature and the marine environment. Only in recent years, however, have teams, events and organizations in the sailing industry begun to address the environmental impact their sport can cause [1]. The sustainability principles developed in this field are essentially based on three pivotal principles: using renewable energy sources for vessel production and navigation, reducing marine pollution, and respecting aquatic biodiversity [2]. Fortunately, adopting sustainable sailing practices is not difficult, especially since sailboats are powered most of the time by one renewable source, wind.

World Sailing, the governing body of the sport of sailing recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), is considered a leading international federation in sustainability [3]. Due to the very environment in which the sport is practised, sailors are already concerned about nature conservation, and the federation has already implemented strategies to reduce its impact on the marine environment.

With the growing worldwide awareness of environmental issues and the urgency to mitigate negative impacts on the planet, to define a global strategy in this regard World Sailing first established a Commission on Sustainability, composed of experts from within and outside the sport.  The result of this initial work was the production of a document, the 2030 Agenda, an ambitious plan that aims to integrate sustainable practices into all areas of the sport [1].

In this dossier, produced in 2016 and adapted in subsequent years, a detailed plan is laid out that aligns the operations of the sailing world with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the sustainability strategies of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This document aims to transform sailing into an activity that respects the environment and actively contributes to its protection and improvement.

The Agenda is structured around several operational areas,  containing specific recommendations with key goals and deadlines. These, include technical standards, events, training, venues and facilities, membership and participation [4]. Some of the key objectives are:

1. Create a framework for measuring and improving the life cycle of vessels. For example, it is expected that by 2028, 90% of materials used in Olympic boats will be recyclable or reusable.
2. Reduce the use of single-use plastics and improve water quality at the race hosting venues. A key goal was to abolish the use of single-use plastic in World Sailing-organized events by 2019 and encourage this practice in domestic events by 2030, as well.
3. Integrate sustainability into sailing teaching programs by raising awareness and promoting best practices among members and stakeholders.
4. Implement effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement (2015) on climate change.

To achieve these ambitious goals, the Federation has collaborated and is actively working with various partners to fund research and develop programs that promote sustainability. This collaborative approach is key to maximizing resources and ensuring that best practices are adopted globally [4]. Indeed, sailing is increasingly seen as a leader in sustainability in the world of sport: organizations such as The Ocean Race (a race between boats around the world, held every three to four years), SailGP (an international sailing competition featuring catamarans), and Sustainable Marine Alliance (an association created to promote the integration of sustainability into the marine industry to accelerate the transition to a healthier ocean) are all committed to promoting ocean health and broader climate action, often in collaboration with each other [1].

Fig. 1: Athletes preparing for a competition. Free-source picture by Dieter Ludwig Scharnagl downloaded from Pixabay.

Implementing such an ambitious agenda has presented and will certainly present difficult challenges, but the potential benefits could be significant. Promoting sustainability in sailing not only protects marine ecosystems but also creates a positive example for other sports industries and local communities. In addition, a commitment to protecting our planet can increase the sport’s popularity by attracting new participants and supporters who are sensitive to environmental issues.

World Sailing is demonstrating how sport can be a powerful vehicle for positive change. Through the 2030 Sustainability Agenda, sailing is not only a sport that harnesses the forces of nature but also becomes an active guardian of the marine environment. This commitment to environmental sustainability is a critical step toward a future where sport and nature coexist in harmony, inspiring millions of people around the world to protect and love our seas and oceans.

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Cover- and preview image: Race between sailboats. Image by Mary M from Pixabay