Sustainability at Cowes Week 2024
The previous edition of the Bachmann Group blog was all about Cowes Week which, taking place annually for nearly 200 years, is one of the world's longest running sailing regattas. One of the primary focuses of this years event is on sustainability, which is of key concern to the marine sector as well as to all other industries around the globe.
CWL (Cowes Week Ltd), the organiser of the event, has worked hard to develop a 'strong sustainability plan' for the event. As many as 100,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Isle of Wight for Cowes Week 2024; the sheer volume of numbers is bound to have an effect on both the ocean and the shore. CWL has restated its ongoing commitment to 'minimising the impact [that] activities at the Regatta have on the environment' and intends to fully 'play its part in spreading the message about sustainability'.
In pursuit of these goals, CWL has teamed up with the Clean Seas campaign and is working in close conjunction with The Green Blue, an environmental initiative that has been collaboratively spearheaded by British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association. In addition, CWL has received official Silver Level status from the Clean Regattas Programme. Created by Sailors for the Sea, the programme is a world- sustainability certification for events taking place on or near water.
CWL has also made several changes onshore as part of its sustainability drive. These include installing free water bottle filling stations for attendees and improving waste recycling facilities in the local area. At its headquarters, Regatta House, CWL has eliminating all single use plastics and has switched to an electricity provider which uses sustainably sourced energy.
Other commitments CWL has made include:
- Encouraging competitors to recycle water and to make sure that no objects are allowed to go overboard
- Providing refillable drinks bottles to all competitors
- Working with venues to encourage the reduction or even elimination of single use plastics, polystyrene and styrofoam
Bachmann Group, with its strong ties to the maritime industry fostered over many years through the provision of yachting and commercial shipping services, is eagerly looking forward to Cowes Week and we are pretty sure that you are as well. If you are unable to attend then subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for updates from the exciting event!
