2024 RS21 World Championship

During the 2024 RS21 World Championship, the regatta organizers did not distribute single-use water bottles to either staff or participants. Instead, two water refill stations were installed, allowing everyone to fill their own reusable bottles. For those who did not bring a bottle, reusable bottles were available for purchase at the regatta office. The policy of not using plastic bottles and the available alternatives were communicated to participants through a pre-regatta informational email, the regatta website, and the Whatsapp channel during the event. At the regatta events, including the opening ceremony, cocktail party, and awards ceremony, beverages were served in glass containers and either glassware or recyclable cardboard cups were used.

No plastic straws were distributed at any time during the 2024 RS21 World Championship. Additionally, no beverages that would require the use of straws were provided.

No plastic dinnerware, glassware, or cutlery was used for any meals during the 2024 RS21 World Championship. For daily meals, the opening ceremony, and the closing ceremony, we used compostable plates, wooden forks, paper napkins, and recyclable cardboard cups. During the opening ceremony and the awards ceremony, cava (a typical local beverage) was served in glass flutes. For the crew dinner, ceramic plates, glassware, and metal cutlery were rented.

During the 2024 RS21 World Championship, no paper or plastic bags were distributed to participants. Upon registration, they received a reusable waterproof bag courtesy of one of the event's sponsoring companies. Additionally, at the awards ceremony, some large waterproof bags from the class were given to the winners. Both options are designed for long-term reuse by the participants.

The trophies for the overall winners of the RS21 World Championship are passed on to new winners each edition. In addition to the trophies, practical and reusable items such as caps and class-branded waterproof bags were awarded to the winning crews.

The sustainability efforts undertaken for the 2024 RS21 World Championship were communicated through various channels both before and during the event. These included the event and Club websites, the regatta's WhatsApp channel, and press releases sent to the media. Attached are some examples: https://nauticescala.com/en/news/rs21-world-championship/ https://nauticescala.com/en/news/opening-rs21-world-championship-2024/ https://www.rssailing.com/lescala-officially-opens-the-rs21-world-championship-2024/ https://nauticescala.com/noticies/foment-activitats-sostenibles/

The 2024 RS21 World Championship was integrated into the Community Service Project of the El Pedró high school of L'Escala. The Club Nàutic l'Escala and the Department of Education of the Catalan Government signed a collaboration agreement which integrated the 2024 RS21 World Championship regatta into the Community Service Project of the local El Pedró school. Eight fourth-grade students from the local school participated in the organization of the regatta. They helped in tasks of support and accompaniment of the sailors, which allowed them to expand their learning in the active exercise of citizenship, as well as to put their knowledge and abilities into play at the service of the community. The Community Service Project is an educational action, within the framework of the compulsory secondary school students' educational curriculum, which aims to promote civic engagement among students. Through community service actions such as the collaboration in this regatta, the development of students' social and civic competence is promoted, while allowing them to analyze their environment and commit to improving it.

Water and waste points were signaled to help its location and use. Waste bin signals included a QR code linked to all the sustainable measures to be checked by the sailors as well as the signal Sustainable event (included as a picture), which was available at the race office and next to the water point, at the regatta's village tent. All the signal supports can be reused for further events by just sticking the new images on to them. In fact, some of them were used first for the 2023 Optimist Spanish Championship.

The food provider for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the daily meals during the 2024 RS21 World Championship, was the Club's restaurant. This establishment typically prioritizes sourcing local or zero-kilometer products. For the opening and closing ceremonies, anchovies from L'Escala, courtesy of the local municipality, were served. This traditional local delicacy was sourced from various producers in L'Escala. For the crew dinner, the catering service Arrossades de l'Empordà was hired, and they prepared a paella using local products, including rice from Pals and fish from the Costa Brava.

We created what we called the Blue Team easily located thanks to its blue t-shirt. They helped sailors during their stay, at their arrival at the mooring, but also maintaining cleanliness in all areas. They also assisted the participants with any sustainable questions they had. The members of the Blue Team were: Alba Gasull, Amber Plaeteovet, Cristina Planellas, Enric Vicens, Helena Martinez, Joan Ferrer, Julia Flo, Marc Coromina, Marti Flo, Nuria Martinez, Luca Castelli, Paula Ballana and Ydris Lapere.

Four waste management points were distributed between the race office and the race village tent with waste, paper and plastic bins. The days where bottled beer was offered, they were asked to return the bottles at the bar (inside the race village tent) to be proper recycled. It was not possible to include a compostable waste bin as this service is not available in L'Escala at this moment.

All the documents of the Notice Board were available through the event website (https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/9536/event?name=rs21-world-championships-2024) which allowed sailors to check the results at the moment. All questions were submitted through email, while all the public protest documents were shared only through the Notice Board. All the updates to the virtual Notice Board were announced through the Whatsapp regatta's group.

A coastal cleanup near the marina was scheduled for Friday, September 27th at 9 AM, before the start of the sailing activities. Unfortunately, the varied and harsh weather conditions during the regatta forced the Committee to advance the start of the first race of the day, leading to the cancellation of the cleanup event. It was not feasible to conduct the cleanup within the available time.

The use of soap for cleaning boats was regulated throughout the port area and only ecological and biodegradable soap could be used to do so. If needed, they could get the product at the race office. This information was shared in the previous welcome email and through the regatta website.

Club Nàutic l'Escala is located next to the Montgrí Natural Park. There was an information totem about the Natural Park next to the Main Offices. It shows information about the protected area and its regulation in order to conserve it. Its conservation for future generations has been the main argument to ask all participants to maintain a responsible behavior.

During the RS21 World Championship racing days (from September 23 to 28) we ensured that vegetarian and vegan alternatives were available to all participants. Daily Meals: From September 23 to 28, meals were served to the sailors after the races. Apart from the special events on the 23rd (inauguration), the 26th (crew dinner), and the 28th (closing ceremony), a pasta dish was provided daily with two options: one vegan and one containing either meat or fish. Inauguration (September 23): The inauguration event featured a variety of appetizers. Vegan and vegetarian options included olives, cheese, and Spanish omelette. Crew Dinner (September 26): The crew dinner consisted of a seafood rice dish. The meal began with a comprehensive selection of appetizers, including: potato salad salad bowl, gazpacho (cold tomato soup) shots, guacamole with chips and hummus.

During the RS21 World Championship, we actively promoted the use of alternative transportation methods to reduce the environmental impact of the event. Hybrid Vehicles: Our sponsor, Hyundai - Fornells Motor, provided four hybrid vehicle models for the transportation of regatta personnel throughout the event. These vehicles were used daily and were also on display for the duration of the regatta. Bicycle Rental Service: In addition to the hybrid vehicles, sailors had access to the Club's bicycle rental service. This service allowed participants to opt for a more sustainable mode of transportation during their stay. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: The Club also offers electric vehicle charging stations, providing an additional eco-friendly transportation option for participants and visitors with electric cars. By offering these alternative transportation options, we aimed to minimize the carbon footprint of the event and encourage environmentally friendly practices among participants and staff.

During the RS21 World Championship, we implemented several measures to reduce day-of emissions and minimize the environmental impact of the event. Robotic Buoys: We utilized a set of Mark Set Bot robotic buoys, which are powered by electric motors and positioned using GPS technology. This innovative approach significantly reduced emissions by minimizing the need for motorboats to place and adjust traditional buoys. Additionally, these robotic buoys do not require anchoring, thereby preventing any impact on the seabed. Electric Motors in RS21 Boats: The RS21 boats used in the championship are equipped with electric motors. This feature allows the boats to operate without emitting harmful pollutants when not sailing, further contributing to the reduction of overall emissions during the event. By incorporating these technologies, we aimed to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly regatta, aligning with our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our activities.

During the RS21 World Championship, we took significant steps to divert food waste from landfill and promote sustainable practices. Organic Waste Collection: The municipality of L'Escala provides specific containers for organic waste. Therefore, food waste from the various events was collected separately and later disposed of in these containers. This ensured that organic waste was properly managed and diverted from landfill. Sustainable Dining Materials: For the meals served during the event, we used eco-friendly materials. Except for the days when catering services were rented, we utilized cardboard plates and cups, as well as wooden forks. These materials are biodegradable and help reduce the environmental impact of the event.