Event Details | |
| Host | Genesee Yacht Club |
| Location | USA |
| Certification Level | Gold |
| Website Link | geneseeyc.org |
Best Practices Achieved
1. Eliminate Single-Use Water Bottles and Provide Water Refill Stations
Hydration with Minimal Waste
Participants were encouraged to bring and use reusable water bottles. To support this, conveniently located water refilling stations were made available throughout the venue.
2. Eliminate Plastic Straws
Plastic-Free Beverage Service
In alignment with our zero-waste goals, no plastic straws were distributed or permitted at the event.
3. Serve Food with Plastic-Free Dinnerware
All meals were served using reusable dishware and cutlery. Dining tables were dressed with washable fabric tablecloths to eliminate
single-use alternatives.
4. Skip Bags or Go Reusable
Custom reusable fabric Skipper Bags were provided to participants, replacing traditional plastic bags and reducing event-related plastic waste.
5. Award Practical Items or Use a Perpetual or Upcycled Trophy
Awards included glass decanters and perpetual
trophies, both selected for their durability and reusability, minimizing the need for new
materials each year.
6. Publicize Your Sustainability Efforts
Our commitment to sustainability
was prominently featured in the Notice of Race, on-site signage, and all racer
communications. A dedicated video presentation highlighting Sailors of the Seas and becoming a Green Sailor was displayed during event check-in.
7. Involve Local Organizations
Our club members, vendors, and caterer embraced our involvement in the Clean Regattas
initiative, offering their full support and celebrating our commitment to sustainable sailing practices.
8. Post Educational and Reusable Signage
Signage is reused among events
9. Serve Local Food or Source Seafood Sustainably
Our picnic menu featured dishes prepared with some locally sourced ingredients, including gluten-free and vegan options to support both environmental and dietary sustainability.
10. Organize a Green Team
Our Green Team was actively involved in planning and executing all major event activities, ensuring environmental best practices were upheld throughout.
11. Ensure Proper Waste Bin Placement and Signage
Clearly labeled waste bins were strategically placed across the venue to promote proper disposal and encourage recycling
12. Divert Food Waste from the Landfill
Any surplus food remaining after the event was responsibly distributed among participants, reducing waste and supporting community sharing.
13. Use Paperless Event Management
The Notice of Race and event results were displayed on-site, published online, and shared via email to minimize paper usage.
Full details are available at scotchbonnetrace.com.
14. Host a Beach or Marina Cleanup
During the captain’s address, racers were invited to participate in a marina cleanup by collecting litter from the surrounding area—reinforcing our collective responsibility to protect local waterways.
15. Prevent Toxins from Entering the Water
No toxic chemicals were used in the event area, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly space for all attendees and local wildlife.
17. Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Alternatives
Vegan pasta with sauce and green salad were offered as picnic choices.
18. Promote Alternative Transportation
Some regatta participants chose to sail to the event and stay aboard their boats overnight, reducing reliance on land-based transportation and lodging while embracing a more sustainable lifestyle
19. Reduce Day-of Emissions
Our club operates with a focus on minimizing
emissions, including the use of fuel-efficient committee boats—demonstrating our ongoing
dedication to environmentally responsible boating practices.
1. Eliminate Single-Use Water Bottles and Provide Water Refill Stations
Through our Clean Regatta initiatives, we actively engaged participants and the local community, sparking meaningful conversations about sustainability.
