SVG Sailing Week

All sailors were advised in pre-event communications to travel with reusable water bottles. SVG Sailing Week purchased branded reusable cups for distribution to all sailors and volunteers. Water refill stations were installed at Official race headquarters Regrettably, sponsors donated beverages in plastic bottles. Where there was plastics, recycling was encouraged. There were multiple clearly marked recycling receptacles placed at the venue. All plastics were collected at the end of the event for recycling. A short post-event sustainability survey assessed awareness and behavior change related to reusable water bottles and plastic reduction. No single-use plastic straws were purchased, distributed or provided by SVG Sailing Week Organising committee however vendors often sold drinks using plastic straws. Sailor giveaway bags were made from durable, reusable fabric and branded for long-term use. Contents prioritized practical items over disposable promotional materials. Awards were locally produced, wooden crafted boats, as well as a painting painted by a local painter. All trophies were repurposed. Sustainability efforts were launched in an online “Green Campaign” Website: https://svgsailingweek.com/sailgreensvg Sustainability messaging were delivered across multiple platforms, ensuring strong visibility and continuous engagement throughout the event. (website, social media including Facebook, instagram, radio). Ceremonies (opening, closing, media briefings), The Minister of Tourism reinforced the event’s environmental commitment and alignment with national sustainability priorities. Local organisations involved in the green campaign were Sustainable Development Unit - messaging and technical guidance. Sustainability Commission, SVG Olympic Committee - funding, coordination National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority - logistics and coastal management. SVG Tourism Authority - promotion and alignment Tropical Realism - commissioned artwork Sargeant Model Boat Shop - crafting of model boats to be used as prizes Action Bequia - Bequia SVG Forestry Department All Islands Recycling SVG Tourism Authourity Reusable branded signage were used across venues. Heavy emphasis on digital education, including QR codes linking to sustainability actions, beach cleanups, and surveys. Vendors sourced local produce and seafood at all meals. Green team was Alexandra Punnett: Vincy Sailing Clean Regatta Manager Amber Glasgow: Sustainability Commission, Olympic Committee Brenton Quammie: National Ozone Assistant, Sustainable Development Unit Kurt Dougan: Environment Resource Analyst, Sustainable Development Unit Samantha DaSilva: Environment Resource Analyst, Sustainable Development Unit Tyshana Thomas: Environment Resource Analyst, Sustainable Development Unit Suzette Jackson: Sustainability Commission, Olympic Committee Orr Miller: Sustainability Commission, Olympic Committee Twanique: National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority Aina Browne: SVG Tourism Authority Clearly labeled waste stations (recyclables). Hotels managed food waste collection in dining areas. Food waste was repurposed for composting or animal feed where possible. Event communications, schedules, surveys, and education materials delivered digitally. Use of WhatsApp groups, QR codes, online forms, and an SVG Sailing Week e-magazine. We hosted a beach clean up, Big Sands, Sandy Bay. Timed to align with the leatherback turtle nesting season. Educational messaging on turtle natal homing and coastal protection. Everyone carpooled. We hired 3 buses, had over 40 volunteers from 15 different organisations. For future action we announced that we will grow our green campaign for next year. Several videos were posted on our Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/svgsailingweek/

All Vincy Sailing Club boats were donated by UK sailors and sailing clubs, diverting vessels from disposal and extending their lifecycle through continued use in SVG.