10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Yacht Charter
We have been dedicated to creating unforgettable yacht charter holidays in the world’s top cruising grounds for more than 50 years, which is why we want to ensure we are taking care of the beautiful destinations, oceans, wildlife and communities, and minimising our footprint.
We all have an essential part to play in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet’s oceans, and the good news is there are things you can do on your next charter getaway to help ensure our seas can be enjoyed for generations to come. Here is some advice from Laura Bowtell, Head of Sales UK for The Moorings:
1. Sails up, sail green! Minimize the motor
Whether it’s a self-skippered monohull or catamaran, if you choose a sailing yacht to travel and the prevailing conditions are suitable, hoist the mainsail and unfurl the jib!
2. Use mooring balls when possible
Anchor with care to avoid damaging plants and other marine life on the seafloor. Ensure you anchor in water deep enough to avoid grounding your vessel with tide change. If possible, anchor in sand or mud and avoid delicate ecosystems. Alternatively, it’s best to use a mooring ball.
3. Give sea life space
Seeing wildlife whilst cruising is one of the greatest things to experience when on a yacht charter vacation. If you approach wildlife while under motor, slow down. Try to maintain a distance of around 100m/300ft from wildlife in and on the water or on cliffs, beaches and rocky outcrops where wildlife might be feeding, resting or breeding.
4. Leave only footprints
Rubbish that gets left behind can have a harmful effect on coastal wildlife, so please enjoy our beaches and help keep them marvellous by clearing up at the end of the day, ensuring you responsively dispose of your rubbish and take time to leave no trace.
5. Throw nothing overboard
It goes without saying that no waste should be thrown overboard, and in many countries, it is an offence. Instead, you can help by trying to remove larger pieces of plastic that you might come across in the water.
6. Minimize your plastic
As consumers, the less plastic we consume, the less these products are found to be economically viable to produce. Whenever possible, choose cardboard or paper products that can be recycled or composted and avoid disposable cutlery or plastic straws. Opt for a reusable bottle or mug and become a strong advocate by spreading the word. For every change you make, challenge and encourage someone else to do the same!
7. Use eco-friendly and fair-trade products
From the British Virgin Islands to the Seychelles, and Belize to Thailand our charter destinations are home to stunning coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Standard sunscreens and cosmetics often use ingredients which can be harmful to coral reefs and marine life, so look out for eco-friendly alternatives when on a yacht charter.
8. Use facilities on land wherever possible
Ensure you have a holding tank onboard and use it when this is not possible. Use eco-friendly toilet cleaners and recycled toilet paper.
9. Shower quickly and ashore where possible
To save water and minimize pollution.
10. Empty tanks far from land
Each country has different rules about this, so make sure you check before you set off. Depending on where you moor up for the night you may be able to use a pump out facilities at the marina or port, otherwise discharge black water while underway in deep water.
Contributor
Selina Bessey
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