How to make smaller footprints

When it comes to “Take only memories, leave only footprints,” there are worse sports than sailing for impacting the environment, but as grand prix sailing heightens its commitment for excellence, its stain on the planet grows too.

Any Olympic caliber regatta will have nearly as many fuel-burning RIBs as dinghies, and the America’s Cup AC75s each have several carbon-spewing powerboats in their wake. And there isn’t much of this equipment designed for end of life. Put it in the composter and it’ll be there when you return.

While Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team sought to sell an environmental message during their 2017 campaign, that was likely motivated by sponsorship money from 11th Hour Racing, a well-heeled organization that seeks to change habits to improve the ocean’s health. But when Ainslie got more money from chemical powerhouse INEOS, the green message was gone for the 2021 team.

But as one door closes, another opens as America’s Cup defender Emirates Team New Zealand is now raising its hand, admitting they are part of the problem with a new intuitive that hopes to enlighten others on the issue.

“As a team that spends so much of its time on the water, we have always been conscious of our environment and doing what we can to minimize our impact on it as best we can,” said Emirates Team New Zealand Chief Executive Grant Dalton. “We are first to say we aren’t perfect by any stretch, but we are prepared to measure our emissions.”

So they now plant some trees to neutralize their impact, which likely does except for how everyone still sees those high speed powerboats following their chemically formed AC75. Even when we do right when no one’s looking, optics are hard to overcome.

The 52 SUPER SERIES also remains in pursuit of higher environmental standards, and with sponsor 11th Hour Racing contributing to the cause, aims to reduce or manage greenhouse gas emissions or compensate for them when they are unavoidable… like airline travel for the international professional teams.

“We are thrilled to extend our collaboration with 11th Hour Racing,” said Agustín Zulueta, CEO of the 52 SUPER SERIES. “It allows us to prepare an exciting, long-term future, seamlessly integrating sports performance with sustainable practices.”

READ MORE

Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals