Yachting and nature conservation: how yachtsmen are saving the planet

First line of defense

Sailors and yachtsmen occupy an absolutely unique position - they are the first to directly face environmental threats and their consequences. While many people far from the sea are surprised by the anomalous temperature records, sailors could observe with their own eyes the first results of planet pollution.

Yachtsmen and long-distance sailors have long noticed changes in our ecosphere. Traveling through untouched nooks and remote regions of our planet, they are faced with the consequences of climate change and human activity: huge garbage patches, unusual unseasonal weather events, changes in temperature. 

Yachtsmen are often the first to report certain environmental problems. They, unlike scientists and cargo ship crews, are more mobile and can independently cross long distances, which allows them to more quickly receive information about changes in certain regions. However, the matter is not limited to monitoring weather conditions, the activity of marine life and water conditions.

Collaboration between scientists and yachtsmen

Yachts of various sizes have been used for decades as platforms for active monitoring and protection of marine ecosystems. Thus, one of the main problems for the ocean biosphere is illegal fishing during the spawning period or species listed in the Red Book.

NOAA Fishers, a marine conservation organization, maintains a formal program to track fishing vessels within marine national sanctuaries and protected areas. The program involves yachtsmen who volunteer to help track violators.

In addition, sailing yachts, due to their design and operating principle, are capable of monitoring marine systems without the fear of disturbing the inhabitants of the underwater world. Due to the silence while sailing, sea animals and birds do not get scared and do not swim away, which makes it possible to calmly observe them.

Yachtsmen's contribution to scientific research

The main contribution of sailors and yachtsmen to science is rightfully considered to be the collection of a large volume of meteorological data. Many yachtsmen are enthusiasts and very willingly take part in the programs of various scientific institutes and universities. Thanks to help from sailors, scientists have not only satellite, but also current factual data from the surface of the planet.

The various scientific initiatives range widely, with scientists being asked to help research whale migrations, track sea turtle nesting, and even monitor the health of coral reefs.

Educational programs and initiatives

All over the world, the number of yachting schools that operate on a grant basis or with the help of caring yachtsmen is increasing. The peculiarity of such schools is that children and adults not only learn how to operate boats, but also attend classes on ecology and environmental protection. 

In the photo: one of the Community Sailing Center berths

Thus, the non-profit organization Community Sailing Center organizes recreation on Lake Champlain, USA. The organization offers a variety of programs for children, adults and families, teaching the basics of yachting as well as water safety. In 2024, Community Sailing Center opened a summer season of children's camps for teenagers aged 11 to 15 for the fourth time. 

And there are more and more such organizations every year. Even adult and experienced yachtsmen are increasingly involved in educational programs, passing on their experience and knowledge to the younger generation. This trend has a beneficial effect on people - in addition to a sports yachting interest, a love for nature and the environment is also instilled.

All in our hands

We can talk for a long time about the reality of the anthropogenic nature of climate change and how much people, in principle, influence weather conditions. However, the presence of plastic and other debris in the sea, as well as its impact on ocean inhabitants, is an undeniable fact. 

Our task, as sailors and yachtsmen, is to preserve the biosphere for our descendants. This can be done in different ways. For example, many regattas and sporting events begin or end with beach cleaning common to all participants. Another option: contact the nearest institute or research center that studies and protects marine species. Offer your help with data monitoring. 

Environmental protection is a whole complex of different actions. Every yachtsman and yachtswoman will be able to find something for themselves - something that will be feasible for them. 

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20.07.2024