The Green Blue has launched the 2024-25 University Sailing Sustainability Challenge (USSC), which runs until February 2025. Since its inception in 2015, the USSC has encouraged University Sailing Clubs (USCs) across the UK to adopt more sustainable practices.

The challenge welcomes the Royal Thames Yacht Club as its new sponsor, bringing fresh energy and support to the challenge. In addition to this new partnership, the 2024-25 Challenge introduces a revamped judging criterion, allowing clubs to be even more creative and flexible in their approach to sustainability.

Supported by the British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA), the USSC was created to help University Sailing Clubs (USCs) across the UK become more sustainable. Clubs participate in the challenge by appointing a Sustainability Officer who in turn will commit to The Green Blue Boating Pledge. They then select areas of focus from eight categories, including reducing waste, protecting biodiversity and combating climate change.

Over the course of the challenge, clubs, and their Sustainability Officers complete tasks within their four chosen categories with the aim of submitting evidence of their work to the USSC judging panel.

An exciting opportunity for clubs and students to really show what they can do; the panel awards all clubs who participate and complete their tasks with an official USSC certificate of achievement. The judging panel also score all submissions with the top four participants being selected to receive a prize at the USSC Awards Ceremony, held during the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February.

“The younger generation of sailors are the future of the sport and it’s amazing how many of them are passionate about sustainability. By getting involved in the USSC, it’s a great way for individuals and university clubs to not only earn recognition but also set an example for the wider boating community. The work they do can make a real difference in protecting the environment, both in the present and for years to come,” said Kate Fortnam, Campaign Manager at The Green Blue. 

Last year an impressive 14 universities successfully completed the Challenge, showcasing their dedication to fostering sustainable values within their clubs. This year, with the support of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, The Green Blue anticipate even greater participation and impact

“At the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we are committed to the adoption of sustainable practices both within the Club and on the water, and as such are delighted to be supporting the excellent University Sailing Sustainability Challenge. Our young people are the future, and it is critical that future is sustainable. May we thank all participants in this most worthy of causes,” said Richard Powell, Vice Commodore at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

“We, the university community, benefit hugely from being a part of then the green blue challenge. Through the challenge we push ourselves, our clubs, and the clubs we sail at, to be more sustainable and to look at the ways in which the sailing community can support the protection of our waterways and our planet,” said Amelie Sadler, Vice Chair at BUSA – British Universities Sailing Association.

If your club would like to be part of the challenge, visit The Green Blue’s website to find out more, sign up or contact environment@rya.org.uk.

For further information about the Royal Thames Yacht Club, visit www.royalthames.com.

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