Captain Robert Gardner has always been an environmental advocate, from growing up outdoors to leading wilderness expeditions to founding Charisma Sailing, his sailing school in South Florida. Charisma Sailing was founded on their belief in doing their part to preserve our wonderful planet for future generations. Their philosophy is all about helping clients discover the mind-altering beauty and tranquility of sailing and … Read more
We are thrilled to welcome our first new member of our Clean Class Initiative in 2026, the Hansa Class. The Hansa Class champions the idea of “sailing for everyone” and is the first member of our initiative focused on para sailing. With almost 4,000 Hansa sailboats on the water in 35 countries throughout the world, we look forward to collaborating … Read more
Hannah Stodel is a three-time World Champion and four-time Paralympian training to become the first disabled female sailor to take on the Vendée Globe. She’s also our first Sailors for the Sea Ambassador based in the United Kingdom! Get to know Hannah—what inspires her, why she believes we need to protect the ocean, and what … Read more
There are endless amounts of ways to enjoy being on the water. Though a lot of our work focuses on racing and regattas, we are honored to work on sustainability with events and organizations outside of this norm, from paddlers to rowers and any other way folks appreciate the water. One group we have been delighted to lean more … Read more
Our oceans are bustling with life from microscopic plankton to mega-sized whales. When deciding the namesake of new underwater species, scientists can draw on many traits – physical appearance, an unusual behavior, or a passing resemblance to something. Check out some of these marine animals that have names related to the boating world. By-the-Wind Sailor … Read more
From local youth events to international offshore races, 2025 was a banner year for Clean Regattas around the globe. We are proud of our organizers and the wide array of events they represent. Whether your events involve twenty attendees or twenty thousand, there is always a way to incorporate sustainability. Here are some details of several events from 2025 who achieved our Clean Regattas Best Practices in unique and exciting … Read more
Based just across Narragansett Bay from the Sailors for the Sea office, Jackie Ruggieri has always had a strong connection to the ocean. In Jamestown, Rhode Island, Jackie grew up racing Optis and C420s before competing at Milton Academy during high school. She now sails dinghies and keelboats for her college team, as well as racing an … Read more
Underneath the waves lies a world of wonders – kelp forests, coral reefs, mountains, volcanoes and even deserts. From tiny bacteria and algae to whales, fish and birds, our oceans are teeming with life. With support from sailors and boaters across the globe, Sailors for the Sea has been able to achieve huge wins to protect these ocean wonders in 2025. Here are … Read more
Celebrate the holiday season with these five festive ocean animals! Whether you’re looking for decorating ideas or thinking about your favorite holiday treats, these ocean animals are sure to inspire you. Dive in and discover how they bring their festive flair to the underwater world! CHRISTMAS TREE WORM This spindly species may look like a … Read more
Bill Liles has been a Skipper volunteer since the program’s inception in 2020, and an advocate for Clean Regattas even longer. As a longtime sailor and member of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club in Corpus Christi, Texas, he knows the power that sailors have to make a difference in their communities. Now the Commodore of … Read more
