From Participant to Platinum, in locations around the globe, all our Clean Regatta organizers have a sustainability story to tell. We learn so much from our organizers, with their experiences shaping our guidance and focus areas. To celebrate their successes and creativity, we are highlighting 4 events from different regions of the world.
This Earth Month we hope you are as inspired by these Clean Regatta organizers as we are!
Evita Zarina, Event Coordinator / Administrator Bay of Islands Sailing Week(BOISW), New Zealand
How do you actively engage the local community in your Clean Regatta, and how is their involvement crucial to its success?
Bay of Islands Sailing Week actively involves the local community in our Clean Regatta efforts through collaborations with businesses, volunteers, and environmental organizations. We work closely with EcoSolutions and the local waste management team from Northland Waste to minimize landfill waste by ensuring proper separation of recyclables and compostables. Our Green Team, led by Resilient Russell, plays a vital role in educating participants on sustainable waste disposal throughout the event.
Another great example is our collaboration with the Wash-Not-Waste trailer, which provided reusable plates and cups at the event. Their presence not only reduced single-use plastics but also led to new partnerships with local food vendors, many of whom are now eager to use their services beyond the regatta. It’s a great example of how small initiatives can create a lasting ripple effect in the community.
Beyond waste management, we actively educate sailors and attendees on conservation efforts to ensure best boating practices in the Bay of Islands. In collaboration with Project Island Song, Department of Conservation, and the Harbour Master, we provide guidance on no-anchorage zones, no-take areas, biosecurity measures for visiting islands, and respecting the marine mammal sanctuary speed limits.
A major initiative that further strengthens our Clean Regatta efforts is the now-annual Bay-Wide Beach Cleanup, organized in partnership with Ocean Mind Project, Bay Beach Clean and local volunteers. This event unites sailors, local residents, and community groups in collecting rubbish across key coastal areas, including Waitangi, Paihia, Opua, Okiato, and Russell.
The involvement of the local community is crucial to the success of our Clean Regatta. It ensures that sustainable habits extend beyond the event, reinforcing the Bay of Islands’ reputation as an environmentally responsible sailing destination.
What impact does your Clean Regatta have on the local community?
Our Clean Regatta initiatives have significantly reduced the environmental footprint of the event, which is especially important in a region as naturally beautiful as the Bay of Islands. By implementing waste separation stations, eliminating single-use plastics, and promoting eco-conscious boating practices, we help ensure the area remains pristine for future generations of visitors, locals, and marine life.
Our focus on responsible sailing—including no-take zones, restricted anchorage areas where invasive Caulerpa is present, and adherence to marine mammal sanctuary speed limits—has raised awareness among sailors and contributed to better compliance with conservation regulations.
Beyond environmental benefits, our sustainability efforts also have a positive economic impact. The Bay of Islands is a world-class sailing destination, and promoting it as an eco-conscious event location strengthens its reputation, making it more attractive to responsible tourists. This benefits local businesses, tourism operators, hospitality providers, and marine service companies, as eco-conscious visitors and sailors are more likely to return to an area known for its commitment to preserving the marine environment.
What has been the most surprising insight or experience from being a part of the Clean Regattas Program?
One of the biggest insights has been how much education is still needed around sustainable event practices. While many sailors are enthusiastic and committed to reducing waste, we still see contamination in recycling and compost stations. This has highlighted the need for even better signage, clearer waste sorting stations, and more volunteer support to guide people through sustainable waste disposal.
Another eye-opening moment was the impact of the Wash-Not-Waste reusable cup/plate initiative. Over the course of the event, we washed around 800 reusable cups. If these had been single-use plastic cups, the number would likely have doubled or tripled, as people tend to throw them away instead of reusing. Seeing such a tangible reduction in plastic waste reinforced the importance of offering sustainable alternatives rather than just asking people to change habits.
We’ve also learned that small incentives can drive big behavior changes. Whether it’s spot prizes for sustainable choices, or encouraging teams to adopt digital race documents instead of printed versions, we’ve seen that initial resistance often turns into acceptance once people understand the benefits.
Most importantly, the Clean Regatta mindset has fundamentally changed how we approach event planning. Every year, we now ask ourselves: “Can this be done in a more sustainable way?”
