St. Maarten Heineken Regatta - Sailors for the Sea

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

 March 1, 2013  | By: Oceana

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta started today! Race organizers have been working hard to mitigate their environmental impact on this beautiful island. While there are many challenges faced to make an event in the Caribbean a Gold Level Clean Regatta, organizers have found creative ways to reduce their environmental impact and raise awareness of the importance of ocean conservation. 
  • Biodegradable Water Bottles
  • Supporting conservation on island by collecting donations for Nature Foundation
  • Reusable water bottles & coffee tumblers given out in goody bags & to volunteers
  • Cups and bags used made from plant sourced biodegradable materials
  • Eliminated use of straws, reducing plastic waste
  • Education through Regatta Art Competition
  • Raising awareness of ocean conservation with Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas messaging
  •  Boats participating in regatta are not allowed to throw trash overboard
  • Trash bins are well placed and readily available at top of docks
  • Reusable Trophies
  • Paper free results & no flyers in goody bag – this has helped the regatta reduce paper use by at least 6 cases over the years.
  •  Recycling – first year they are able to recycle cans & water bottles!
  •  Beach Clean Up – Clean St. Maarten hired during event, and they will hold a second clean up with children after the event.
  •  Reusable bow stickers
  • Gill the tech gear sponsor provided shirts made from 100% Recycled Polyester for regatta staff, additional some of the regatta merchandise is made from this material as well.