Sustainability in the boating industry is not only driven by the right fuels and manufacturing for boats, but also by the behavior of boaters. To lay the foundation for environmentally conscious behaviour among the youngest members of the watersports community, a concept for the 2023 Optimist World Championship in Spain was created to enhance environmental awareness. Jose Luis Fayos (ANEN, Technical Consultant) presented its different elements at the blue innovation dock at boot Düsseldorf.
Two weeks before the start of the World Championships, during the training phase, the accompanying program for the young sailors kicks off on the Costa Brava.The participants will learn about the Mediterranean Sea and the ecosystem, the dunes, animals and plants in the area and the diversity in the water. Various workshops will also address the problems and threats such as pollution, invasive species, and the ecological footprint of everyone.
Furthermore, practical courses in which parts from optimists are processed or old wetsuits are adapted, will show how supposed waste can be recycled. In addition, developments in the boating industry will be explained in an easy-to-understand way and sustainable building materials for boats presented.
The association is certain that education about sustainability is particularly fruitful at a young age. According to Jose Luis Fayos, the children will remember the time during the World Championship and thus also the workshops for the rest of their lives.
The marina where the workshops take place has itself already converted many areas to sustainable solutions, including wastewater treatment, as well as heating the facilities with geothermal energy and solar panels on the roofs.
