Sailors for the Sea

Description

Marine life and vital coastal habitats are straining under the increasing pressure of global use. The ocean, which was once considered inexhaustible and resilient, is, in fact, finite and fragile. Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect oceans and local waters. The boating community has a profound passion for - and understanding of - the world's seas and Sailors for the Sea was founded to galvanize the sailing and boating community around ocean health issues.

Sailors for the Sea core programs include Clean Regattas, Ocean Watch Essays, Certified Sea Friendly, and Rainy Day Kits. Our nationwide Clean Regattas program assists and certifies yacht clubs and regatta organizers as providing clean events that minimize impacts upon our oceans. The web-based Ocean Watch Essays program provides informative essays on current ocean conservation issues as well as resources for further information and engagement with stewardship activities. The Certified Sea Friendly program will create in association with the maritime industry a voluntary, LEED-style certification program for recreational vessels. This program has the potential to transform the marine manufacturing industry and make the design, construction, maintenance and operation of vessels more environmentally friendly.Rainy Day Kits for environmental education are lesson plans focused on marine ecology that can be taught to young sailors in yacht clubs and sailing programs around the country. The kits provide a clear connection to and understanding of the marine ecosystems that thrive beneath their hulls.