Eco Policy Since 1997

Classic Sailing operates the following policies;

To encourage a greater environmental awareness in all we do.

Objectives

1. Promote environmental awareness and sound practice in our employees, skippers, suppliers and customers.
2. Reduce the environmental harm of our activities by using less energy and reducing air, land and sea pollution where ever possible.
3. Promote sustainable transport and cargo under sail
4. Encourage understanding and respect for local populations, customs, cultures, wildlife and marine ecology.

Strategies

1 Classic Sailing’s vessels sail as much possible therefore reducing energy consumption, in accordance with safe working practices.

2 To use recycled paper as far as possible ashore and afloat.

3 To strictly enforce that no plastic waste is thrown overboard.

4.To make sure bio degradable waste is disposed of in accordance with MARPOL regulations or higher.

4 To leave any beach or shore line we visit cleaner than when we arrived.

5 To encourage guests  to join by public transport.

6 To educate sailing guests on the ecology of the sea and shore.

7 To encourage all staff, skippers and shareholders to a greater environmental understanding and to help them develop ecological practices.

8 To encourage a greater environmental awareness in all we do.

9. Work with vessels trying to reduce their carbon footprint

Practices

1. Sailing is a very environmentally friendly form of transport as it harnesses the wind and sea without detriment to the environment. All Classic Sailing vessels maximise the use of sails, subject to safety and operational requirements.

2. Under sail for sustainable transport of goods – Grayhound carries cargoes under sail and logs how many miles are by wind power alone on every cargo run.

2. Any  paper we use is either recycled or manufactured from sustainably managed forests.

3. At sea and on the water we adhere to the code of practice that forbids throwing anything non biodegradable overboard and take all our waste to specifically provided facilities for yachts. Separating our waste when appropriate. In Special Areas like the Antarctic the regulations are even stricter and the vessels we work with have sewage treatment plants and bag all food waste to take back to port.

4. When ashore visiting natural sites we ask guests to collect any litter they can comfortably handle and ensure that we leave the site cleaner than when we arrived.

5. On board our vessels there are libraries, some quite small but they are books that can help guests understand the natural environment around them, the skippers though not formally qualified have a growing knowledge of this and enjoy passing it on to those onboard. Much of the pleasure of our voyages is derived from highlighting the points of interest and seasonal events that take place.

6. To provide opportunities for all those who work or support us to partake of environmental education and to provide development time for new ecological practices etc.

7. Sailing is reliant on understanding the environment and helping guests relate to the elements is a natural part of our holiday experience.

8. Encourage the development of hybrid and electric engines that can re charge whilst sailing (see vessel Opal)