The hard work of Ballyholme Yacht Club's Green Team—Charlie Winton, Jo Rennie, and Jess Winton—was honoured as the club received a prestigious Platinum-level 'Clean Regattas' certification for its sustainability practices during the 2024 ILCA 6 Youth European Championships.
The world's leading sustainability standard for water-related events
The 'Clean Regattas' certification is the world’s leading sustainability standard for water-related events, with levels ranging from Participant to Platinum. Achieving the Platinum certification required extensive planning, creativity, collaboration and support between and from club members and competitors. This accomplishment reflects BYC’s strong commitment to marine conservation and aligns with EurILCA’s environmental mission.
Impressing the judges - a full programme of green initiatives
“A major goal was eliminating single-use items at the event,” said Green Team Lead, Charlie Winton. “We focused on reducing single-use plastics by encouraging reusable water bottles, serving meals in compostable or reusable containers, and using wooden boat tags instead of plastic. We also set up hydration stations, attached signage with reusable cable ties, and organised a beach clean-up and educational event with Ulster Wildlife, open to the local community.”
BYC also implemented sustainable best practices by promoting green boating to reduce the use of fuel, sourcing eco-friendly prizes, and encouraging the use of bicycles during the event. As a result, the club earned high praise from Emily Conklin, Program Manager at Sailors for the Sea: “I am so impressed with all you’ve done … thank you so much for your dedication to sustainability through the Clean Regattas program. We look forward to working with you in the future and continuing your legacy of environmental stewardship”.
“I am so impressed with all you’ve done … thank you so much for your dedication to sustainability through the Clean Regattas program. We look forward to working with you in the future and continuing your legacy of environmental stewardship”.
Emily Conklin, Program Manager at Sailors for the Sea
This latest achievement builds on BYC’s strong environmental track record. The club previously received the Final Straw Foundation Silver Award, committed to the Green Blue Pledge, and earned another Platinum Clean Regattas Award for the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships in 2022.
The ILCA 6 Youth European Championship is a major event for young sailors, and success in this competition is a key step toward Olympic representation. The 2024 edition, hosted by BYC, was the largest sailing event ever held in Northern Ireland, with 368 competitors and around 70 coach boats. Learn more about the ILCA 6 Youth European Championships.
The Youth Green Team – Conn Finnegan, Jess Winton and Josh Ready (l-r)
Young prize winners at the beach clean and marine education event with Charlie Winton (back left) and Tori Moore, Marine Engagement Officer, Ulster Wildlife (back right)
