A sustainable event is made together

The event organisation at the ORC Europeans is dedicated to ensure that the event is organised as sustainable and climate friendly as possible. In collaboration with Nordic Impact a climate footprint of the event is calculated. To achieve our sustainability goals we ask for everyones help and commitment to our sustainability work that can only become a success when we do this together.

We as sailors depend on the water and the wind to be able to practice our sports. Therefore we should be committed to preserving these natural resources, and passing them on to the next generation in the same condition we want it to be. During our race and event activities on water and on land, we understand that we are temporary stewards of the natural environment. Our at-sea and race village operations are planned to ensure we meet or exceed any environmental regulations, protocols or best practice.

Please join us in our collaboration with Nordic Offset and the guardians of the Baltic Sea, the John Nurminen Foundation in our efforts to make the event succeed in sustainability! Below we have gathered ways to participate!

  • Garbage disposal

    There will be waste bins for proper waste disposal and recycling. As well as guidance to recycling during the event.

    No garbage is to be disposed in the areas around the Race Harbour or in the ocean.

    We supports the Keep the Archipelago tidy enviromental organisation. During the championship we encourage all sailors, race officers and volunteers to pick garbage.

  • GETTING THERE AROUND

    We have partnered up with Viking Line that provides sustainable and regular ferry service for everyone around the northern Baltic Sea. Viking Line is actively working to reduce emissions, such as by running Viking Glory and Viking Grace on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and using food waste as a raw material for biofuel.

    All race officers and volunteers are located within a walking distance from the race harbour.

    Choose to walk or take the bike in the small city of Mariehamn, where everyhing is within 2 kilometers.

  • RESourcing

    This is a paperless event. The sailors will not be given any papers – all official information regarding the regatta will be found on the official notice board. No printed announcements.

    All teams will be given reusable sailors bags instead of plastic when they register on-site. Only reusable paper will be used in the race office.

    All marketing and sponsor materials should be made of materials that can be reused or recycled.

    Electric “Robotic marks” to reduce number of crew boats and less use of fuel.

  • FOOD AND WATER

    There will be no use of disposable plastic. Only reauseable bottles are allowed on the race area. All race officials will be given a reusable bottle and possibility to refill in the race marina. Lunch for the race committee and volunteers are distributed in paper. We promote vegetarian food and sustainable seafood at the social events.

  • Equality of gender

    We work to strengthen the position of girls and women in sailing and inspire more girls to start sailing activities and boating. We also work with having more female in race management positions by providing training for volunteers.

  • sharing knowledge

    Increasing awareness of sustainable practices and the state of the Baltic Sea among all parts of the organisation, from volunteers to sailors and partners. Partnering with John Nurminen Foundation to raise awareness and help save the Balt c Sea.

  • Sewage and pumpout procedures

    The release of sewage into waterways has been prohibited by law in Finland since 2005.

    All boats equipped with a marine toilet must also be equipped with a pumpout system. The waste is deposited and stored in a septic tank aboard the boat and is emptied at the race harbour by using a septic pump. This ensures that the sewage is processed at a water purification plant instead of being dumped and causing the eutrophication of our natural environment and waterways.

  • cleaning & Washing agents

    When cleaning your boat, washing dishes or cleaning yourself, it is important to consider the environmental impact of different washing agents and where the resulting greywater ends up.

    When cleaning the boat only environmentally-friendly, phosphate-free washing agents are allowed. Phosphates accelerate the eutrophication of waterways.

    Make use of dishwashing facilities located on land washing the dishes aboard your boat is not allowed.

  • Travel light

    Travelling light is not only practical, but it's also more sustainable!

    Leave extra baggage home and take only necessary and multifunctional clothing with you. Instead of packing heavily take usage of local laundry services or do your own laundry in the race harbour.

    Bring a reusable water bottle with you, so you can stay hydrated without single-use plastic.

    We have provided environmental friendly soaps and washing agents to the showers and the laundry room!