The first 'clean' yacht race

Velux 5 Oceans receives the Sailors for the Sea 'gold certificate

The Velux 5 Oceans race management has pledged to make their 30,000 mile solo round the world race a 'Clean Regatta' – a certification program from Sailors for the Sea which helps regattas, yacht clubs and sailing programs achieve higher environmental standards. The event has now been certified as operating at 'gold' status, the highest rating given by a US-based organisation. In doing so, they will ensure the race generates less waste, reduces the amount of debris in the water and limits the amount of fossil fuels used during the race.

Velux 5 Oceans Race Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “Sustainability is at the core of the Velux 5 Oceans, so to be certified a 'Clean Regatta' by Sailors for the Sea is a great boost for us. It reinforces our commitment to spreading an eco-friendly message around the world.”

Chris Mancini, Program Director for the Sailors for the Sea added: “Sailors for the Sea is very excited to work with the Velux 5 Oceans race to support its commitment to ocean health protection and preservation. The commitment that this gruelling race is making toward prioritising ocean health should be an inspiration to boaters everywhere.”

The 'Clean Regatta' status is in line with the race's own sustainability blueprint, 'Taking on the Elements'. Through this, the Velux 5 Oceans will spread a message of sustainable development during the race’s five ocean sprints, informing and inspiring race followers around the world.

Also at the forefront of the race's environmental agenda is the introduction of the revolutionary Eco 60 class of yachts. The yachts – Open 60s launched before 2003 – present an ecological and economical alternative to their more expensive, new generation counterparts, making the race not only more accessible but greener too.

The creation of the Eco 60 class represents a chance for skippers to sail high speed ocean racing machines without incurring the huge costs of buying and running a brand new Open 60 and the inherent carbon footprint that brings. Capable of speeds of more than 35 knots, the Eco 60 fleet will combine close racing in similar generation yachts with viable cost of ownership and an affordable marketing platform for sponsors.

They are a platform to encourage use of latest technology systems for the production and control of power and sustainability on long voyages and for development opportunities for a new generation of sailors. Race rules will set limitations on the number of sails, the size of shore crews and the extent of refit work permitted in order to further reduce budgets.

But it's not just about money – the Eco 60 class will also be governed by a framework designed to improve the ecological and environmental impact on the planet. These rules will seek to limit fossil fuel consumption and encourage wind and solar power, taking a message of sustainable living around the world. Several competitors have pledged to become the first sailors in modern times to sail round the world without using fossil fuels. Instead, they will use only renewable solar and hydro power during the race.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of title sponsor Velux's values. Ever looking to reduce the impact on Mother Earth, VELUX's vision is to create buildings which are energy efficient and use sustainable energy sources.

At the race start in La Rochelle The Velux Group will showcase a zero energy concept house and announce and celebrate the winners of the International Velux Award 2010 for students of architecture at an award event. Besides helping others reducing their impact on the climate The Velux Group have set a goal of cutting its own CO2 emission by 50% in 2020.

The Clean Regatta program is available for all interested yacht clubs, regattas and sailing programs, and is found across the U.S., in the Caribbean, and now literally around the world in 2010. Clubs and regattas can realize immediate economic benefits by participating in the program ranging from saving money by reducing reliance on plastic bottles, fossil fuels, and disposable products; to getting discounts on environmentally friendly products through the Clean Regattas program; to reducing excess spending by anticipating regulations and avoiding abrupt and costly changes due to new laws and related cleanup efforts; and attracting new sponsors, donors, investors, and foundations for non-profit clubs through the positive awareness of the Clean Regatta efforts.