BYC Earns Silver Level Clean Regatta Certification!

Sailing Toward a Sustainable Future: BYC Earns Silver Level Clean Regatta Certification!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our recent regatta has officially been awarded the Silver Level Clean Regatta Certification! This is a massive milestone for the Berlin Yacht Club and a true testament to our community’s shared dedication to protecting the waterways we love.

For those who might not be familiar with the program, the Clean Regattas initiative is run by Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana. They are the world’s leading ocean conservation organization that specifically educates and activates the sailing and boating community toward restoring ocean health. Since their start in 2004, the organization has worked to build a community of ocean stewards by providing the tools and inspiration needed for sailors to become real change agents for our waters.

Earning a Silver Level certification means we didn't just talk about sustainability; we put it into practice. Enrollment in the Clean Regattas program gave us a clear structure and a checklist to ensure that while we are out competing on the water, we are actively minimizing our environmental footprint. Through the collective effort of our regatta participants and volunteers, we successfully implemented several key sustainability initiatives, mirroring the successes of other certified clubs that have gone plastic water bottle and plastic bag free.

This achievement goes beyond a single weekend of racing. It’s about cultivating a lasting mindset of environmental stewardship within BYC. As we look ahead to future events on the water—including our upcoming Junior Sailing First Sail days—we are excited to pass these eco-friendly habits down to the next generation of sailors. Teaching our younger members to respect and protect the environment is just as important as teaching them how to tack and jibe.

Thank you to everyone who brought their reusable water bottles, properly sorted their recycling, and helped us leave the water cleaner than we found it. It takes a full crew to make an initiative like this successful, and our membership truly stepped up to the plate.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Whether you're out for a quiet evening cruise or gearing up for the next big starting sequence, we encourage all BYC members to continue making green choices on and off the water.

See you out there!