The Environmentally and Socially Responsible Cruising working group (ESRC) was formed to promote and implement the BCA value of Caring: Respecting our environment, the communities we visit and each other which was adopted at the BCA’s strategy session in 2023. The ESRC working group issued its first progress report [1] in March 2024. This update highlights the actions taken over the past 20 months to promote and implement this initiative for BCA. It also provides ‘one stop shopping’ for anyone interested in reading the various reports and articles that have been prepared under the auspices of the working group.
At the core of the initiative was the development of a set of Best Practices [2] to outline what BCA members could do to respond to the new BCA value and pledge. Best practices to reduce members’ environmental footprints were developed in six categories: choosing, preparing and equipping the boat; transportation to and from the boat; under way; on board; at cruising destinations; and end-of-use disposal. Best practices were also identified to create a positive impact by members on the communities and areas they encounter while cruising.
Some of the best practices have been further developed in Currents articles published by the ESRC working group:
- Carbon Footprint Trackers [3] – an overview of tools that allow members to understand their impact on the environment and where they can make meaningful change.
- The Lowdown on Dirty Dishes [4] – describes factors to consider when choosing a dish soap for use on board.
- Cruising with Respect in Coastal Waters [5] – provides guidelines for cruising in First Nations Territories.
Several BCA members have also contributed articles to Currents on topics related to environmentally and socially responsible cruising:
- Citizen Science Adventures at Sea [6] – Larissa Clark and Duncan Copeland describe their engagement in Citizen Science and invite others to participate. Their website provides extensive additional information.
- Eco Friendly Boat Cleaning [7] – Brent Alley describes eco-friendly boat cleaners and cleaning methods.
- Reducing Energy & Carbon Footprint: New Resources [8] – Don Chandler identifies resources that will help cruisers make the biggest difference to their carbon footprint
- The Sailor’s Curse of Convenience and Time [9] – Rick Ellis’s reflection on some of the fundamental dilemmas cruisers face.
- Acknowledging Barriers to Making Positive Change [10] – Barb Peck describes the challenges and personal reactions regarding making environmentally positive changes.
- Preparing to Sail Offshore as the Planet Heats Up [11] – Rick Ellis outlines how heat, pollution, disease and climate anxiety are impacting our brains and psychology.
In addition, BCA member Don Chandler has developed and offered a Zoom course [12] entitled Energy, Power and CO2 in a Cruising Lifestyle.
The ESRC working group invited BCA members to share [13] their experiences regarding environmental and social changes they encountered when cruising and in response received a climate change report [14] by Stephanie Jones describing her experiences with weather and routing, pollution, fisheries, and coral reefs while sailing from NZ to Fiji.
In spring of 2024, the working group conducted a survey of BCA members to learn about their concerns about the impacts of cruising on the environment and communities, what actions members have taken to reduce their impacts, and what they would like to learn more about. The results [15] of this survey were reported in Currents and have helped BCA to focus its efforts and actions on the areas of greatest impact, interest and concern to members. Actions to date include:
Suggested Guidelines for BCA activities:
- Setting up for a Green Rendezvous [16]
- Guidelines for Club Nights and Social Events [17]
- Guidelines for the Peterson Cup [18]
Creation of Responsible Cruising, a separate tab on the BCA website homepage, to collect relevant information under the subheadings of Overview [19], Best Practices [2], Currents Articles [20] and Tools and Resources [21]; this latter section is further organized under:
- Marine regulations and other resources
- Marine environment related organizations (non-profits and citizen science)
- Understanding your personal energy use and carbon footprint (Don Chandler’s best footprint and energy budget worksheet)
- Guidelines for BCA Activities
- Ideas for electric boating (electric sailboat propulsion)
- Practices for Green Boating (Links to other organizations’ tips for green boating)
In summary, a lot of work has been completed by the ESRC working group since the last Progress Report, and a number of good resources have been developed or identified for those who want to make changes to reduce their environmental footprint. We’re continuing with our work, including another survey of BCA members in 2026, and welcome your input and contributions. Anyone interested in helping out or sharing ideas, please contact us. [22]