Sustainable Yacht Charters: Finding Responsible Companies
Charter companies are becoming more environmentally aware writes Sue Pelling. Here are the some of the companies working towards more sustainable yacht charters.
There is no doubt that sustainable travel practices can make a substantial difference in protecting our planet, which is why, as we grow more environmentally aware, the call for sustainable tourism is on the increase.
The sailing holiday charter sector was one of the first to understand the detrimental effects some of its practices would have on the planet, which is why many charter companies heeded their responsibilities by making changes to the way they run their businesses.
Sunsail, and The Moorings for example have their Ocean Promise campaigns to reduce their carbon footprint, as do companies like Seafarer which has its own Responsible Travel policy. Even small initiatives such as switching to the use of marine safe cleaning products, campaigning for the abolishment of single use water bottles, and motivating guests to contribute towards reducing their own environmental footprint including air travel carbon offsetting, can add up to make a huge difference.
Dream Yacht Worldwide, one of the world’s leading ocean tourism companies, and Fountaine Pajot, global designer and boat builder of leading-edge luxury catamarans, together launched the Aura 51 Smart Electric catamaran with intelligent on-board energy management system.
The two companies have a joint ambition of achieving an all-electric yacht offering and zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Sail Ionian based on the island of Lefkada, Greece is another company proud to be driving green energy solutions. It has already upgraded the majority of its fleet with solar panels and electric outboards, and more recently it has introduced lithium batteries to 35 per cent of its charter fleet, as well as installing solar panels on most of its yachts.
Tom Fletcher says Sail Ionian is always pushing technical developments and the company is currently working on installing air conditioning running from solar panels and lithium batteries on small yachts. “Previously, air conditioning has only been available on larger yachts, and could not be run from batteries, only with a generator or shore power connection. This is a charter market world-wide first.”
Plain Sailing is a charter company that continues to make eco-friendly choices ranging from solar lighting to running servers on renewable energy, and sustainable travel. They have also signed up to the RYA Green-Blue pledge, and, through the use of carbon offsetting, have managed to become a carbon negative operation.
Harnessing the power of the wind alone is the most effective way to enjoy a holiday without harming the planet. Classic Sailing the Cornwall-based company that runs adventure sailing holidays aboard classic yachts and ships in UK, Europe, and worldwide has had its Eco Policy in place since 1997. For over a quarter of a centure, this company has been committed in its efforts to reduce the environmental harm of its activities by using less energy and reducing air, land, and sea pollution wherever possible.
VentureSail runs similar adventures on classic and historic vessels, and strives to ensure its ventures are environmentally friendly. This company is also proud of its eco-tourism pledge and its initiatives to help save the planet, which includes planting a tree for each holiday booking made… nice touch.
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