Sustainable Sailing

Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta will continue to work towards maintaining their strong
sustainability plan, and is committed to minimising the impact activities at the Regatta have on the environment.

In 2019 VDLR signed up with Sailors for the Sea ‘Clean Regattas Programme’ – the world’s leading sustainability certification for all on-the-water, near-the-water, and water-loving events – and were awarded Gold Level status. VDLR also works closely with MaREI – the Centre for Marine and Reusable Energy and Clean Coasts.

VDLR work with the event sponsors and the four waterfront yacht clubs – Dun Laoghaire Motor YC, National YC, Royal Irish YC and Royal St George YC, to continue to raise awareness of sustainability issues, highlighting how we can all help to make a difference, both on and off the water.

Initiatives at VDLR 2019

  • Installation of dedicated water refill stations
  • No single use water bottles sold on site
  • All food served on plates using real crockery
  • Use of PET materials in the manufacture of Event tags and passes
  • Installation of 2 Car Electrical Charging points for free use (sponsored by Volvo)

Our Objectives

  • Water – to continue to encourage the use of reusable water bottles – which will be provided by us and also be available to buy onsite from the individual clubs. Hydration stations are available to refill bottles. No single use plastic water bottles will be sold on site.
  • Food – All clubs will use real crockery in serving foods. Any other glasses and straws used will be compostable or reusable
  • Waste – To encourage on-the-water recycling to competitors and also to let nothing go overboard. Bin stations will be on site so you can separate your waste to increase the amount of material we can recycle and compost. To encourage the reduction/elimination of single use plastic and dinnerware (including plates, cups and cutlery) – no styrofoam or polystyrene