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27-04-2007
Yachtsman Mukti Mitchell has kicked off the ‘Low Carbon Lifestyle Tour’, which is being supported by The Green Blue, from Clovelly in Devon on Easter Sunday in his zero-emission explorer microyacht called ‘Chance’ that he designed and built himself.
On his voyage the 15-foot vessel will visit forty ports including Swansea, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and London. In September, Mukti will be stopping off at the Southampton Boat Show before continuing onto Exeter where he is set to finish on 14th October. He is always looking for crew, check out the website to see if you could join at the next stop!
Mukti will be spreading the word that that low carbon lifestyles are easy to achieve, fun, good for the planet and improve quality of life. He wants us to first work out our own carbon footprint - how much our lifestyle and what we consume contributes to carbon emissions – and then make changes to reduce it.
The vast majority of threats to our environment – our atmosphere, our rivers, our seas, our forests – are direct results of the way we consume natural resources and dispose of our waste.
Everything we use – from carrots to cars and electricity to soap – has an impact on our planet. We simply have not been aware of it because the earth has had the ability to cope with the demand until recently, and the impacts mainly happen halfway around the globe in places we will never visit like the Arctic or Amazon. And if everyone in the world lived the same way as we do in the UK we would need three planets rather than just the one we have to support us.
For his voyage, Mukti has installed a low energy communications system so his laptop, phone and navigation lights are charged by a battery whose energy comes from a solar panel. And at each stop he will host talks and events showing how low-carbon products from insulating your loft to cycling or using public transport and buying local food can help us lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
He has even written a guidebook to accompany the tour, called ‘The Guide to Low Carbon Lifestyles’. The book looks at the 10 aspects of a low carbon lifestyle: electricity use, food, transport, shopping, insulation, waste disposal, entertainment, energy sources, the workplace and holidays.
Mukti said: “I want my fellow sailors to take a look at the way they live their lives and work out their carbon footprint. What would really make this trip worthwhile is if everybody who did this then looked at ways that they can reduce their impact on the planet.
“Even small changes in your lifestyle can help reduce CO2 emissions like walking or cycling to work or taking the train rather than travelling by car. And when it comes to boating, there are so many ways we can lessen our impact on the environment and The Green Blue website has loads of information to point you in the right direction.”
About 100 friends and supporters, including his local MP, saw Mukti off on the first leg which ended that evening with a Chinese takeaway in Ilfracombe! For the first leg of his journey he was accompanied by his friend Will Tanner, who designed the keel of Chance. Since Will left, Mukti has given a number of talks to sailing clubs about the reasons for his trip. The weather has been quite kind so far with only one instance of experiencing anything close to stormy conditions. He has seen seals and a pod of ten dolphins accompanied him through the the notorious Jack Sound between mainland Wales and Skomer Island. Having already travelled over 700 miles, Mukti has beaten the boats record speed so far by getting it up to an impressive nine knots and is currently sailing through mid-Wales
Mukti is no stranger to boat design and through his company Mitchell Yachts was a finalist in the AYRS Yacht Design Competition 2003, and nominated ’Innovative Boat of the Year 2005’ at the IPC Marine Awards.
If you would like to lend your support to Mukti on his travels then check out his current position and the perils he has encountered along the way at www.lowcarbonlifestyle.org.
The site also offers you the opportunity to calculate your own footprint – Mukti’s annual CO2 emissions are five tonnes compared to the national average of ten tonnes.
Watch out for the regular updates on his progress we will be posting on The Green Blue website and in ‘All at Sea’.
By Robin Clegg
Photo courtesy of David Harding, Sailing Scenes
13-04-2007
The Waste Directory is free, interactive and easy to use. Users can search online by postcode or town and will be directed to suitable local waste management sites. The Directory highlights those sites offering recycling facilities and allows users to locate waste sites which are closest. Businesses can search by waste type, including end-of-life vehicles, cardboard, batteries, chemicals, glass, office waste and packaging.
The launch marks the start of NetRegs’ new campaign to help small businesses find out about environmental legislation, comply with the regulations and avoid the risk of prosecution. It is encouraging the UK’s four million small businesses to visit the website to check out environmental regulations, wise up to their responsibilities and clean up their businesses.
'Over 300 businesses were prosecuted in 2005 because they did not meet environmental regulations,' says Richard Martin, NetRegs Programme Manager. 'Small businesses may not realise the harm they are doing by failing to comply. What seem like minor infringements on their own, can add up to cause real harm when made by lots of small businesses.
'Small businesses may be failing to comply with environmental legislation simply because they aren’t aware of what they need to do, and that’s a situation that benefits nobody,' says John Holbrow, Environmental Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses. 'We applaud NetRegs for producing this Waste Directory, which we believe will provide a really important resource for small businesses. By giving them the information they need about where to recycle or dispose of their waste, it will help them take vital steps towards avoiding the risk of fines for failing to comply.'
»Visit the Waste Directory to find your nearest waste site
» Read the waste management section of the BMF's and RYA's Environmental Code of Practice www.ecop.org.uk
26-03-2007
It is now widely accepted that climate change is a reality and its consequences will have a huge impact on our lives. These could include sea level rise and increased storminess so the effects are bound to be felt by coastal communities and marine based businesses. The good news is that there are steps that all businesses, regardless of size, can take to reduce their carbon footprint and therefore the contribution they make to climate change.
UK Small and medium enterprises (SME’s) spend around six billion pounds on energy every year and produce about 10.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Thirty per cent or £1.8 billion of this is wasted. There are many opportunities in the workplace to reduce this level of energy consumption and wastage and to encourage companies to do so a new scheme called Business Climate Champions has been launched.
This new scheme, led by the Association of Town Centre Management is asking businesses to make a pledge to save at least 25 per cent of their business energy use. In return, businesses will receive formal accreditation as ‘Climate Champions’. Their names will be added to an official Roll of Honour and they will be entitled to use a logo that demonstrates to staff and clients that their business is proud to care about them and future generations.
Marine businesses can download free advice to help them meet the pledge from the Environmental Code of Practice. This document, written in partnership between the BMF, RYA and Environment Agency has now been revised and is available on-line from www.ecop.org.uk. It provides an essential resource giving information on relevant environmental legislation, best practice advice and pollution control measures. The Trade Talk pages of The Green Blue web may also provide useful information specifically for the recreational marine industry.
» Take the pledge and let your customers know you are a Business Climate Champion
» The BMF's and RYA's Environmental Code of Practice
22-03-2007
The Green Blue joined forces with the Marine Conservation Society at the Dinghy Sailing Show to encourage sailing clubs to get involved with their Adopt-A-Beach and Beachwatch surveys. These hugely successful campaigns against beach and marine litter have been running since 1993, involving thousands of volunteers in beach cleans and litter surveys every year.
The 2005 Beachwatch survey showed that 35.4% of all litter recorded was from coastal visitors so the message being delivered to sailors was to make sure any empty bottles or cans are always secure on board and dispose of any rubbish responsibly, even if it means taking it home with you. The devastating effect of marine litter on wildlife, especially plastics, is often overlooked by beach users and so beach cleans play an important part in educating and raising awareness.
Although dinghy sailors may not always be directly responsible for litter on the beaches they sail from, The Green Blue wanted to persuade young people to get their clubs involved in keeping their sailing areas clean and clear from litter and encouraging environmental responsibility.
Clubs can either can either ‘adopt' their own beach as an orgainser and run quarterly cleans, or help at an organised clean-up and survey event as volunteers.
For those clubs only able to do one clean up a year there is the opportunity to take part in the annual Beachwatch nation-wide beach clean up and litter survey.
28-02-2007
The Green Blue is to be working in partnership with the 2007 Low Carbon Lifestyle Tour. This involves sailing around Britain in a zero-emission boat to bring you information on how to live a low carbon lifestyle, prevent global warming and improve your quality of life.
Never has there been a more pressing global challenge than climate change – and we can do something about it! That’s the message that the Low Carbon Lifestyle tour will be taking around the coast of Britain in the spring and summer of 2007.
Endorsed by all the great and good of the environmental movement from Jonathan Porritt and Zac Goldsmith to Prince Charles and Sir Menzies Campbell, the Low Carbon Lifestyle Tour will see carpenter Mukti Mitchell sail in to more than 40 British ports with the simple message that low carbon living is fun and easy.
In each destination Mukti, who will be sailing his own zero emissions boat, “Chance”, will host talks and events that introduce people to the many aspects of a low carbon lifestyle, from insulation and double glazing, to bicycles, public transport, local food and holidays by train.
Although the tour focuses on wider issues of low carbon living, not just sailing, it means there should be something of interest to all members of the family, even non boat users!
As a pioneer of low carbon living Mukti designed one of the first and best on line carbon calculators – now, Mukti has written a guide book that shows people easy ways to slash their carbon footprint which he will be distributing during the tour.
» Find out how you can cut your carbon emissions on board with The Green Blue's advice
20-02-2007
Inspired by Mike Golding and other big names in the sailing world, Roger Lankaster decided to challenge his club to take up The Green Blue challenge.
Members were asked to pledge their support and then entered into a prize draw to win a bottle of GH Mumm champagne. The lucky winner was announced as Jackie Bishop, seen proudly clutching her bottle in the photograph (left).
The Challenge was launched at Southampton Boat Show 2006 and is based on The Green Blue's code of conduct to encourage recreational boat users to be more aware of the environment around them and how to reduce the impact they have on it.
If you would like to take up the challenge yourself, or challenge your club to do so, five points to get you started are given below.
» Read more about The Green Blue Challenge
» Marine explorer Monty Halls takes up The Green Blue Challenge
» Request a waterproof sticker of the code of conduct
30-01-2007
This half-day course, in conjunction with The Green Blue, aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues such as waste, energy and water, managing oil and fuel, and pollution prevention. The course will highlight the business case for taking steps to reduce environmental stresses and suggest ways of getting started.
WHERE: BMF House, Egham 7th March 2007
FEES:
BMF Members £70 + VAT
Non Members £120 + VAT
Please note that this initial course is a pilot and as such is offered at a reduced rate
– for future courses the standard rate of £99 + VAT for Members and £175 + VAT
for Non Members will apply
» Download the BMF's short course brochure for more information and how to book
16-01-2007
The Green Blue announced the appointment of a new Ambassador. British adventurer, marine biologist and TV Presenter Monty Halls, who also presented the ITV Boat Show programme, will join Mike Golding, Lady Pippa Blake and wildlife producer Philippa Forrester as Green Blue Ambassadors in a bid to promote the work of the campaign.
The announcement took place on the joint BMF & RYA Stand at the Collins Stewart London Boat Show, where Monty was joined by British yachtsman Mike Golding OBE. Mike confirmed that Monty had also signed up for the Green Blue Challenge, announced at the Southampton Boat Show back in September. Mike has already challenged three leading marine figures (Rod Carr, Dick Durham & Jon Eads) to make five significant ‘green’ changes to their boating activity and the Green Blue’s latest recruit will have just 4 months to prove he’s up for the challenge.
Monty said “I am delighted and honoured to be invited to become an Ambassador for the Green Blue. The shallow waters that border our coastlines are under greater pressure than at any other point in mankind’s history. The future of these wonderful ecosystems is entirely in the hands of this generation. We must make a difference.”
To assist in his challenge, Halyard Ltd presented Monty with a Wavestream bilge filter. The Wavestream is an in-line filter that fits into the line between the bilge pump and the water outlet. It is a cost effective and easy way for boat owners to prevent oily bilge water from being discharged overboard.
Mike said "I'm delighted to welcome a new "recruit" taking up The Green Blue Challenge.Rod, Dick and Jon seem to be progressing but I'll leave the pressure off and give them until spring as originally planned! It will be interesting to see the new ideas and practices they come up with to help protect our marine environment."
Monty Halls has become one of the UK’s most respected and well known ocean adventurers. A former Royal Marines Officer and trained marine biologist, Monty has led teams through some of the most demanding environments on land and at sea. His adventures include discovering pre-historic settlements amid great white sharks, avoiding the bullets of poachers, and photographing a dangerous and rare crocodile underwater for the first time. His TV credits include Superhuman (Channel 4, 2004) and Great Ocean Adventure (Channel 5, 2005/6), which is back for another series every Wednesday evening at 7.15pm from 3 January 2007 onwards. Monty has also published several books including Dive: The Ultimate Guide (2004) and presented a DVD Totally Wrecked about a dive expedition to explore the best wrecks in the world.
» Read Monty Halls Biography
» Find out what you can do to help protect wildlife whilst using your boat
01-01-2007
The aptly named 'GREEN DIRECTORY' has just been launched at by Sailing Networks with the support of The Green Blue. The Directory provides details of a range of products and services which will help you reduce your impact on the marine environment.
The Directory aims to provide boating consumers with information and a choice of more environmentally sensitive products and services that fall into the following categories:
If you have anything that falls into one of these categories then we want to hear from you!
It is free and easy to register and companies are able to register as many of their products that fall within the requirements.
» Visit The Green Directory web page to register your comapny and product
18-01-2007
We all know that excessive resource use is leading to climate change but the good news is everyone can do something about it, both on and off the water. We have a wealth of information available for you to download from this web site to provide information, advice and tips about using resources more efficiently
Did you know?
• Climate change will impact the boating community. Flooding and extreme weather conditions may mean the loss of some waterside facilities and an increase in boat insurance prices as well as shortening the cruising season.
• Keeping you hull clean, engine maintained and trimming your engine minimises fuel consumption.
• Carbon dioxide in exhaust emissions is the gas mainly responsible for the greenhouse effect.
What Can you do?
» Read our 'Topic in focus' on resource efficiency
05-12-2006
The Green Blue are pleased to announce that TV Personality, explorer and marine biologist Monty Halls has given his support to the project and will be doing a presentation about his second series of 'Great Ocean Adventure' at the London Boat Show. This is due to be screened early 2007 and promises to be even more entertaining with beautiful rare footage of some stunning marine life. Memorable moments include Monty diving among a frightening number of Giant Humboldt Squid – not the most relaxing of assignments in his life as a TV presenter!
A former Royal Marines Officer and trained marine biologist, Monty has led teams through some of the most demanding environments on land and at sea. His adventures include discovering pre-historic settlements amid great white sharks, avoiding the bullets of poachers, and photographing a dangerous and rare crocodile underwater for the first time.
This fascinating talk along with exciting footage of the new series will held in conjunction with The Green Blue on Friday 5th January on the purpose built stage. Anyone is free to attend once they are in the show and we really hope you will be able to join us for what will be a fantastic event.
The Green Blue starts the new season by offering advice to boat owners and marine businesses about becoming more resource efficient. Please do visit us to find out more and pick up your free 2007 wall planner..... more details to follow so watch this space!
The London Boat Show runs from 5th - 14th January 2007 at ExCel, London
» The Collins Stewart London Boat Show website
30-11-2006
All marine businesses have some form of premises which consumes energy for lighting, heating or office and workshop equipment. As with all industries there is now a real emphasis on increasing energy efficiency and minimising resource use. There are a number of ways to do this to suit all budgets but often those that give the highest return involve initial investment.
The good news is there is now help available to SME's from the government, through the Carbon Trust. The Carbon Trust is offering energy-efficiency loans to encourage SME's to invest in energy saving equipment that either replaces or upgrades existing facilities, for instance energy saving lighting or insulation for boilers, hot water tanks and pipe work.
The loan is interest free and works in the following way. For instance, if you borrow £100,000 and the savings for your energy bill are £50,000pa that is how much you pay. Therefore, after two years, your loan is paid off and all the savings become yours. The loans need to be paid off within four years, so if savings are less than your loan, you will have to make up the difference.
For further information on the loan scheme contact the Carbon Trust by calling their helpline on 0800 085 2005 or alternatively complete their checklist on their website to determine eligibility.
» The Carbon Trust Loans page
» Environmental Code of Practice gives practical advice of ways to reduce energy consumption
» Find out how a new watersports centre used grants to fund their altrnative energy generation
30-10-2006
Green Blue Ambassador and Open 60 skipper Mike Golding announced that following the rescue of Alex Thomson and subsequent mast damage sustained to Ecover, he will retire from competing further in the Velux 5 Oceans Race. Mike had been sending us a series of weblogs with a green slant from the race, a copy of those sent before the retirement can be read below.
This decision to retire follows Golding's dramatic rescue of fellow competitor Alex Thomson and the subsequent dismasting of Ecover in the Southern Ocean, 1000 miles off the southern tip of Africa.
Since the incident Golding's team has worked tirelessly to find various solutions that would allow the yacht to continue racing. The team has received fantastic support from its sponsor, and the team's technical suppliers - each of whom were prepared to do whatever it takes to help Mike rejoin the race. Other generous offers of help have also been received from around the world.
Mike commented,
"The decision to retire has been a very difficult one and one that has been taken in consultation with my sponsor. Clearly the timings and costs are a major factor, but from a competitive and safety standpoint there are additional factors that have finally led us to make this choice."
"Competitively Ecover will now be unable to catch the other boats on this leg. Therefore from a safety standpoint, I would be completely alone in the Southern Ocean without the safety cover extended by fellow competitors. Alex's problems and his consequent need to be rescued is a sharp reminder than we cannot ignore the safety implications of restarting from Cape Town so far behind the main fleet."
"As a team we also pride ourselves on high levels of planning and preparation in pursuit of excellence. To rejoin the race at this stage would put us firmly on the back foot and safety may well be compromised. This is unacceptable to me, the team and to our sponsor."
Mike Golding's Green Blue blog
Dramatic mid-ocean rescue
Much has happened onboard Ecover since my last Green Blue blog.
We have been inundated with flying fish, sprayed with ink by a giant squid (the boat not me), seen turtles dolphins and whales, enjoyed numerous species of sea birds - most recently the magnificent Albatross or Albert Ross as I call him. We have moved from the steamy tropics through the balmy South Atlantic and into the beginning of the frozen South. From an enviromental perspective there is much to be optimistic about, the Oceans, the very engine of our environment, as ever, providing a rich tapestry of wildlife and varied environments.
So for me to see just a single plastic bag or can floating past the boat in the south Atlantic may seem slightly irrelevant!
Given that I am travelling through millions upon millions of square mile of ocean, it a reasonable assumption that if I see just one item of waste - then we are talking about millions upon million of items in the ocean around me. I'm afraid that I saw many more signs than just the one!
At one point I had to take avoiding action to stop Ecover from sailing into huge 100ftX100ft polypropylene fishing net which was adrift in the middle of nowhere - I am sure a positive a joy to the turtles, fish and birds which will become entangled and die before this net is eventually consumed by the oceans action.
But the last visible impact of environmental pollution all but disappeared as we moved into the more remote South, or has it?
Our first safety waypoint to the SW of South Africa is designed to prevent the yachts from sailing too far south. This is done because of the increased presence and danger of icebergs in the Southern Ocean as billion year old glaciers and ice shelves break away from Antarctica and drift north to oblivion in rising global temperatures.
The invisible ozone layer, that is much depleted here, requires that despite the cold and overcast skies, sun block is required to protect from burning UV.
The invisible ozone layer, that is much depleted here, requires that despite the cold and overcast skies, sun block is required to protect from burning UV.
No, in moving South I may have escaped the visible signs only to arrive in a place where in fact, much more profound signs of global change lurk just beyond my vision.
6th November 2006 - Fishworks Night
Great gains for us all around in the last 36 hours, Ecover is, for now at least, past the Doldrums but our charge forward in the rankings has come to an end for now . We have not stopped, but we are headed and unable to lay the direct course. This is the early signs of the SE Trades but for now the wind is still shifty and squally. In these continuously changing conditions it is really difficult to know what to set as the sailplan - too much of a compromise and miles will be lost - to little compromise and something could get broken in one of these squalls. I saw 47 kts in a vicious squall yesterday and this morning under full sail Ecover was laid flat by sheer pressure of wind from a rain cloud before I could reach the mainsheet. It's in conditions like this the B&G autopilot is worked exceptionally hard, trying to match the ever changing wind. The pilots do an amazing job and they are getting better year by year - these are the best yet but occasionally a fast heading gust will tack the boat and the pilot can do absolutely nothing about it. What I like is that the B&G sounds an alarm then gamely continues to try to get the boat back on course, many pilots would fold at this point and release the helm which is the last thing you want. The only solution to this "hove too" condition (yes open 60's can "heave too") is to wear right around and gybe, a real pain but the best way to avoid damage. During the night we were bombarded by flying fish, some hit the boat so hard and so loudly, it sounded as if something serious had broken - several trips on deck with a torch revealed nothing but ever increasing numbers of fish. Travelling at around 30mph, if one of these things hits you , it hurts (plus it scares the bejesus out of you).
3rd November 2006 - Sealife and Bits
It would be easy to imagine that in our prolonged exposure to marine life we may become blasé about it. For me this is simply not true and, because the ocean drip feeds these contacts I doubt it is true of any one who puts to sea. Since the race start I have had birds on board (yes the feathered one's Andrea!), seen Dolphins including a tiny baby leaping through our wake in formation and even more impressive running alongside at night in the green glow of phosphorescence, yesterday I had the strange squid thing and flying fish galore and just moments ago a nudge against a turtle (minimum impact naturally) who looked stunned but otherwise fine after the great towering white beast from above woke his slumbering progress across the mid Atlantic. We are at last moving better again, under spinnaker at 12kts but the bungee has let Bernard away to virtually the same starting distance after Coruna which is mighty frustrating. The polls showed Alex slow this morning - I hear he is having to ascend the mast for some problem with his Solent. Kojiro is back on the money and as also pulled away a little but now, at last, I hope that may be set up on a port gybe in a good spot to be able to select my best ITCZ crossing. It will be important to do a good crossing if we are to prevent Bernard from a full on runaway of this leg. Manoeuvring (or just plain sailing) under the 400 sq mtr spinnaker with these boats brings you is the smallest step away from a major disaster, potentially destroying the sail or perhaps far worse. I have tried every known gybing technique but the reality is that I still say a little prayer before each manoeuvre and I still get right royal foul ups. There just seems to be no way of avoiding the perils of a gybe - Jean Le Cam claimed that on the last Vendee he did not gybe but tacked around each time - nice one Jean! No in reality praying and finger crossing seem about as effect as all other strategies.
27th October 2006
"The Velux 5 Oceans fleet were hammered in Biscay by an un forecast storm
which saw more than 70 kts of wind and huge seas totally strafe the fleet.
The result four well prepared ocean going racing yachts including Ecove
were forced to make stops within 72hours of the start of leg one of this
solo around the world race.
Was this a glitch in the weather and our forecasting? - or are larger forces
at work?
The reality is that this storm is most likely a purely local isolated event
but, - looking at other weather events in the news all around our planet one
would have to say that - there is general evidence of a trend towards more
and more extreme weather events, I think by now most accept this as a
straight fact. We know from the scientists that eventually, in the not so
distant future these effects will be far more significant than forcing four
race boats to stop racing, they are talking about real disasters of truly
biblical proportion.
This fact that we may not know how much we (the Human Race) contribute to
this change process is irrelevant - we all know in our hearts that we have
to change how we treat our planet if we want to continue to enjoy it fruits.
It is true that global weather has always been in flux over millennia but we
now seem to be seeing significant changes in mere decades !!!.
There will be no quick technology driven rescue for this type of global
change. It is a matter of grunting up for the long haul (- a bit like the
enormous circumnavigation ahead of me) initially through education and
seemingly micro measures changing what we do day by day. The result (if we
keep at it) will help lead to the cultural shift we need to improve and
sustain our local, marine and eventually even our global environment."
Knuckling down to the task - in pursuit of the end goal -
Mike, 188 miles west of Lisbon enroute to Freemantle Aus.
» Watch the video of Mike talking about The Green Blue Project
» The latest news from Mike Golding Yacht Racing
» Join Mike in taking up The Green Blue Challenge by requesting your code of conduct here
» The Green Blue Challenge
10-11-2006
Over 250 guests joined Calcutt boats in celebrating the opening of their new basin on November 3rd. The family owned company situated on the Grand Union Canal has completely redesigned the original proposals to make the whole development more ecologically friendly and sympathetic towards the surrounding landscape.
They have included many imagainative alternatives to traditional contstruction materials such as re-useing motorway crash barriers for pilings and sustainable timber for jetties and walkways. The family have long been involved in maintaining the surrounding landscape and wildlife and have been planted numerous trees over the years with the help of local school children.
The result is a peaceful, tranquil marina that provides the perfect mooring to get away from it all and as Matt Preen from Calcutt Boats says:
"We have been absolutely delighted with the feedback from our customers regarding the look and feel of the new marina, many commenting that it surpasses anything they have seen before, a testament to its green credentials. With 95% of the available berths taken prior to opening, it is evident that an environmentally friendly approach can make financial sense."
So if you are planning a trip on the Grand Union why not see for yourself and have a look at the fantastic new basin.
Please download the case study below for more details about project and construction.
» Case Study - Calcutt Boats 
19-10-2006
The latest version of the Environmental Code of Practice (ECoP) has received a face lift! The ECoP is now completely web based and has it's own dedicated address at www.ecop.org.uk
The Code, originally the first initiative under the Green Blue project, is produced in partnership with the BMF, RYA and Environment Agency and was re-launched at this months Southampton Boat Show.
The latest code builds upon the excellent advice and best practice from the previous version, launched at the 2005 London Boat Show and reflects all the changes in UK environmental legislation made since then.
The Code itself is broken down in sub sections including Legal Aspects, Practical Advice, Incident Management and Useful Contacts. In each of these sections, you can download the Code as a .pdf document. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the code and links are provided to retrieve this application.
New Additions to the Code
28-09-2006
World class Yachtsman, Mike Golding issued his Green Blue challenge to three prominent figures in the boating world on Friday 15 September at the Southampton Boat Show.
Rod Carr, Chief Executive of the RYA, Dick Durham, Features Editor of Yachting Monthly and Jon Eads, Managing Director of MDL Marinas, accepted the Challenge to ‘Green Up’ their boating activities from Mike in front of the world's marine press.
Mike, regarded as one of the world’s best offshore racing sailors is a champion for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine Federation’s (BMF) Green Blue environmental initiative. The Green Blue provides boaters with practical advice and information to help them think and act in an environmentally conscious way
"When the going gets tough in a solo ocean race” said Mike, “often the way through it is to take it one day at a time. In the same way, all boat owners can make a difference to the environment one step at a time. Each step may not seem like much, or may even seem futile to the individual concerned, but it's amazing how they all add up and what can be achieved".
All three of the prominent boaters identified areas in their boating activity where they could be more environmentally aware and make improvements.
MDL's Jon Eads explained how, as a sailor turned motor boater with a young family, he could do his bit: "We motorboaters get a bad press, whether it be accusations of noise, wash or smoke, so I feel I need to make a special effort to complete this Green Blue Challenge.”
Dick Durham of Yachting Monthly recalled how a young seal had got a plastic beer can holder round its neck and as it grew the plastic got tighter; eventually strangling it. “Now we know the harm thatseemingly innocent rubbish can cause, there's simply no excuse for throwing anything over the side."
Rod Carr, confessed that he had been guilty in the past of pumping his bilges without checking for anything nasty in them first. "It's too late to say sorry to your neighbours and the environment when the telltale multicoloured oil rings start emanating from your vessel. It's not socially acceptable, let alone environmentally acceptable to pump contaminated water into the sea”
To get them started the three boaters were presented with environmentally conscious goody-bags containing spill-kits, green cleaning products from Ecover, Plastimo binoculars and wildlife spotting charts so they could spot and recordsome of the creatures they were going todo their bit to protect.
The public can take up Mike's Green Blue Challenge, thanks to the 'Environmental Code of Conduct', available from The Green Blue at the RYA stand. This handy sticker can be used by boat owners to proclaim their boat a 'Green Blue Boat' and includes a host of handy environmentally aware tips.
