Calling all charter yacht owners and managers: The Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) is searching for the most eco-friendly power and sail yachts. By complying with a few simple recycling and otherwise environmentally oriented steps, you can receive CYBA’s “Save the Blue” award.
CYBA initiated the “Save the Blue” program in 2011 to reduce plastic water bottles aboard yachts and megayachts. As strange as it may seem, given that every megayacht and nearly all other yachts have onboard watermakers, many charter guests still request bottled water, and some crews continue to regularly purchase them when provisioning. This poses a real problem, as oftentimes yachts aren’t in areas where recycling facilities are present.
To encourage better practices, CYBA makes qualifying for its “Save the Blue” award quite straightforward. Yachts need to meet seven of 30 different criteria, listed at CYBA’s online survey. One example: providing guests with reusable water bottles while they’re onboard, filled courtesy of the watermakers. Other criteria aren’t directly related to water bottles, but do impact marine health, including the types of cleaners used and provisioning practices like reusing bags and purchasing sustainable seafood.
If your yacht qualifies, she’ll receive the CYBA Going Green to Save the Blue logo, which you’re encouraged to post on your website. You’ll also receive special recognition at the upcoming trade-only charter shows in St. Thomas, Tortola, and Antigua.
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