Each of the America’s Cup World Series regattas in San Francisco, in August as well as October 2012, has been recognized with the first-ever Platinum level certification under the Clean Regattas program of Sailors for the Sea, due in part to a significant 98 percent landfill diversion rate at the second AC World Series regatta in San Francisco last October.

The Clean Regattas program of Sailors for the Sea - Image credit: ACEA

The AC World Series regattas are the first ones that Sailors for the Sea has certified at the Platinum level, which recognizes achieving almost all possible points of certification.

Sailors for the Sea is the Official Clean Regattas Partner of the 2013 America’s Cup. The America’s Cup Event Authority has made a commitment to follow the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas program.

Clean Regattas certification provides independent, third-party verification that a yacht club, sailing program, or regatta is environmentally responsible, and is doing its utmost to protect the waters upon which people sail.

The Clean Regatta program includes best practices such as recycling, composting and litter free events that any regatta should aim to achieve. Each best practice achieved is awarded points, which taken together are then awarded a certification level (Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze). An independent Clean Regattas Review Board analyzed data submitted by the Event Authority and determined points achieved by the race organizers.

Waste sign at bleachers - Image credit: ACEA

“The AC World Series events have been conducted with a high degree of environmental consciousness and attention to minimizing any potential negative impact the events could have on the local ecosystem,” said Dan Pingaro, executive director and CEO of Sailors for the Sea. “Together we have established a strong track record of success that includes action and education.”

Sustainable best practices at the San Francisco events included providing free local drinking water for spectators, the use of a B20 blend of biodiesel and solar for event power, serving only sustainably harvested seafood, using only compostable serviceware at concessions, and conducting outreach programs promoting marine protection through the America’s Cup Healthy Ocean Project.

Previously, the AC World Series Newport event (June 26-July 1, 2012) was awarded Gold level certification. Four other AC World Series regattas were certified at the Silver level, and the first AC World Series event in Cascais, Portugal in July 2011 was awarded the Bronze level.

“We are pleased with the forward progress we have achieved at each of our AC World Series events,” said Jill Savery, the Head of Sustainability for ACEA. “This is the result of cooperation and hard work from all of our staff, vendors, Teams, Partners, spectators and the City of San Francisco. We thank all of them and Sailors for the Sea staff for their support and look forward to improving our performance during the 2013 Summer of Racing.”