The Star Sailors League (SSL) has been featured in World Sailing’s 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the League’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to turn environmental ambitions into practical action.
Being included in World Sailing’s Impact Report is an important milestone for SSL and recognition of the work being undertaken across the League to make sailing events more sustainable.
The report highlights SSL as a case study under its environmental section, focusing on the League’s approach to prioritising high-impact, achievable actions rather than trying to implement every sustainability measure at once.
In September 2025, SSL appointed Afrodite Zegers-De Kleine as its first dedicated Sustainability Manager, marking an important step in developing a long-term sustainability strategy. SSL has also made Platinum Clean Regattas certification a clear objective and is working to embed sustainability into its events and operations.
However, sustainability has been part of the SSL model for some time. The League’s RC44 boats are reused and remodelled rather than newly built, while shared equipment helps reduce transport emissions. The event format also minimises the number of motorboats required, and SSL’s headquarters operates using solar power.
Following a review of its sustainability policies, SSL introduced further operational improvements. Refuelling procedures were redesigned to reduce the risk of spills, controlled marina environments were prioritised, and single-use plastics were reduced through reusable alternatives. Selected venues have also supported initiatives such as carbon offsetting and tree planting.
From ambition to action
For SSL, the focus is not simply on setting ambitious long-term targets, but on identifying changes that can deliver a tangible impact today.
This philosophy is reflected in the League’s approach to Clean Regattas, a leading sustainability framework for sailing events supported by World Sailing. The programme provides organisers with a structured set of best practices covering areas including waste management, reducing single-use items, community engagement, environmental stewardship and green boating.
SSL’s sustainability journey is continuing to evolve. The League is developing its own Sustainability Policy & Toolkit, with the aim of making sustainability an integral part of every SSL event — from the SSL Gold Cup to regional training activities.
Being featured in the World Sailing Impact Report is therefore more than a mention in a publication. It is recognition that the actions being taken by SSL are part of the wider movement towards a more responsible and sustainable future for sailing.
The ocean is our stadium — and protecting it is part of the game.