HRH The Princess Royal joins environmental champions at Protect our Playground Reception
by RYA 24 Sep 18:34 BST
24 September 2025
HRH The Princess Royal attends the first-ever Protect our Playground Reception © Royal Yachting Association
HRH The Princess Royal, RYA President, attends the first-ever Protect our Playground Reception (Wednesday 24 September) joining leading figures from across the environmental, sporting and marine sectors.
Attendees celebrated progress and reflected on a shared response to the environmental challenges we see today.
Co-hosted by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine, the reception took place at the Southampton International Boat Show and marked a major milestone - the 20th anniversary of the RYA Green Blue, the environmental programme empowering the boating community to make more sustainable choices.
Guests heard how the RYA Green Blue has pioneered environmental sustainability across the marine sector by promoting eco-friendly boating practices, safeguarding nature, engaging with young people and supporting more than 400 clubs with audits. Marinas, boaters and organisations across the UK have embraced the programme's initiatives, embedding greener practices into the heart of their activities.
Speaking at the event, RYA Green Blue patron and round-the-world sailor Mike Golding OBE, reflected on his own experiences witnessing the pressures facing our waters.
He said: "Beneath the surface we sail lies a vast, fragile web of biodiversity, under increasing threat—not just from ignorance, but also from commercial pressures and human impact.
"Since those early days, it's been a pleasure to watch the Green Blue evolve under a succession of talented leaders. Despite limited resources, they've achieved an impressive record of successes and, 20 years on, sustainability is deeply integrated into the RYA's core values and is widely embraced by the broader boating community".
In her keynote address, The Princess Royal paid tribute to two decades of pioneering work, commending the next generation of boaters for their role as environmental custodians.
Speaking of the positive impact of the Green Blue has had on the industry, British Marine's Chairman, Matthew Beckwith said: "It isn't only the services and culture that have changed, it's also the number and breadth of products now coming to market which are designed specifically to help protect our waters and advance sustainable boating, from the use of decontamination robots in ports and the growth in electric propulsion systems to Life Cycle Analysis tools and the increase in upcycled and biobased materials - from paints and decking, to sails and clothing accessories".
Matt went on to credit the Green Blue's Business Directory, describing it as "a benefit to industry and boaters alike."
Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO said: "We've had powerful conversations today and the expertise and passion in this room is truly exceptional. Our sector is uniquely connected to the environment, we see first-hand the challenges facing our waters, and that drives us to act.
"The progress we celebrate today has only been possible because of the willingness to work together to drive innovation and reduce our impact. There's still a long way to go, and the RYA Green Blue will continue to be at the heart of our work. I'm looking forward to seeing what can be achieved in another 20 years".
Ahead of the reception, Her Royal Highness saw sustainability in action as she toured trade stands that showcased organisations and individuals championing greener innovation. These included the Boat Building Academy, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Discover Inland Boating, and the RYA stand.
More about RYA Green Blue
The RYA Green Blue was launched at the Southampton Boat Show in 2005 and was jointly owned by the RYA and British Marine until 2023. From reducing pollution to preventing the spread of invasive species, the programme is dedicated to supporting boaters, clubs, marinas and organisations in protecting the waters they enjoy.
At the heart of this is the Green Blue Boating Pledge: a commitment to making greener choices, protecting nature, and keeping our waters clean. Join our community and make the pledge today
The RYA Green Blue team offer help and guidance for anyone who wants to safeguard our coastal and inland waters.
Find more information about the RYA Green Blue.