Star Sailors League Sustainability Actions: Together we race for the planet
by Star Sailors League 18 Jan 13:24 GMT
Star Sailors League Sustainability Actions © Madeleine Lithvall
At Ocean Marina Jomtien, the Star Sailors League proved that elite sailing and sustainability go hand in hand. Alongside racing at the SEA Games and the SSL Gold Cup Asian Qualifiers, a parallel effort unfolded onshore and offshore.
From beach clean-ups and youth education to waste reduction and data-driven ocean protection, SSL turned its global platform into action for the planet
The four pillars: planet, people, partners, and performance
SSL's sustainability framework is aligned with Clean Regattas, World Sailing's Sustainability Agenda 2030, and the IOC Sustainability Strategy. While plastic-free catering and recycling systems were active from day one to address the Planet, the event placed equal weight on People.
Leveling the playing field: emerging nations and gender equity
Sustainability is not just about the environment; it is about creating a fair and inclusive future for the sport. The SSL Gold Cup format is designed to break down barriers through structural changes to the game:
- Empowering Emerging Nations: By utilizing a "One Design" format where identical SSL 47 boats are provided to all teams, SSL removes the financial and technological arms race. This allows sailors from emerging sailing nations to compete on a level playing field against established powerhouses solely based on talent.
- Gender equity by design: The league is committed to narrowing the gender gap in sailing through concrete rules. In the SSL Gold Cup, it is mandatory for every team to include two female athletes on the boat. This regulation ensures active participation at the highest level, creating visible role models and pathways for future generations of female sailors.
- Professional Governance: The Green Team
To move beyond good intentions to measurable action, SSL implemented a structured governance model. A dedicated Green Team was established to oversee operations, comprised of clear roles and responsibilities.
- Water refill stations and infrastructure
Reducing waste started with infrastructure. Water refill stations were installed across the venue, and all teams and staff used reusable bottles. Recycling bins were clearly placed and actively monitored.
"We've been very lucky to work with a venue and a Marina who are really keen to align with our sustainability goals and make sure that we're working together to create a positive impact whilst we're here. When we were first organizing the event, it was important for us in every aspect of the event to make sure we're reducing as much plastic as possible and waste," said Elise Laffan, sustainability volunteer at SSL.
Water refill stations and recycling designed into the venue
Reducing waste started with infrastructure. Water refill stations were installed across the venue. All teams and staff used reusable bottles. Recycling bins were clearly placed and actively monitored.
"When planning the event, reducing plastic was non-negotiable," said Elise Laffan. "This was our first event with a dedicated sustainability team on site, helping teams follow the system and improve behavior."
Beach clean-up: Learning by doing
Before racing began, SSL sailors joined Amara Watersports and 60 local children for a beach clean-up at Ocean Marina Jomtien. In just 30 minutes, 144 kg of trash was collected, sorted, and sent for recycling. However, the most meaningful impact was the lesson it left behind.
"For many people, it's hard to see how daily habits affect the ocean," said Amara Wichithong, windsurfing legend and founder of Amara Watersports. "Single-use plastics are the biggest problem. If we change small habits together, we protect the ocean we depend on."
SSL sailors from multiple nations worked side by side with the children.
"Seeing this much trash shows how fast it ends up in the sea," said sailors from SSL Team Oman. "Doing this together, and sharing that message at home, really matters."
Thai Ocean Academy: education and data for long-term impact
Education sits at the heart of SSL's sustainability strategy. That is why the league partnered with Thai Ocean Academy. Their work connects marine education with long-term data collection.
Marine biologists teach young people about coral health, biodiversity, and human impact. Reef monitoring data and information on discarded fishing gear is shared with authorities to support long-term policy decisions.
"Education and data must work together," said Tim McKay, founder of Thai Ocean Academy. "If we want real impact, we must start young and back our actions with science."
Laffan added: "We were really inspired by the coral data collection work and marine education programmes Tim and his team are running. We want to use our international platform to highlight local organisations doing vital work to help save our oceans".
Waste collection reducing overconsumption
SSL set a clear target of 90 percent waste diversion. Waste was sorted, tracked, and recycled. Trash found on the water was brought back ashore whenever possible. Collected material was sent to local recycling facilities and transformed into new products such as flowerpots.
"Plastic bags break down fast in the sun and become microplastics," said Amara Wichithong. "That damage lasts for generations."
The Sustainability Ambassador Competition
SSL turned waste management into a competitive sport. Competitive elements were introduced to encourage teams to weigh their waste daily, positioning them as "Ambassadors" for their nations. Each team was required to sort their daily waste. At the end of each day, the Green Team weighed the sorted bags. On December 20, specific "Sustainability Ambassador" waste was logged at 1.91 kg, demonstrating active participation from the teams in the sorting challenge.
SSL Education Series (Webinars)
Webinars were hosted on December 13th and 14th to align the team with global best practices and define the Thailand mission. These sessions covered the Vision 2030 Goals, which include: zero single-use plastic, a minimum of 90% waste diversion, a 50% carbon reduction compared to 2024, and achieving 50/50 gender parity.
Competition Results & Incentives
The Sustainability Challenge gamified waste reduction, rewarding teams for collecting waste and demonstrating exceptional environmental stewardship.
Results & Incentives
1st Place: SSL Team Myanmar
Prize: Exclusive Webinar by Olympic Finalist
2nd Place: SSL Team Philippines
Prize: Sailing Goodies Package
3rd Place: SSL Team Oman
Prize: Sustainability Goodies Package
Small actions, global impact
At Ocean Marina Jomtien, sustainability was not an add-on. It was part of the event. Through education, partnership, and accountability, SSL wants to show how sport can drive change. A great first step - and this is just the beginning.
Together We Race for the Planet.
Measurable Impact Through Sustainable Action
Between December 14 and December 22, the initiative demonstrated strong results:
- 121.05 kg of operational waste recorded.
- 70% Diversion Rate: Successfully diverted from landfill through recycling and composting.
- 144 kg of marine debris removed during community clean-ups.
- 19 tons of CO2 offset.
- 100 trees planted.
- 100% elimination of plastic bottles in the athlete village.