“The sustainability challenge has been great in stimulating new attitudes as to how our club operates. As an environmental science student, it has given me the chance to apply my knowledge to lessen the environmental impacts of YUSWC. For the club it’s been pivotal in establishing sustainable attitudes of all members, gaining recognition from the university’s sports union and BUSA. There’s always room to improve operations to become more sustainable, and The Green Blue gives impetus to UK sailing clubs to be greener. It’s very gratifying and something every club should get on board with”

Sustainability Officer for York University Sailing and Windsurfing Club (YUSWC), Blair Davies

‘This is our second year of completing the Green and Blue University Challenge and we are happy that we have achieved the silver award! As a club that runs out of a marine protected area, caring for the environment is hugely important to us. Through these challenges, we feel that we have been able to improve how we operate to being more environmentally conscious as well as educating our members and centres that we use on the issues surrounding the environment we sail in! We can’t wait to try and complete the gold award next year!!’ 

Sustainability Officer for University of Plymouth Sailing & Powerboating Club, Harry Etheridge

“The Green Blue University Challenge is deemed highly important to everyone who is a part of BUSA. It is a great initiative and year on year it has gained increasing participation from University Sailing Clubs, all striving to achieve the next level award and instil lasting sustainable values within their clubs. The ocean is our playground and therefore is it vital we work to create a sustainable sport. Sport as a whole is an enormous part of millions of peoples lives and it makes sense to use our shared passions to create a platform to initiate change and become more sustainable. At universities sports communities are large, and excitingly sustainability in sport is just starting to be addressed, it is great to be able to take part in a challenge that brings our clubs ahead of the curve”

British University Sailing Association (BUSA)

“Protecting blue areas should be high on every sailing club and venue’s list of priorities, and this challenge is an excellent way to raise awareness of the issues the environment faces, and to also encourage new habits on and off the water to make a positive change so we can all keep enjoying everything our blue environment has to offer.”

USC Feedback in the 22-23 survey