As part of the Erasmus+ Sport project Sail4Sustainability, project partners gathered for a two-day International Workshop on Sustainable Sailing, held in Amsterdam on 23–24 April 2025.
Organized by our partner Stichting Sailors for Sustainability, the workshop brought together 19 participants from across Europe to explore how sailing can contribute to environmental protection, social inclusion, and greater sustainability in sport.
Key Highlights:
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Inspiring Keynotes:
Floris van Hees and Ivar Smits shared their powerful experiences from an eight-year global sailing journey in search of sustainable solutions. -
Interactive Sessions:
Participants engaged in lively discussions on topics such as reducing plastic pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and promoting inclusivity in sailing — especially for underrepresented groups. -
Hands-On Action:
The second day featured a unique sailing experience on a Plastic Whale boat — crafted entirely from recycled plastic collected from Amsterdam’s canals. While sailing, participants joined a cleanup activity, removing waste from the waterways and contributing directly to a cleaner urban environment.
This powerful blend of theory and practice demonstrated how even small, local actions can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for sailing and the wider community.
We are proud to be part of this international movement that is transforming sailing into a platform for positive environmental and social change. 
