Floris and Ivar, known as the Sailors for Sustainability, recently held a series of engaging workshops in the Netherlands aimed at inspiring Dutch sailors to embrace more sustainable and inclusive practices within their sailing communities.
The workshops had four main objectives:
To increase knowledge of sustainability among Dutch sailors;
To encourage the application of sustainability principles in sailing activities and sailing school operations;
To raise awareness about inclusion and diversity challenges in sailing; and
To inspire participants to find practical solutions to overcome those challenges.
Floris and Ivar began by sharing insights from their eight-year sailing trip around the world, during which they documented innovative sustainable solutions. Drawing from this experience, they provided a compelling overview of environmental challenges within sailing—such as resource sourcing, energy generation, and antifouling practices—and explored how sailing schools and associations can contribute to a more sustainable future.
They also discussed the social dimensions of sustainability, emphasizing inclusion and diversity in sailing. Participants brainstormed actionable ideas to make sailing more accessible and inclusive, identifying areas for improvement.
Some key takeaways included:
The need for greater use of solar energy and sustainable materials in sailing schools;
Better accessibility and inclusiveness for people with disabilities or limited financial means;
The creation of a donation fund through which parents could help cover course fees for less wealthy participants;
Enhancing facilities to be more inclusive for handicapped and gender-neutral individuals.
The participants showed great enthusiasm, discipline, and creativity throughout the sessions, actively identifying both challenges and potential solutions.
Floris and Ivar concluded the workshops by introducing participants to valuable online resources available on the Sail4Sustainability Platform, including:
The Train the Trainer and Trainee Program,
The Toolkit on Diversity & Inclusion, and
The Guidelines and Code of Conduct – Sustainable Sailing Practices.
The workshops once again proved that sustainability and inclusion are powerful topics that resonate deeply within the sailing community, inspiring tangible change both on and off the water.
