We are excited to share the highlights from our Sail4Sustainability national workshop held in Getxo, Spain, organized by MAS Abogados as part of the ongoing project activities.
From September 2024 to July 2025, a total of 37 participants—including young sailors, coaches, and representatives from local sailing clubs—took part in a series of engaging sessions aimed at strengthening a culture of sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible sailing.
What the Workshop Focused On
Participants explored key topics essential to shaping a modern, responsible sailing community:
Sustainability and environmental awareness in sailing
Inclusion and diversity in clubs and harbours
Good practice examples from the sector
Promoting sustainable behaviours and codes of conduct
Organizing eco-friendly social events
Building future “Sustainability Ambassadors” among coaches and young sailors
The sessions were led by Begoña Benito (Project Manager), who introduced the Sail4Sustainability toolkit and facilitated reflection on the role of education in creating long-term positive change.
Key Insights & Impact
The workshop fostered meaningful discussions about how sailing clubs can embed sustainability and inclusion in their everyday routines. Participants highlighted:
The value of the S4S toolkit in promoting fairness, respect, and teamwork
The importance of customized codes of conduct to shape club culture
Strong engagement in eco-friendly actions, including beach clean-ups and environmentally conscious regattas
The effectiveness of digital learning materials and project videos in raising awareness
This approach has strengthened community bonds and empowered clubs to take ownership of sustainability, making it a natural part of daily training and club life.
🧭 A Unique Implementation Approach
Instead of standalone workshops, sailing clubs were equipped with comprehensive didactic materials that they integrated into their regular training programs. This ensured:
Authentic, long-term adoption
Flexibility for clubs to adapt the content
Continuous learning rather than one-off moments
Stronger internal engagement and cultural change
Looking Ahead
Future sessions could benefit from more structured impact measurement, allowing us to track shifts in awareness, behaviour, and sustainability practices across clubs. Tailoring activities even more closely to local needs will further strengthen relevance and engagement.
