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With registrations now closed for the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race, 171 boats have registered to participate. The official program for the 53rd edition is available with articles and information about the 636nm race starting on June 21.

The 2022 race, held biennially, was the first where captains were urged to appoint an ‘environmental steward’ on board each participating boat. In response, 50 e-stewards took on the challenge and directed their crews to plan and provision conscientiously, with the health of the oceans in mind. Click here for some of their best practices and ideas.

Chan Reis, BROC’s Environmental Stewardship Chair, underlines the importance of this initiative (click here) and emphasizes the vital connection between sailors and the ocean playground they traverse. “Adding an e-steward to your team is one way we can draw attention to that need,” Reis confirms.

So far in 2024, 30 boats had already appointed an e-steward. Here’s some feedback on what they’re doing to integrate sustainability practices into their preparations:

• Dave Johnson, Safir, emphasizes the transformative power of collective action. “The crew didn’t see me as the type of person who necessarily focused on ‘green’ goals or sustainability, but I convinced them that there were real actions we could all take to make a difference,” he says.

• Karen Harris, Assarain IV, echoes the sentiment and emphasizes the importance of every choice made on board. “Every item on board is a choice,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of selecting eco-friendly alternatives, from compostable garbage bags to reusable kitchen utensils.

• Tori Gimple, Banter, champions innovative solutions and highlights the game-changing impact of initiatives such as stackable water containers.

• David Bice, Raven, says his owner, Gary Hooper, has installed new energy-efficient batteries to reduce engine running.

• Paul Cunningham, Gunga Jin, says they use marine-friendly anti-fouling paint that Pettit Odyssey Triton chose for its minimal impact on the environment.

• Jeff LoSapio Skadi, says they have eliminated non-reusable plates, cups and utensils. “Everyone gets one plastic plate and cup, and several years ago we evaluated eight different options to find the perfect spork. The crew love their sporks!”

• Andrew Baris Dire Wolf, equipped 5-gallon jugs equipped with a pump for refilling personal reusable water bottles.

For more information about the resources and initiatives: bermudarace.com/sustainability

Race details – Entrant list – Facebook