Prepare for Races with Sustainable Practice in mind.

" Positive change, we may not be perfect all the time but collectively we can change …. which is better than one or two doing everything "right" 

Think Clean Oceans

Let’s work together to make this race sustainable in all we do.

Before, During and Post race, we ask all crews and supporters to consider what you take on board, how you can reduce disposable plastics and other consumables, and use items that can be recycled and reused.

• Tips for what crew can do onboard - see below.
• What can be recycled, be surprised and check this out
• Sail / Rope Recycling Post Race – Let us Upcycle them, drop off at locations for recycling.

The Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster race will be pushing sustainability boundaries with initiatives on the ground in Hobart and whilst on the water.  This includes: 

Revive dead sails: where sailcloth is repurposed into bags.  There will be dedicated drop off point in Hobart. 

Recycling Rope: repurposing any ropes to be discarded. 

Waste Management: Ideas for crew to minimise waste and then how we will sort and recycle effectively in Hobart. 

When boating consider these changes to how you run your boat.

Showcasing: effects on a species local to the Derwent and how sailing responsibility will assist this endangered species.   What are Handfish?

Handfish are unique, illusive creatures, resembling an upset toad with modified pectoral fins that resemble human-like hands. They live on the seafloor where they eat worms, molluscs and crustaceans. They grow to around 10cm long and we dont know how long they live for. There are 3 species in the Hobart area.

Spotted handfish are critically endangered. It is estimated that there are less than 3000 individuals remaining. The Derwent Estuary is the only place on Earth these fish are found, a truly iconic Tasmanian species.

Spotted Handfish live in sheltered, fragile estuary floor areas. Historic dredging, introduced invasive species, vessel moorings, pollution and a warming climate create enormous pressures on these tiny, fragile creatures. So much about the Handfish is still unknown, and so we must act to protect its habitat to give one of the world's rarest fish the best chance at recovering.

When in Hobart, you can consider:

1. make sure we don't in the Derwent and use the sailing club pump-out stations.  Use the DSS pump out station for sewerage waste. Call 03 6223 1977 to arrange

2. Contain your rubbish. Responsibly manage your waste and encourage it among others. Call out littering behaviour, and if you do see litter, simply pick it up and place it in a bin

3. Take care when anchoring. Familiarise yourself with local species and environmental knowledge when traveling around, minimising harm and disturbance to seafloor ecosystems.

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