The people who live on the Caribbean islands are dependent upon tourists to come and enjoy the sea, sun, and sand that make the Caribbean a spectacular destination. Unfortunately, this ocean, once thought to be inexhaustible, fragile and unending, now is finite. It’s good to know that more people are concerned about sustainable travel, carbon offsetting and reducing travel industry carbon footprint. You always have the option to choose how you want to impact the places you visit. A Caribbean sailing charter yacht is the best vacation for the environment. Read more now on yacht sales mallorca

Sailors have known for centuries that the interaction between a sailing boat and the elements of water and weather encourages not only great rewards but also a sense of well-being. As countless charterers discovered, a sailing yacht is not only good for you, but also for the environment. The ultimate green activity is a sailing charter yacht. Sailing is an ancient form of pollution-free transportation. Your sailing charter yacht will be powered by wind, so you’ll use little to no fuel. The Caribbean sailing charter is a refreshing vacation for the senses. It is all-natural, clean and refreshing.
We all have an effect on the environment, even though sailing is a green pastime. Charter yachts can take many steps, whether they are taken by the bases that rent out the yachts or the charterers, to maintain the quality of the water and the local environment of the Caribbean.
Many marinas and charter yacht bases are constantly improving their facilities and educating the public to help protect our fragile ecosystem. They also use recycling and new technology. Sunsail’s Wickhams Cay II facility in Tortola has developed an environmentally friendly breakwater to improve water circulation and filter runoff. They are also upgrading the seawater-desalination plant and linking the holding tank pumps to the town sewer system. A new water flushing system is being incorporated into the seawall, allowing better circulation within the inner harbor. Seawater pumps will help to improve the natural circulation by moving water from the entrance of the harbor into the innermost part of the harbor. The water will be filtered in order to improve its quality. The docks at the new Marina at Marigot Bay in St.Lucia were designed to ensure that the entire Marigot Bay Mangrove System was not disturbed and more mangroves planted for the reserve’s growth. The marina was built with minimal impact on the environment. The Barefoot Charter Yacht base in St. Vincent is focused on water conservation. Recently, they installed a cutting-edge sewage disposal system which produces water that is almost potable at the other end. Rainwater is collected in 500-gallon tanks and used to water the lawns. Water conservation is a concern in the British Virgin Islands where rainfall is rare. Water is produced at the Moorings Base with a desalination system that can produce 65,000 gallons of water per day. Two 100,000 gallon storage cisterns are also available. Their laundry facility also saves 12,000 gallons per day by using a re-useable water treatment system. Lastly, many bases use the Caribbean to encourage charter yacht sailors to respect the environment. Horizon Yacht Charters staff in the BVI explain the importance of protecting corals and the sea during chart briefings. All yachts are given a brochure called “Year of the Reef” which describes global efforts to promote coral growth. Before taking their charter yacht at Barefoot bases sailors must sign an “agreement” to promote environmentally-friendly sailing.
It is up to you as the eco-friendly and responsible charterer to reduce the environmental impact of sailing. Consider the following to ensure that sailing on a charter yacht is the ultimate eco-friendly activity.
1. Respect the environment. Enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean and observe it without damaging it. When snorkeling or diving on coral reefs, be very cautious. A single kick with your fins could destroy years of coral growth. Don’t touch the organisms, either with your equipment or body. Always clean up your own mess.
2. Booking charter yachts that use alternative energy systems is a good idea. Charter yachts are being designed by many boat builders to be more environmentally friendly. Many charter yachts now use solar panels and wind generators to power their boat systems. They reduce the amount of time it takes to run the motor to charge the batteries. Ask your yacht charter broker if these “green” vessels are available.
3. Reduce your carbon footprint. Use the natural ventilation to keep you comfortable by opening the side vents, hatches, and other areas. The constant trade winds, which bring in plenty of fresh oxygen, are part of the fun of sailing a Caribbean charter yacht. You are generating a lot pollution if you use the generators to cool your yacht all day or night.
4. Reduce the amount of trash you produce. Garbage disposal on islands is usually landfills, as recycling is considered to be too expensive. Limit the amount of trash you produce. Avoid bringing plastic items on board such as plastic bags, disposable cups, plates and cutlery, or six-pack rings. Instead of buying plastic bags at the store, bring your own reusable bags to shop. Buy gallon jugs instead of small plastic bottles and one souvenir cup per person. This reduces the amount of plastic used and leaves a smaller carbon foot print.
5. Provision green. Consider the products that you will be buying and choose less-harmful products to help preserve the environment for future generation’s enjoyment. In the Caribbean, many grocery stores sell cleaning products with the brand names “7th Generation” and “ECOVER”, which are not harmful to the water if the products end up in it.
6. Garbage Disposal Never throw food or garbage overboard. Our food is not suitable for fish and other wildlife. Food from humans alters fish’s natural feeding behaviour, disrupts predator-prey relationships, and alters the balance of nutrients in the reef. Keep loose items like plastic bags in a safe place so that they don’t end up floating overboard. Although they may seem small to some people, cigarette butts are not. They can survive up to five year on the beach, or in the water. Sea creatures mistakenly consuming them as food will die. Even though some islands charge a small amount per bag, you should only dispose of trash at designated areas or using the trash pickup boats.
7. Water toys Water toys. You can find many water toys on your Caribbean charter yacht which do not require fossil fuel. Try kayaks, sailingdinghies and kiteboards.
A vacation to the Caribbean is a great way to relax, unwind and rejuvenate your spirit. Caribbean vacations are a great way to relax, enjoy the palm-fringed beaches, trade winds, and laid-back atmosphere. It is our responsibility to do all we can to protect the natural resources of the islands. A sailing charter yacht is without a doubt one of the best ways to enjoy your Caribbean vacation in an environmentally-friendly way.