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Sailing is about being in harmony with nature. Using wind power, a sailboat uses no fossil fuels, which pollute the seas. Aboard s/v Gemini, we sail as much as possible. If the wind is light, we let out the sails; if it is strong, we reef the sails. If the wind is from "the wrong direction," we tack. Sailors learn to sail aboard s/v Gemini. Mechanical propulsion is sometimes necessary to maneuver in a tight harbor or when the wind completely dies and we need to outrun an approaching storm.
Why doesn't s/v Gemini have an electric propulsion system?
Sailors Keep Our Seas Blue by Learning to Boat Green
Sailors Keep Our Seas Blue by Learning to Boat Green
Five things you can do to be a more eco-friendly boater:
1.) Follow the laws regarding discharge of solid and liquid waste and the spilling of oil and other hazardous materials. Recycle your garbage, like you do on land.
2.) Wherever available, choose non-toxic paints, solvents and other environmentally friendly cleaning and maintenance methods. Do your boat maintenance on land if possible.
3.) Do something about your engine- keep it well tuned, prevent oil leaks, be careful when you re-fuel and minimize idle time. Combustion engines on a boat are probably the biggest environmental concern.
4.) Improve your sailing skills- the more you sail, the less you motor. You’ll enjoy being out on the water, you’ll go faster so less algae will grow on your hull, reducing the need to scrape toxic bottom paint into the water.
5.) Check out lots of other great green boating tips from these references:
On the Internet:
http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/greenboating.aspx
http://www.gogreensailor.com/Green_Boating_Tips.html
http://www.GreenBoatBlog.com
http://www.GreenBoating.net
