EIA and the Global Ocean Race: A Partnership for the Future

 

 

EIA and our partner the Global Ocean Race (GOR) are pioneering a programme aiming to promote high standards of environmental responsibility amongst the sailing community.

The double-handed, Class 40 around-the-world yacht race includes a set of environmental criteria to which the teams must comply when in port and at sea. Rubbish disposal, biofouling measures and renewable power are among the priorities.

Collisions between yachts and whales threaten the lives of whales and sailors and can cause catastrophic damage to yachts. EIA will use this prestigious high profile race to increase awareness of the threat and the importance of reporting incidents. EIA and GOR will work in collaboration with the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and experts to help find ways to prevent collisions.

The GOR teams will be racing in parts of the oceans beyond the range and budget of research vessels. EIA is establishing a new data collection programme in cooperation with scientists. GOR competitors will be able to contribute by photographing sightings of whales, dolphins and other species, marine debris and other interesting encounters. Information gathered will contribute to increasing our knowledge of the oceans and the species that inhabit them.

Read all the latest news from the Global Ocean Race here