Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s (RVYC) Cadboro Bay marina has earned a four-anchor certification in Georgia Strait Alliance’s award-winning Clean Marine BC program for its commitment to environmentally sustainable operations.
A flag raising ceremony is being held at the Club at noon on August 19.
Clean Marine BC is a voluntary eco-certification program that demonstrates a commitment to environmental best practices by yacht clubs, marinas, harbour authorities, and boatyards that reduce and/or eliminate contaminants from entering our waters. Site verification audits are required to obtain certification for anchor ratings that range from one through five, and which remain current for three years when re-certification is required.
“Environmental stewardship is a core value of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and getting involved with the Clean Marine BC program was the next step on our journey of continual environmental improvement,” says Simon Gatrell, RVYC’s General Manager. “We are proud to be a part of the Clean Marine certified marinas, yacht clubs and boatyards, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship in the Strait of Georgia and beyond.”
“As a scientist specializing in the ocean’s role in climate change and climate variability, it’s top of mind for me that we must take measures to keep our oceans healthy to support a thriving marine environment and larger ecosystem,” says Dr. Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “I congratulate and commend Royal Victoria Yacht Club for taking this important step to demonstrate its stewardship and preserve the Strait of Georgia.”
“We want to congratulate the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on its decision to implement the measures required to achieve four anchors and become an environmentally sound marina,” says Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance. “Reducing the negative impacts on our waters through operational improvements at RVYC’s Cadboro Bay marina supports all our efforts to keep the Strait of Georgia healthy and that makes a positive difference to our communities, our marine life and our economy.”
Founded in 1892, RVYC is the oldest yacht club in Western Canada. It promotes yachting, boating, navigation, and seamanship. It offers racing, cruising, moorage, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Royal Victoria Yacht Club joins 22 other yacht clubs, marinas, boatyards and harbour authorities in flying the CMBC flag. “I want to recognize and thank Victoria Foundation for contributing to help make this, and other certifications possible. Today, we have eight CMBC-certified facilities in the Capital Regional District, with an additional six enrolled in the program,” says Wilhelmson.
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About the Clean Marine BC program
CMBC is a voluntary environmental recognition program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs, and boatyards. Launched by Georgia Strait Alliance in 2007, the five-anchor rating program helps boating facilities to improve upon and achieve excellence in environmental best practices.
Seventeen certified members representing 23 marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and wharfs are now part of the program, and another 22 facilities have adopted the Clean Marine BC policy and are working towards certification.
About Georgia Strait Alliance
Formed in 1990, Georgia Strait Alliance is the only conservation group working to protect and restore the marine environment and promote the sustainability of Georgia Strait, its adjoining waters and communities.
For more information, contact:
Christianne Wilhelmson
Executive Director
604-862 7579
christianne@georgiastrait.org