Saltspring Island Sailing Club (SISC) has become certified by Georgia Strait Alliance’s award-winning Clean Marine BC program, making it the first boating facility in the Southern Gulf Islands to be recognized for its commitment to environmentally sustainable operations.
A flag raising ceremony will be held at the club on May 1.
Eric van Soeren – photo by Michelle Young
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.
“We are a cooperative sailing organization, and our membership values not only fostering and promoting interest in cruising and sailing, but encouraging the responsible management and use of our waters,” says Eric van Soeren, Past Commodore of SISC. “The CMBC program helps guide the club in how to continually improve our operations.”
Saltspring Island Sailing Club – photo by Michelle Young
“This is a great accomplishment and a very proud moment for the Saltspring Island Sailing Club, the community and also for Georgia Strait Alliance, as eco-certification is now part of the Southern Gulf Islands communities,” says Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance.
SISC’s eco-rating follows a successful site verification. “Our members deserve the congratulations. It’s because of their hard work that the Club has been able to gain this valuable eco-certification that helps to promote sustainable sailing,” says van Soeren.
The Saltspring Island Sailing Club joins 22 other yacht clubs, marinas, boatyards and harbour authority docks in flying the CMBC flag.
–30–
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.
Sixteen certified members representing 22 marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and wharfs are now part of the program, and another 21 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