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No industry can escape the long-term effects of climate change, and tourism is no exception. The advent of ‘green tourism’ is a response to the imminent crisis. It aims to make the art of travelling as environmentally friendly as possible.
Green boating is the future
Green boating comes in all shapes and sizes. Using less fuel is probably the most efficient method to reduce a boat’s carbon footprint. This is why an increasing number of vessels use wind and water-powered generators or solar panels these days. A further way to go green is to use eco-friendly products to refit and maintain the boat. This can take the form of non-toxic cleaning products and paint.
Additionally, it’s important for boaters to protect local marine ecosystems. This is especially relevant in fragile environments, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, for example. Mooring in deep waters is one way to immerse yourself in the beauty of local ecosystems without harming them.
For yacht charter companies, it’s important to ensure that renters are aware of these issues. In the case of skippered yacht charters, the captain and the rest of the crew are responsible for that. If it’s a bareboat charter, renters should be informed with relevant leaflets and other material.
Click&Boat’s Pioneers of Green Tourism
Many yacht charter companies that list their boats on Click&Boat go the extra mile to protect the environment.
One of them is Christianna Yachts, based in Athens, Greece. The gem of their fleet is Cosmos, a classic wooden ketch-style gullet available for crewed charters from Pireas. This boat is as green as it gets, with renewable energy generated by photo voltaic batteries. Cosmos has been refitted with local materials and reconditioned wood. Local artisans rebuilt its hull and cabins, equipping the boat with the patina of old-style, classic shipbuilding.
Lea Vonta is Director of Sales at Christianna Yachts. She says: “We strive to have the minimum carbon footprint in all our charters. This is part of our commitment to future generations and to durable, clean yachting, with respect to nature.”
As a part of its yacht charter services, the company offers food from organic and fair-trade sources. The onboard chef uses seasonal and local produce purchased from the ports of call. And, Christianna Yachts emphasise waste sorting and recycling, and limit single-use plastic on their boats.
Solar panels, the future of boating
Using solar panels is an up-and-coming method to reduce your boat’s energy costs and carbon footprint. Take this modern catamaran in Stockholm, for example. Equipped with solar panels, it’s certainly the future for the boating industry. No noise and no pollution!
