ORC Doublehanded European Championship 2025 is dedicated to follow the Clean Regatta best practices to organise a sustainable event aligning and supporting World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030

The Clean Regattas – a globally recognized certification program by Sailors for the Sea, is designed to guide and inspire events to minimize their environmental footprint. By embracing their principles, we commit to implementing best practices that help reduce waste, protect marine ecosystems, and engage our sailing community in proactive conservation efforts.

ORC DH Europeans has applied to be certified as an official Clean Regatta event, committed to follow the best practices of the program.

ORC Doublehanded Europeans Helsinki 2025 Aligns with Clean Regatta GUIDELINES

BEST PRACTICES

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FOR A SUSTAINABLE EVENT

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BEST PRACTICES 〰️ FOR A SUSTAINABLE EVENT 〰️

NO SINGLE USED ITEMS

Refill Stations: In Finland we can enjoy worlds finest water directly from the tap. You can skip the single-use plastic water bottles. Refill your reusable bottle at any tap in the harbour.

Plastic-Free Food Service: All food is served with eco-friendly, plastic-free dinnerware.

Reusable Bags: Bring your own bag or grab a reusable one at the event.

Practical Trophies: Awards are eco-conscious, practical items or upcycled trophies that champion sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Green Transportation: Consider eco-friendly transport options like biking, walking, or carpooling.

Protect the local habitats: Be mindful of local wildlife and protected habitats while you enjoy the event.

Plant-Based Choices: Find delicious vegetarian and vegan options to help minimize our environmental impact.

Keep Helsinki Clean: Plogging combines jogging with picking up litter—a fun and impactful way to get some exercise while keeping our beautiful surroundings clean. Whether you're walking, jogging, or running, every piece of litter you pick up helps protect our environment.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Spreading the Word: We’re publicizing our efforts to inspire our visitors, athletes, and community to take eco-friendly actions.

Local Partners: By teaming up with local organizations, we’re making a stronger environmental impact.

Reusable Signage: Our signs are designed from recycled materials or designed to be reusable to reduce waste.

Sustainable Food: Enjoy local foods, vegetarian and sustainably-sourced seafood options to support our region’s ecosystem.

GREEN BOATING

Our team promotes eco-conscious boating and management practices, dedicated to preventing pollutants and waste from entering the water.

Sustainable Boating Guidelines: Enjoy the race and help keep the waters clean

The release of sewage into waterways has been prohibited by law in Finland since 2005.

All boats equipped with a marine toilet must also be equipped with a pumpout system. The waste is deposited and stored in a septic tank aboard the boat and is emptied at the race harbour by using a septic pump. This ensures that the sewage is processed at a water purification plant instead of being dumped and causing the eutrophication of our natural environment and waterways.

RESPONSIBLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

Green Team Support: A dedicated Green Team is on-site to keep waste streams managed and help us stay eco-friendly.

Clear Waste Stations: Look for well-marked bins for recycling, compost, and general waste.

Food Waste Diversion: We’re working to compost and divert food waste from landfills.

Paperless Planning: From registration to schedules, we’re keeping things digital to save resources.

Green Regatta Guide – DH Europeans at HSK Harbour

Welcome to the DH Europeans at HSK Harbour! As we embrace the spirit of sailing, let's also commit to preserving the beautiful Finnish environment. This guide provides essential information on sustainable practices and recycling protocols to ensure our event leaves a positive impact.

Let's collectively minimize our environmental footprint:

  • Reusable items: Bring and use reusable water bottles, utensils, and bags.

  • Wash with care: Use fresh water carefully and wash your dishes in HSK premises to avoid grey water entering the Baltic Sea.

  • Transportation: Opt for public transport, cycling, or carpooling to and from the venue.

  • Local products: Support local vendors and choose sustainable products.

♻️ Recycling in Finland:
A Quick Overview

Finland boasts a robust recycling system. Proper waste sorting is crucial for environmental conservation. Here's how you can contribute:

🟤 Biowaste (Brown Bin)

  • What to dispose: Food scraps, peels, coffee grounds, and other organic materials.

  • Note: Use biodegradable bags for collection.

🔵 Paper (Blue Bin)

  • What to dispose: Newspapers, magazines, office paper.

  • Note: Ensure items are clean and dry.

🟡 Cardboard (Yellow Bin)

  • What to dispose: Cereal boxes, packaging cartons.

  • Note: Flatten boxes to save space.

🟢 Glass (Green Bin)

  • What to dispose: Glass bottles and jars.

  • Note: Rinse and remove caps or lids.

⚪ Metal (Grey Bin)

  • What to dispose: Tin cans, aluminum foil, small metal items.

  • Note: Rinse to remove food residues.

🟠 Plastic (Orange Bin)

  • What to dispose: Plastic bottles, containers, packaging.

  • Note: Rinse and avoid mixing different types of plastics.

⚫ Mixed Waste (Black or Grey Bin)

  • What to dispose: Non-recyclable items like ceramics, diapers.

  • Note: Use this bin as a last resort.

🍾 Bottle and Can Deposit System

Finland operates a deposit-refund system for beverage containers:

  • Eligible items: Plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans.

  • How it works: Return empty containers to reverse vending machines located in most grocery stores to receive a refund.

  • Deposit values: €0.10-€0.40

This system achieves a recycling rate of over 90%, significantly reducing litter and conserving resources.

🗑️ Waste Management at HSK Harbour

HSK Harbour is equipped with clearly labeled recycling stations. Please adhere to the following:

  • Sort waste correctly: Use designated bins for each waste type.

  • Hazardous waste: Do not dispose of batteries, electronics, or chemicals in regular bins. Consult event staff for proper disposal methods.

“We as sailors depend on the water and the wind to be able to practice our sports. Therefore we should be committed to preserving these natural resources. During our race and event activities on water and on land, we understand that we are temporary stewards of the natural environment. Our at-sea and race village operations are planned to ensure we meet or exceed any environmental regulations, protocols or best practice.”

— Noora Westerlund, Regatta Chair