SVG Sailing Week 2026 has secured a major sustainability milestone, earning the Clean Regattas Gold Certificate following the successful staging of this year’s event.
The eight-day regatta once again positioned Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier sailing destination, blending competitive racing with cultural programming and a strengthened focus on environmental stewardship.
The certification, issued by Sailors for the Sea through its Clean Regattas programme, recognizes regattas that meet high standards in waste reduction, ocean conservation and environmental protection. Organizers said the recognition places the event among the leading sustainable sailing competitions globally.
Central to that achievement was the expanded execution of the Sail Green SVG initiative, which introduced targeted measures to minimize the event’s environmental footprint. Organizers reduced single-use plastics and partnered with Action Bequia and All Island Recycling Inc to install clearly marked recycling stations and improve waste management where plastics were unavoidable. Paper use was also cut by moving schedules and race information online, while awards were locally crafted or repurposed trophies.
Racing took place across St. Vincent, Bequia and Canouan, drawing sailors from across the Caribbean and beyond for yacht, cruising and traditional double-ender competitions. The event also emphasized community engagement, with more than 40 volunteers from over a dozen organizations participating in a beach cleanup at Big Sands, Sandy Bay, collecting approximately 20 bags of waste. Educational sessions highlighted marine conservation, including the protection of leatherback turtles.
Green Campaign Lead Amber Glasgow said the certification represents a broader shift in how the event is being developed. “This is bigger than sailing. It’s about the kind of event we’re building, one that celebrates our culture, protects our environment and sets a new standard for sustainable tourism in the region.”
Organizers are now targeting Platinum status by 2027 as they seek to further strengthen the country’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
By combining competitive racing, community involvement and environmental action, SVG Sailing Week continues to set a benchmark for sustainable events across the Caribbean.
