SVG Sailing Week earns gold certification for sustainability

The successful staging of SVG Sailing Week 2026 has once again positioned St Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier Caribbean sailing destination, delivering an exceptional blend of competitive racing, cultural experiences and impactful environmental stewardship.

A defining feature of this year’s event was the strengthened execution of the Sail Green SVG initiative, guided by international best practices in sustainable event management.

Following the successful execution of the event, SVG Sailing Week 2026 has been awarded the Clean Regattas Gold Certificate, recognising the event as one of the leading sustainable sailing competitions worldwide. The certification, issued by Sailors for the Sea’s Clean Regattas programme, is awarded to regattas that meet high standards in environmental protection, waste reduction and ocean conservation.

The eight-day event drew sailors from across the Caribbean and beyond for thrilling yacht, cruising, and traditional double-ender races in St Vincent, Bequia, and Canouan. It also celebrated local culture, community spirit and environmental stewardship.

A major driver of this year’s success was the Sail Green SVG campaign, which introduced targeted measures to reduce environmental impact.

Organisers 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 reduced by moving schedules and race information online. Awards were locally crafted or repurposed trophies.

Efforts also extended beyond the racecourse. More than 40 volunteers from over a dozen organisations took part in a beach cleanup at Big Sands, Sandy Bay, collecting about 20 bags of waste. Educational sessions also raised awareness about marine life, including the protection of leatherback turtles.

Green Campaign lead, Amber Glasgow, said the gold certification marks a turning point for the event. “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.”

Organisers are now targeting Platinum status by 2027, aiming to further strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ position as a leader in sustainable tourism.

Bringing together competitive racing, community engagement and environmental action, SVG Sailing Week is setting a new benchmark for sustainable events across the Caribbean.

(PR)