Every month, we ask our Captains’ Club community about a hot topic. This month, we wanted to know about sustainability. From refit to plastic straw bans, does it work in yachting or is it just a green fantasy?
Our vessel was assessed a few years ago under the Yacht Club de Monaco SEA Index. Being a high-powered yacht compared to its gross tonnage, we didn’t score particularly well — on a scale where one star is not great and five stars is very efficient. That said, the process was genuinely useful and highlighted clear, practical ways we can improve our efficiency going forward. Beyond the environmental benchmarking, the SEA Index also brings real incentives, including berthing discounts and priority access for more efficient yachts. Overall, it’s a constructive and credible system that encourages improvement.
When I see existing hulls converted to more energy-efficient propulsion systems and power generation, then I will be a bit more supportive. But to use the resources required to create new 70-meter-plus yachts is not in the best interests of the environment.
Bamboo straws. No plastic or paper.
I can’t talk about sustainability when burning up to 10,000 liters per hour.
I’m on an older boat where repowering isn’t a realistic option. We reduced our cruise speed to 9 knots unless absolutely necessary.
I can’t be the only one who has burned 500 gallons of fuel to retrieve two more cases of Cristal.
No plastic water bottles. Regular water testing and cleaning. Everyone gets a Yeti bottle.