The impact of sailing
Module 4
Green Sailing in Practice
Sailing Course with Outdoor Activities
ERASMUS-SPORT-2025 ProjectNr: 101244870 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
About this module
1.Estimated time : 2.5-4 hours self paced
2. 60-90 minutes instructor debrief (optional)
3. Target Group : Youth (15-20 years)
4. Sailing Coaches/Trainers
Note: Images used in this material come from the Genially platform and from the website https://unsplash.com (credits are mentioned under the pictures) they were also provided by project partners: Zemun Sailing Club and Sandra Agius Darmanin from Vikings Sailing Club
Why This Module Matters
Sailing depends on healthy oceans and coastal environments.
Every action on the water can affect marine ecosystems, wildlife, and water quality.
Sustainable sailing practices help reduce environmental impact.
Responsible sailors contribute to the protection of marine habitats.
Reducing waste and pollution helps keep waterways clean and safe.
Environmental awareness supports better decision-making on the water.
Green sailing ensures future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from our seas. Objective of this module
• Develop basic sailing skills in real on-water conditions.
• Apply sustainable sailing practices as everyday habits.
• Observe environmental conditions such as wind, waves, currents, and water quality.
• Recognise signs of pollution, wildlife activity, and sensitive marine areas.
• Reflect on personal actions and make environmentally responsible decisions while sailing.
• Become an active ambassador for protecting marine ecosystems through responsible sailing behaviour.
Here you can include a relevant data to highlight
By the end of this module, you will be able to
Apply sustainable sailing principles in real conditions — not as rules, but as habits
Perform basic sailing tasks under (steering, trim, balance, teamwork) supervision
🧭
🌱
Observe environmental conditions: wind, water, current, and signs of ecological stress
Demonstrate responsible behaviour as defined by the SailGREEN framework
🌊
Observe environmental conditions: wind, water, current, and signs of ecological stress
The ocean is the navigator's teacher. You cannot argue with it — you can only learn to listen.
Ellen MacArthur
Preparation & Safety
Introduction
This unit prepares participants for the practical sailing session. It includes a safety briefing, introduction to equipment, and explanation of roles and responsibilities
Info
Photo by Lazarescu Alexandra on Unsplash
Quick checklist:
Life jacket correctly fitted
Am I ready to sail? A 10-point checklist:
Weather forecast reviewed
Waste bag secured
Reusable water bottle packed
No single-use plastics onboard
Quick checklist:
Sensitive zones identified
Am I ready to sail? A 10-point checklist:
Emergency procedure understood
Ropes and knots checked
Fuel handling reviewed
Equipment secured before launch
Crew: Helps with sail balance and movement.
Helm: Steers the boat.
Everyone prevents waste and pollution
Safety Support: Monitors conditions and provides assistance when needed.
Seagrass and underwater plants are easily damaged.
WILDLIFE AREAS Important habitats for birds,fish and marine life.
Launch Area Use designated launch / slipway zones only.
MARINE TRAFFIC High boat activity. Stay alert and give away.
Summary
Participants are now prepared to sail safely and responsibly. They understand their role onboard, completed the SailGREEN checklist and identified ways to reduce environmental impact during the session.
Interactive Question
Interactive Question
Interactive Question
Interactive Question
Practical Sailing Session
Introduction
Participants now take part in a guided sailing session where they apply the skills and environmental practices introduced in previous units. During the session, they will practice steering, balance, teamwork, and observation while experiencing real sailing conditions such as wind, waves, and currents. This is where sailing and environmental awareness come together. Participants are encouraged to pay attention not only to the boat, but also to the water, weather, and surrounding ecosystem. Sustainable sailing behaviours are applied naturally throughout the session — as part of being a responsible sailor.
Basic Sailing Skills
Sailing depends on the coordination between the sailor,enviornment and the boat.
Wind affects direction and sail control
Water surface helps sailors read conditions
Currents influence boat movement
Colour changes may indicate vegetation, depth, or sediment
Good sailors observe, reflect, and learn from the environment around them. During the session, participants complete a short observation card based on what they experienced on the water.
Q1:What is the wind doing right now?
Q2:What do you notice about the water surface?
Q3:Did you spot any waste or pollution?
Q4:One green sailing behaviour you practised
Q5:One decision you made that affected the environment
Q6:Something that surprised you today
Summary
Participants have now sailed under real environmental conditions while practising basic sailing skills, teamwork, and observation. During the session, they applied at least one green sailing behaviour and reflected on how sailing decisions can affect the surrounding environment. Good sailing is not only about controlling the boat it is also about understanding and respecting the water, weather, and ecosystems around you.
Observation & Environmental Awareness
Introduction
This unit focuses on observation during the sailing activity. Participants identify environmental conditions and reflect on how these influence sailing decisions.
Info
Wind
Environmental Observation Skills
direction, strength, sudden changes
Water Clarity
clear, cloudy, sediment, unusual colour
Sailors constantly observe the environment to understand changing conditions on the water. Careful observation helps sailors make decisions, identify environmental changes, and become more aware of the ecosystems around them.
Wildlife
birds, fish, vegetation, movement patterns
Pollution
floating waste, foam, fuel sheen, debris
Surface Changes
ripples, waves, calm patches, currents
Where is the wind coming from?
North
observe and click on one of the arrows to select the correct option.
West
East
South
How strong is the wind?
Look at the sail and the water.Choose the correct option that matches the condition.
Moderate Breeze
Calm
Light Air
Fresh breeze
Strong breeze
Near gale
Gentle breeze
Light Breeze
🖐️ Drag the correct label for highlighter water.
Choppy
Waves
Calm
00:15
Timer Quiz
You have 15 seconds. What environmental concerns can you identify?
start
00:03
Oil Sheen
Plastic Bottle
Foam
Rope Fragment
00:15
Timer Quiz
You have 15 seconds. Observe the environment carefully. What signs of wildlife can you identify?
start
What did you notice today that cannot be seen from shore?
Think about the wind,water,life and enviornment around you. Reflect on what stood out.
Summary
Participants have completed a structured environmental observation of their local sailing environment. Through on-water observation, environmental awareness activities, and reflection exercises, they identified changing conditions, wildlife, pollution indicators, and sensitive areas within the sailing environment. Their observation cards and photographs will now be used as the basis for discussion and reflection in Unit 4.
Reflection & Learning Consolidation
The session is over. The learning begins now.
Reflection Cycle
What will you do next time?
What happened?
Learning from experience.
What did you notice?
What does it mean?
sailgreen
Observation Journal
What stood out to you most today?
What stood out to you most today?
Choose an observation from the session to reflect on. Review the images, think about what you noticed on the water, and consider how environmental awareness can influence future sailing decisions and behaviours.
At the 2018 Youth Sailing World Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas, organisers collected 25 bags of waste from the venue before the event — and only 2 bags after it. The difference wasn't enforcement. It was 382 young sailors from 66 countries who had participated in a sustainability programme before they raced. They had reflected. They had connected. They behaved differently.
Reflection is what separates a good experience from a learning experience. Use your observation card. Look at what you noted. What did the water tell you today? What did you do about it — or what will you do next time?
People changed their behaviour and the environment changed too.
THANK YOU!
Conclusion
Throughout this module, participants explored the connection between sailing, environmental awareness, and responsible behaviour on the water. The course combined practical sailing preparation with observation, reflection.
participants reflected on their experiences through discussion, observation review, and personal commitments. They explored how awareness and reflection can influence future behaviour and contribute to healthier marine environments.
participants developed basic environmental observation skills while sailing. They learned how wind, waves, currents, wildlife, and changing water conditions provide important information about both navigation and the marine environment.
"We must sustain what sustains us.” — António Guterres
Glossary
- Helm: the person steering
- PFD / life jacket: personal flotation device
- Seabin: floating debris-collection device
- Sensitive zone: area with wildlife, vegetation or regulated access
- Single-use plastic: disposable item not designed for reuse
- Tacking: turning the bow through the wind
- Jibing: turning the stern through the wind
- Telltale: ribbon on the sail indicating wind flow
- Beaufort scale: wind strength classification from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane)
- Microplastic: plastic fragment under 5mm, major marine pollutant
- Fetch: distance wind travels across open water affecting wave height
- Turbidity: cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles
- Thermocline: boundary between water layers of different temperatures
- Invasive species: non-native organism disrupting local ecosystems
- Debrief: structured post-activity discussion for learning and reflection
- Commitment card: personal written pledge to a future behaviour
- Green sailing: environmentally responsible behaviour during sailing activities
further readings
- The Ocean Race – Generation Ocean Free e-learning programme on ocean health, plastic pollution, and ocean advocacy.
- Sailors for the Sea – KELP Videos Short educational videos for young sailors on sustainability and ocean science.
- EurILCA Sustainability Programme Real examples of sustainable sailing events and environmental action in sailing clubs.
- World Sailing Sustainability Education Programme Educational programme covering climate, biodiversity, waste, fuel, and marine awareness.
- Reflection in Experiential Learning Introduction to reflection as part of outdoor and practical learning experiences.
- Kolb, D. A. (1984) – Experiential Learning Foundational learning theory based on experience, reflection, and action.
- Clean Regattas Toolkit Guidelines and best practices for reducing environmental impact during sailing events.
- World Sailing Impact Report 2024 Overview of sustainability initiatives and environmental projects in global sailing.
- Youth Sailing World Championships Sustainability Story Case study showing how sustainability programmes changed participant behaviour.
Thank you!
ERASMUS-SPORT-2025Project-Nr: 101244870
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be help responsible for them.
Every session starts before you leave the dock. Professional sailors know this and it's what separates a good day on the water from a dangerous one. At the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships on Lake Garda, organisers partnered with the University of Trento to present research on microplastic pollution in the lake — detected using Seabins — to over 470 young sailors before racing. That session didn't slow the event down.
It made it more meaningful. Preparation is not a formality. It is how we show respect: to each other, to the water, and to the environment we depend on. In this unit you will check your equipment, understand your role on board, and complete the SailGREEN pre-session checklist. Think of it as the green sailing equivalent of a pilot's pre-flight check.
(Participants are reminded of key principles from previous modules without repeating theoretical content).
Asya Ikizler was 17 years old when she picked up a camera at an ILCA event and filmed a short video about plastic pollution in the sailing venue. That video prompted EurILCA to launch their Sustainability Programme — which by 2025 had achieved four consecutive certification awards, including three consecutive Platinum Clean Regatta certifications at European Championships, and inspired clubs across Europe to replicate the model.
She didn't have a PhD in marine biology. She just paid attention. That's the skill this unit develops: the ability to notice what is happening around you on the water — and to connect what you see to what it means. This is not a teaching unit. No new content is introduced. The instruction is simple: look, and record what you find.
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Transcript
The impact of sailing
Module 4
Green Sailing in Practice
Sailing Course with Outdoor Activities
ERASMUS-SPORT-2025 ProjectNr: 101244870 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
About this module
1.Estimated time : 2.5-4 hours self paced
2. 60-90 minutes instructor debrief (optional)
3. Target Group : Youth (15-20 years)
4. Sailing Coaches/Trainers
Note: Images used in this material come from the Genially platform and from the website https://unsplash.com (credits are mentioned under the pictures) they were also provided by project partners: Zemun Sailing Club and Sandra Agius Darmanin from Vikings Sailing Club
Why This Module Matters
Objective of this module
• Develop basic sailing skills in real on-water conditions. • Apply sustainable sailing practices as everyday habits. • Observe environmental conditions such as wind, waves, currents, and water quality. • Recognise signs of pollution, wildlife activity, and sensitive marine areas. • Reflect on personal actions and make environmentally responsible decisions while sailing. • Become an active ambassador for protecting marine ecosystems through responsible sailing behaviour.
Here you can include a relevant data to highlight
By the end of this module, you will be able to
Apply sustainable sailing principles in real conditions — not as rules, but as habits
Perform basic sailing tasks under (steering, trim, balance, teamwork) supervision
🧭
🌱
Observe environmental conditions: wind, water, current, and signs of ecological stress
Demonstrate responsible behaviour as defined by the SailGREEN framework
🌊
Observe environmental conditions: wind, water, current, and signs of ecological stress
The ocean is the navigator's teacher. You cannot argue with it — you can only learn to listen.
Ellen MacArthur
Preparation & Safety
Introduction
This unit prepares participants for the practical sailing session. It includes a safety briefing, introduction to equipment, and explanation of roles and responsibilities
Info
Photo by Lazarescu Alexandra on Unsplash
Quick checklist:
Life jacket correctly fitted
Am I ready to sail? A 10-point checklist:
Weather forecast reviewed
Waste bag secured
Reusable water bottle packed
No single-use plastics onboard
Quick checklist:
Sensitive zones identified
Am I ready to sail? A 10-point checklist:
Emergency procedure understood
Ropes and knots checked
Fuel handling reviewed
Equipment secured before launch
Crew: Helps with sail balance and movement.
Helm: Steers the boat.
Everyone prevents waste and pollution
Safety Support: Monitors conditions and provides assistance when needed.
Seagrass and underwater plants are easily damaged.
WILDLIFE AREAS Important habitats for birds,fish and marine life.
Launch Area Use designated launch / slipway zones only.
MARINE TRAFFIC High boat activity. Stay alert and give away.
Summary
Participants are now prepared to sail safely and responsibly. They understand their role onboard, completed the SailGREEN checklist and identified ways to reduce environmental impact during the session.
Interactive Question
Interactive Question
Interactive Question
Interactive Question
Practical Sailing Session
Introduction
Participants now take part in a guided sailing session where they apply the skills and environmental practices introduced in previous units. During the session, they will practice steering, balance, teamwork, and observation while experiencing real sailing conditions such as wind, waves, and currents. This is where sailing and environmental awareness come together. Participants are encouraged to pay attention not only to the boat, but also to the water, weather, and surrounding ecosystem. Sustainable sailing behaviours are applied naturally throughout the session — as part of being a responsible sailor.
Basic Sailing Skills
Sailing depends on the coordination between the sailor,enviornment and the boat.
Wind affects direction and sail control
Water surface helps sailors read conditions
Currents influence boat movement
Colour changes may indicate vegetation, depth, or sediment
Good sailors observe, reflect, and learn from the environment around them. During the session, participants complete a short observation card based on what they experienced on the water.
Q1:What is the wind doing right now?
Q2:What do you notice about the water surface?
Q3:Did you spot any waste or pollution?
Q4:One green sailing behaviour you practised
Q5:One decision you made that affected the environment
Q6:Something that surprised you today
Summary
Participants have now sailed under real environmental conditions while practising basic sailing skills, teamwork, and observation. During the session, they applied at least one green sailing behaviour and reflected on how sailing decisions can affect the surrounding environment. Good sailing is not only about controlling the boat it is also about understanding and respecting the water, weather, and ecosystems around you.
Observation & Environmental Awareness
Introduction
This unit focuses on observation during the sailing activity. Participants identify environmental conditions and reflect on how these influence sailing decisions.
Info
Wind
Environmental Observation Skills
direction, strength, sudden changes
Water Clarity
clear, cloudy, sediment, unusual colour
Sailors constantly observe the environment to understand changing conditions on the water. Careful observation helps sailors make decisions, identify environmental changes, and become more aware of the ecosystems around them.
Wildlife
birds, fish, vegetation, movement patterns
Pollution
floating waste, foam, fuel sheen, debris
Surface Changes
ripples, waves, calm patches, currents
Where is the wind coming from?
North
observe and click on one of the arrows to select the correct option.
West
East
South
How strong is the wind?
Look at the sail and the water.Choose the correct option that matches the condition.
Moderate Breeze
Calm
Light Air
Fresh breeze
Strong breeze
Near gale
Gentle breeze
Light Breeze
🖐️ Drag the correct label for highlighter water.
Choppy
Waves
Calm
00:15
Timer Quiz
You have 15 seconds. What environmental concerns can you identify?
start
00:03
Oil Sheen
Plastic Bottle
Foam
Rope Fragment
00:15
Timer Quiz
You have 15 seconds. Observe the environment carefully. What signs of wildlife can you identify?
start
What did you notice today that cannot be seen from shore?
Think about the wind,water,life and enviornment around you. Reflect on what stood out.
Summary
Participants have completed a structured environmental observation of their local sailing environment. Through on-water observation, environmental awareness activities, and reflection exercises, they identified changing conditions, wildlife, pollution indicators, and sensitive areas within the sailing environment. Their observation cards and photographs will now be used as the basis for discussion and reflection in Unit 4.
Reflection & Learning Consolidation
The session is over. The learning begins now.
Reflection Cycle
What will you do next time?
What happened?
Learning from experience.
What did you notice?
What does it mean?
sailgreen
Observation Journal
What stood out to you most today?
What stood out to you most today?
Choose an observation from the session to reflect on. Review the images, think about what you noticed on the water, and consider how environmental awareness can influence future sailing decisions and behaviours.
At the 2018 Youth Sailing World Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas, organisers collected 25 bags of waste from the venue before the event — and only 2 bags after it. The difference wasn't enforcement. It was 382 young sailors from 66 countries who had participated in a sustainability programme before they raced. They had reflected. They had connected. They behaved differently.
Reflection is what separates a good experience from a learning experience. Use your observation card. Look at what you noted. What did the water tell you today? What did you do about it — or what will you do next time?
People changed their behaviour and the environment changed too.
THANK YOU!
Conclusion
Throughout this module, participants explored the connection between sailing, environmental awareness, and responsible behaviour on the water. The course combined practical sailing preparation with observation, reflection.
participants reflected on their experiences through discussion, observation review, and personal commitments. They explored how awareness and reflection can influence future behaviour and contribute to healthier marine environments.
participants developed basic environmental observation skills while sailing. They learned how wind, waves, currents, wildlife, and changing water conditions provide important information about both navigation and the marine environment.
"We must sustain what sustains us.” — António Guterres
Glossary
further readings
Thank you!
ERASMUS-SPORT-2025Project-Nr: 101244870
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be help responsible for them.
Every session starts before you leave the dock. Professional sailors know this and it's what separates a good day on the water from a dangerous one. At the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships on Lake Garda, organisers partnered with the University of Trento to present research on microplastic pollution in the lake — detected using Seabins — to over 470 young sailors before racing. That session didn't slow the event down.
It made it more meaningful. Preparation is not a formality. It is how we show respect: to each other, to the water, and to the environment we depend on. In this unit you will check your equipment, understand your role on board, and complete the SailGREEN pre-session checklist. Think of it as the green sailing equivalent of a pilot's pre-flight check. (Participants are reminded of key principles from previous modules without repeating theoretical content).
Asya Ikizler was 17 years old when she picked up a camera at an ILCA event and filmed a short video about plastic pollution in the sailing venue. That video prompted EurILCA to launch their Sustainability Programme — which by 2025 had achieved four consecutive certification awards, including three consecutive Platinum Clean Regatta certifications at European Championships, and inspired clubs across Europe to replicate the model.
She didn't have a PhD in marine biology. She just paid attention. That's the skill this unit develops: the ability to notice what is happening around you on the water — and to connect what you see to what it means. This is not a teaching unit. No new content is introduced. The instruction is simple: look, and record what you find.
Untertitel