The countdown clock strikes 100 days today to the start of racing at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth.
From 19-24 September, the world’s best riders will take to the waters off Eastney Beach in a bid for Championship glory and a potential spot at the Paris 2024 Games.
But as well showcasing world class racing in this high-octane new Olympic discipline, the RYA and its partners are focused on promoting environmental responsibility through the event, as well as inspiring local communities around the marine environment and water-based opportunities.
Environmental commitment
The event is working towards being recognised as a Platinum Level Clean Regatta by conservation group Sailors for the Sea for its commitment to minimising its environmental impact.
The RYA, Portsmouth City Council and fellow event partners are working with The Green Blue to weave sustainability and environmentally responsible operations throughout the event’s planning.
Measures will include beach cleans, promoting greener travel, the use of renewable energy on site to power some of the facilities, encouraging responsible engine use by coach and support boats, supporting a local seagrass restoration project to help compensate carbon emissions and eliminating single-use plastic from the event wherever possible.
Youth opportunities
Environmental stewardship will also be a key theme of the RYA’s work with schools and local youth groups around the Championships, with the aim of using the event to help create a guided pathway to deepen connections with the marine environment, watersports participation and potential water-based careers.
Free STEM-based and curriculum-linked teaching resources are now available to access, and there are opportunities for schools and youth organisations in the Portsmouth area to attend the event from Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 September.
Groups will learn more about the exciting new sport of kite foiling up close and be able to take part in a specially-created Beach Club involving STEM activities and environmental challenges, as well as the opportunity to try out watersports.
