An IYC Guest Guide to A More Sustainable Yacht Charter
While superyachts are not typically known for their sustainability credentials, today there is increasing awareness, and more action being taken to help alleviate yachting's environmental impacts.
Being a guest on a luxury yacht charter is an incredible experience, allowing you to travel to some of the world's most amazing locations and enjoy the ocean's natural beauty.
As the yachting industry becomes more conscious of its impacts, shipyards are embracing greener technology, and steps are being taken on the regulatory horizon to help yachts better monitor and reduce impact. But, there are also ways in which charter guests can help.
Here are some of tips on how to be a more sustainable guest onboard a charter yacht this summer:
Choose More Environmentally-Responsible Yachts
Firstly, having a lighter impact comes fundamentally from the yacht itself. When choosing a yacht, ask your expert charter consultant about the yachts in the fleet that have better sustainability credentials and are designed and equipped with advanced green technology and alternative propulsion systems. The IYC fleet has recently expanded, with many additions utilizing HVO fuel and those with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems.
One IYC consultant explains: "We always recommend that clients choose yachts with alternative fuel and propulsion options, such as those using HVO fuel. There is a small premium, but there are huge advantages, such as the considerable reduction in CO2 emissions. The yacht is also more pleasant for the client with no smoke or smell at the back."
Hybrid propulsion can also mean lower noise and vibration levels, increasing the comfort of the charter experience and reducing impact. The 96'10" (60m) COME TOGETHER Amels superyacht is an excellent example of using hybrid propulsion.
Other options for a greener yacht include our fleet of catamarans. The multihull lines are optimized to enhance efficiency, which leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and, therefore, emissions. The recently introduced THIS IS IT innovative catamaran to our fleet is a prime example. It complies with IMO Tier III requirements and is also equipped with innovative exhaust gas treatment technology to reduce its nitrogen oxide emissions.
"We always recommend that clients choose yachts with alternative fuel and propulsion options, such as those using HVO fuel. There is a small premium, but there are huge advantages, such as the considerable reduction in CO2 emissions. The yacht is also more pleasant for the client with no smoke or smell at the back."
Request Greener Menus
Before getting on board, you will have the chance to complete comprehensive preference lists. These help the crew onboard tailor the yacht to your specific requirements and allow you to choose more sustainable options.
"I always communicate with the crew on what my specific client requests regarding more sustainable products and behavior, to then find the best way for that yacht to adapt during that particular charter," says one IYC consultant.
One way to request more sustainable preferences is through the menus. Requesting that the chef use only local and seasonal ingredients, which helps minimize food miles and supports local economies. Sourcing ingredients from local markets not only ensures the freshness of produce but also reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping and refrigeration. In addition, seasonal produce is often more flavorful.
Some yachts have taken ‘going local’ a step further by incorporating onboard gardens to provide fresh herbs and microgreens. For example, the 240” (73.15m) LAUREL has an impressive outdoor garden on the sundeck that can supply the chefs with a variety of herbs and spices.
Refuse Single-Use Plastic
Within your preference sheet, you can also ask to use the onboard water filtration system instead of requesting plastic water bottles. Many yachts supply refillable bottles for guests throughout their charter to reduce the single-use plastic used while onboard.
"Many of our yachts offer guests water bottles to use throughout their trip to limit the number of plastic water bottles needed; one example is DA VINCI, which runs various sustainable initiatives onboard, including using less plastic and only natural products. They also support a marine conservation charity," comments one IYC consultant.
Ask for Natural Products
Throughout a yacht charter, various products, from sunscreen to shampoo, will be available for your use, and the crew will consistently clean with an array of products. You can request that the products onboard be non-toxic, reef-friendly and environmentally safe to have less of an impact on not only the oceans but also your body.
The 170'8" (52m) REPOSADO, new for charter this summer, has committed to an eco-friendly approach onboard, outfitting the yacht with all sustainable products.
Play Respectfully in Marine Environments
Exploring the underwater world is one of the many advantages of making a yacht charter so unique, whether you go snorkeling, scuba diving, or playing with one of the many yacht toys. It is essential that you minimize your disruption when doing so to preserve fragile ecosystems. Avoid feeding or touching marine life, and keep a safe distance when swimming.
There are also more and more water toys on the market now that many yachts carry, which helps reduce environmental impact. For example, hydrofoils and electric toys minimize pollution. You can also enjoy toys that do not require any fuel, such as human-powered toys such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing, which are equally as fun.
Contribute to Conservation
While on your yacht charter, consider participating in marine conservation projects and beach clean-ups. These experiences can not only help protect our ocean ecosystems but also provide opportunities to connect with local communities.
There are various initiatives worldwide that IYC and your crew can help direct you toward. These help raise awareness about the issue of marine pollution and litter. We encourage all of our charter clients to respect the marine environments and communities when enjoying a yacht charter. IYC has also partnered with the nonprofit Common Seas to reduce the amount of plastic produced and stop it from polluting our oceans.
Support Local
Whether you are on your yacht charter or not, it is important to support and give back to the local economy. There are plenty of ways to do so, for example shopping at local markets, dining at local restaurants, hiring local guides and supporting local conservation efforts.
One IYC consultant explains: "We always include special local and unique suggestions in our itineraries, such as eating in local restaurants and buying local wines instead of importing, to reduce a charter's carbon footprint and support local economies."
"We always include special local and unique suggestions in our itineraries, such as eating in local restaurants and buying local wines instead of importing, to reduce a charter's carbon footprint and support local economies."
If you are chartering a yacht this summer, consider some of our tips for reducing your impact. Our expert consultants can guide you toward our more environmentally responsible fleet of yachts and tailor your charter to embrace sustainable practices.
Get in touch to learn more and become a more sustainable guest for your yacht charter this summer.
Photos by Jennifer Schmidt on Unsplash , Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash , micheile henderson on Unsplash, Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash , Daniel Vogel on Unsplash .