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Clean Marine

West Vancouver Yacht Club achieves Five-Anchor Eco-Rating


Clean Marine BC is a voluntary eco-certification program of the Georgia Strait Alliance that demonstrates a commitment to environmental best practices by marinas, harbour authorities, boatyards and yacht clubs that reduce and/or eliminate contaminants from entering our waters.

West Vancouver Yacht Club’s Fisherman’s Cove facility (WVYC) achieved the top five-anchor rating in March 2019.

Through this certification, WVYC has specifically committed to:

  • Eliminating the release of contaminants to the water column, both directly and indirectly;
  • Minimizing the release of pollutants to the atmosphere;
  • Avoiding contamination of the ground;
  • Adopting waste reduction, reuse and recycling strategies;
  • Optimizing energy and water conservation;
  • Promoting good environmental practices to all parties;
  • Abiding by and, where possible, exceeding the requirements of all relevant legislation.
The West Vancouver Yacht Club joined 30 other yacht clubs, marinas, boatyards and harbour authority docks in flying the Clean Marine of BC flag. In addition to having its 700-member facility certified, WVYC has adopted the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta pledge, to comply with certification standards for yachting events.

  • Recycling at WVYC
      • All garbage coming off your boat must be sorted and either taken home for disposal, or put in the appropriate bins.

      • Dumpsters - signs are posted at all dumpster locations. Dumpsters are for anything, by law, that cannot be recycled.
      • Organics - as of 2015, organic material has been banned from GVRD landfills. WVYC's organic bins are located at the Galley back door. 
      • Blue Recycle Bins -there are places for paper, containers, and glass east of the Yachting Center. There are also bins for beverage containers east of the Yachting Center and in the Mast Shed. 

      • Club Regulations – there are regulations concerning the disposal of shrink wrap, sails, etc.

      • Paint cans, propane tanks, etc. must be taken to any transfer station by the owner – please do not dispose of them in the Club's dumpsters.
      • Batteries, of any kind, must be properly disposed of at an approved recycler or a recognized transfer station.
      • Oil and related products – please us the oil dump and respect the signs.
  • Clean Regatta Pledge
    • Leading up to, during, and following any of WVYC's Races or Regattas, our event organizers have joined the call of many to ensure that WVYC's racing events will have a minimal impact on our environment. This will include anything from keeping the site clear of debris, vessels equipped with heads respecting pump out regulations, reducing reliance on plastic bottles and cups, and recycling anything leftover.

      Every choice and action can make a difference. Here are a few ways you can help during the races and on-shore events:

      Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Eliminate disposable bottles by reusing a single one, and recycle anything that can’t be reused. Do not use plastic straws. Always use a hose end nozzle. At every opportunity, try to find a way to reduce your individual impact on the sea.

      Keep it Clean – Hold on to any trash or recycling until you can dispose of it properly. If you see any debris on shore or sea, pick it up and throw it away. (e.g., rigging tape, cigarette butts, bottles and cans)

      Rinse it Down – Clean your boat using water (no soap) during the event. Deck soaps contain phosphates and nitrates that can dramatically affect water quality, especially in a harbor full of regatta boats. The intent here is to keep Howe Sound Clean – remember “fish below”.

      Oil Spill Prevention – Motorized vessels shall carry and use at least one bilge sponge and one fueling spill pad.

      Pump it Out – If necessary, empty your holding tanks before traveling to the event. Retain waste onboard and respect discharge regulations for pleasure boats.

      To find more information on environmentally friendly boating, and opportunities to see products that leave as little trace as possible, please visit: 

      http://www.georgiastrait.org
      http://sailorsforthesea.org

      Thank you for your help as we work together for a cleaner ocean.

      Fair Winds, Sail Fast, Go Green
  • Pump Out Locations
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