National boating business, boatfolk, has won the prestigious Environmental Award at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The award was presented by world-renowned sailor, Mike Golding.

As part of the show’s five-year sustainability pledge, the panel of judges assess and recognise exhibitors in support of the pledge.

Praised for its sustainable approach to exhibiting at the boat show, and through the organisation’s day-to-day operations, boatfolk won thanks to its ongoing dedication to raising awareness of environmental issues and actions that can be taken, both within the boating community and within wider society.

Dominic Zammit, Director at boatfolk, said, “We are thrilled to be recognised with the Environmental Award at this year’s boat show. Our core mission at boatfolk is to create great places for anyone who wants to spend time in, on or by the water. This means protecting and preserving marine habitats for future generations to enjoy. Southampton International Boat Show is always a highlight in our calendar as it allows us to meet with visitors who share our passion for all things afloat, and discuss the importance of protecting the environment we love.”

boatfolk invited a variety of environmental guest speakers to its stand to talk at the show, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Challenge Wales and The Seahorse Trust, which boatfolk partnered with to help protect key seagrass habitats of Studland Bay’s seahorse population.

In addition to its eco-conscious line-up of speakers, boatfolk welcomed Sea Change to its stand, a wine brand with a clear dedication to supporting marine environmental causes. Members of the boatcare team were also on hand to advise boaters on sustainable boat maintenance tips and alternative antifouling solutions. All equipment and materials for the stand were sourced from the UK, while waste was reduced to a minimum through the use of digital tools and avoiding single use-plastics.

Dominic adds, “We are really proud of the team’s accomplishments across each of our 11 marinas, and I am delighted to share the news with our marina sustainability champions. As an organisation who highly values environmentally conscious decision making, we are constantly striving to improve the sustainability of our practices, as well as responsibly inspiring, educating and influencing behaviours to make positive changes now.”

To ensure the torch of environmental care is passed on to the next generation, boatfolk has also been driving its #boatgen initiative, which launched at last year’s show. Since then, boatfolk has partnered with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, and created 15 free #boatgen days to get children and teens enjoying time out on the water, no matter their background. 294 children have been engaged in these free events, with many more to come in the next few years as #boatgen grows. Beyond providing unforgettable first experiences on the water, #boatgen strives to inspire the younger generation of boaters to have a positive impact on the world they live in, through education around marine wildlife, ocean plastics, clean water and renewable energy.

For further information about boatfolk’s sustainability initiative, Coastline Deadline, visit: www.boatfolk.co.uk/our-sustainable-future

For further information about boatfolk, visit: www.boatfolk.co.uk.  

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