Best Foot Forward

Recent research by BFF highlights the hidden carbon footprint of leisure boating. The sad reality is that most boats sit unused for much of the year in marinas which consume significant amounts of energy. Then there is travel to and from the boat – usually by car – which makes weekend sailing a significant carbon generator. Boat-building is also resource intensive and although limited data is available, boat manufacture is certainly responsible for more carbon emissions per unit than a car. It may last longer but, unless you are planning to set off into the bright blue yonder, your lifetime mileage will typically be much, much less than the family car.

So what lessons can be learned? BFF proposes: avoid power boats at all costs; take the train to the boat; maximise boat mileage by sharing ownership or chartering; and lobby your marina to reduce its carbon footprint. Oh, and a get a copy of World Cruising Routes - you never know where the wind might take you…