5 Green Travel Tips: How to Equip Your Sailboat for Green Travel

Sailing is a popular eco-friendly travel option that allows you to see another side of the Virgin Islands that many people simply fly over. However, sailing sustainably requires some planning and understanding of what you need text to bring along for the journey. Take a look at some helpful tips we put together so that you have everything you need to travel green.

1. Choose a Sailboat Instead of a Power Yacht

Choosing a sailboat for your eco-friendly travel is already reducing your carbon footprint from the start! Sailboats are powered by wind instead of an engine, so you’ll reduce carbon emissions on your eco-adventure. Plus, learning to sail is a lot of fun!

When you charter a bareboat at GSVI, you can choose from many sailboat sizes and styles. Many of our boats are solar-powered and use sustainable materials inside and out.

2. Use Sustainable Products On Board

When outfitting your boat and stocking supplies for the week, try to choose only sustainable products—this includes everything from sun tan lotion to cooking supplies. Here are some items that you can purchase for eco-friendly travel:

Solar-powered kitchen appliances.
Eco-friendly soaps and cleaning products.
Items not wrapped in single-use plastic.
Reef-safe lotions and sprays.

Make a list of everything you may need on your trip, and shop for as many sustainable products as possible!

3. Be Prepared for Fuel Leaks

Fuel leaks are a legitimate concern when operating a power yacht. Even if you’ve prepped ahead of time to make sure you don’t have any mechanical problems (you should), there is a small chance you may run into trouble on the water.

One of the most important green travel tips is to prepare for the unexpected by bringing a few safety items along. You can equip your sailboat for potential leaks by bringing:

A spill kit: These typically include garbage bags, gloves, and goggles that can help you clean up quickly and safely after a spill.
Bilge water tank: If you drive a power yacht, carrying a bilge water tank is the safest way to clean up any spills on the boat.
Stock eco-friendly sealant: In case you need to repair any leaks, choose a non-toxic boat leak sealant whenever possible.

5. Apply for Mooring Permits Before Sailing

When entering national parks in the Virgin Islands, you’ll need to apply for a mooring permit before sailing. You will either want to carry a copy or have proof of boat registration on board.

The money you spend on the permit is used to keep the mooring area in optimal shape, directly impacting the environment. The mooring buoy helps eliminate the need to drop an anchor on the seafloor, protecting ocean wildlife and minimizing your impact on the ocean.

6. Carry Sustainable Anchors and Ropes

When mooring or anchoring your boat, using sustainable materials can help reduce environmental strain. Try to carry eco-friendly anchors, and consider products that are:

Made from recycled materials.
Constructed with lead-free metals.
Less likely to drag on the seafloor.

It’s always best to use a mooring station, but choosing the right anchor can make a difference when you do need to drop anchor in the middle of the sea.

7. Learn How to Sail and Travel Green

Sailing isn’t just fun—it’s also an eco-friendly way to travel! Learning to sail is a great green travel option that can reduce environmental impact when visiting the Virgin Islands.