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Sailing Towards Sustainability: Ocean Crusaders’ Vision for a Greener Future

Home 2024 Sailing Towards Sustainability: Ocean Crusaders’ Vision for a Greener Future

OCEAN CRUSADERS J-BIRD, Sail no: OC 52, Owner: Annika & Ian Thomson, Design: Andrews 52, Country: AUS

On Wednesday 11 December, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia will host its first-ever Ocean Crusaders Ocean Sustainability & Ocean Clean Up conference. Set to bring together like-minded individuals from both the sailing and corporate worlds, this groundbreaking event aims to promote sustainable practices in ocean-related industries and spark a new wave of action to protect our planet’s most valuable natural resource – it’s oceans.

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As the event draws near, the spotlight is on the Ocean Crusaders team, helmed by Annika and Ian Thomson, whose own route towards sustainable living has been nothing short of inspiring. The conference, which is expected to feature a series of expert talks and presentations, has a goal to inspire and inform attendees about best sustainable practices in all sectors related to ocean conservation. For the CYCA, this event marks a milestone marker in the Club’s commitment to sustainability, as the first Rolex offshore partner to host a sustainability conference.

The Ocean Crusaders initiative was born from a desire to make a tangible impact on the state of the world’s oceans. Ian Thompson, an avid sailor, was motivated by the stark reality of marine pollution, especially the impact of plastic waste on marine life. Ian shares, “I was sailing in the Whitsundays and came across so many dead sea turtles that had died from plastic ingestion that I knew I had to do something about it. I then decided to circumnavigate Australia with the goal to promote ocean conservation and sustainability.”

In 2010, Ian accomplished his goal when he smashed the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of Australia by 26 days and launched the Ocean Crusaders campaign. Alongside his partner Annika, who shares his passion for sustainability, the duo set out to lead a conservation platform in the sailing community. Their mission was clear: reduce the environmental footprint of their own yachting activities and through example, inspire others to follow suit.

The philosophy of leading by example has become the cornerstone of the Ocean Crusaders campaign. Their TP52, Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, after undergoing a radical rebuild, became the first all-electric yacht to enter the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The decision to convert J-Bird to an all-electric vessel was born from a combination of practicality and environmental responsibility. Having sailed across the Pacific, with minimal use of fuel—just 100 litres in total—Annika and Ian realised that there was no reason they couldn’t further reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. “We thought, we can do this better,” Ian says.

In addition to the electric motor, the yacht incorporates a hydro generator and flexible solar panels, which provides a renewable source of power to charge the boat’s batteries while on the water. With over twelve thousand nautical miles sailed around Australia and no issues with the engine or rigging, the all-electric luxury race yacht proves the concept’s viability. Their journey is proof that sustainable alternatives do not have to be costly or cumbersome. “We are showing that sailing sustainably is possible, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach,” says Annika. The switch-over to a zero-emissions racing yacht has not been without its challenges.

However, the Thomsons are optimistic that with the right technology, education, and commitment, the transition to lower carbon-emission yachts can be made more accessible to the wider sailing community. As part of their goal to push for greater sustainable practices in yachting, Annika and Ian would like to see more yacht clubs implementing specific guidelines to reduce the carbon footprint of sailing events. “We’re excited that the CYCA is taking the lead with this conference,” Ian shares. “We’re motivated by the World Sailing Sustainability Agenda 2030 and are excited to implement ocean conferences here in Australia, akin to the Ocean Race’s Ocean Summit.

 

The Ocean Crusaders Ocean Sustainability Forum & Clean Up is more than just a gathering of like-minded individuals; it is an opportunity to share real solutions, offer resources, and encourage collective action. The agenda is packed with informative presentations and inspiring talks by key players in both the sailing and corporate worlds. It aims to address critical issues such as sustainable boat building, marine fashion, renewable energy sources, and the future of offshore races. Notably, one of the primary focuses of the conference will be discussing World Sailing’s 2030 Agenda—a global framework aimed at making sailing more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact.

Guest speakers will include major figures in the sailing industry, including those working with innovative materials, such as Gurit, a leading provider of sustainable composites for boat construction. Recycled PET cores will be featured as part of an exploration of how boat building can evolve to be more environmentally friendly. Professional sailor Conrad Colman will call-in to speak live, directly from his yacht racing in the 2024 Vendée Globe. Colman is the first sailor to complete the race with zero emissions after competing in the 2016 Vendée Globe, a challenge he’s taking up again in the 2024 race.

Another exciting component is a segment dedicated to the fashion industry’s role in sustainability. Oroton will share their journey towards becoming more sustainable, demonstrating how industries outside of boating can also reduce their environmental footprint.

The inclusion of speakers from diverse industries is a deliberate effort to showcase that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a shared responsibility. “We want people to leave the conference feeling empowered,” says Annika. “We want them to understand that sustainability is achievable, and they can start making small changes today.” Ian continues, “The idea is to show that sustainability doesn’t need to be an expensive or complicated process. You can start by small switches—like reducing plastic waste when racing offshore, for example, or limiting single-use plastic packaging when you’re provisioning your boat. We’d like to see as little waste brought to Hobart as
possible; every little bit helps.”

The Ocean Crusaders also hope that the conference will inspire further collaboration between sailors, corporate sponsors, and environmental advocates. By bringing these groups together, they aim to foster partnerships that can drive meaningful change, both within the sailing community and beyond.

One of the core messages the Thomsons hope to convey is that the ocean cannot continue to be treated as a dumping ground. “The ultimate goal is a plastic-free ocean,” says Annika. “We want to see a world where nothing is discarded into the water, where every piece of waste is recycled or properly disposed of.”

The Ocean Crusaders story is one of innovation, dedication, and hope for a better future. Through their sustainable yacht, J-Bird, and their active participation in initiatives like the upcoming sustainability conference, Annika and Ian Thomson are proving that positive change is possible. Their passion for the environment is infectious, and their efforts are paving the way for a more sustainable future for the sailing world. With more initiatives like this on the horizon, the future of sailing—and the oceans—looks brighter than ever.