Royal Victoria Yacht Club certified by Clean Marine BC
Georgia Strait Alliance
Royal Victoria Yacht Club achieves four-anchor rating in Clean Marine BC program - The eco-certification requires adherence to rigid environmental standards
Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) - the oldest yacht club in Western Canada - is the newest to achieve certification in Georgia Strait Alliance's Clean Marine BC program, earning a four-anchor rating.
A flag raising ceremony is being held at the Club at noon on August 19.
Royal Victoria Yacht Club
Clean Marine BC is a voluntary eco-certification program that demonstrates a commitment to environmental best practices by yacht clubs, marinas, harbour authorities, and boatyards that reduce and/or eliminate contaminants from entering our waters. Site verification audits are required to obtain certification for anchor ratings that range from one through five, and which remain current for three years when re-certification is required.
“Environmental stewardship is a core value of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and getting involved with the Clean Marine BC program was the next step on our journey of continual environmental improvement,” says Simon Gatrell, RVYC’s General Manager. “We are proud to be a part of the Clean Marine certified marinas, yacht clubs and boatyards, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship in the Strait of Georgia and beyond.”
"As a scientist specializing in the ocean's role in climate change and climate variability, it's top of mind for me that we must take measures to keep our oceans healthy to support a thriving marine environment and larger ecosystem," says Dr. Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. "I congratulate and commend Royal Victoria Yacht Club for taking this important step to demonstrate its stewardship and preserve the Strait of Georgia."
“We want to congratulate the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on its decision to implement the measures required to achieve four anchors and become an environmentally sound marina,” says Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance. “Reducing the negative impacts on our waters through operational improvements at RVYC’s Cadboro Bay marina supports all our efforts to keep the Strait of Georgia healthy and that makes a positive difference to our communities, our marine life and our economy.”
Founded in 1892, RVYC is the oldest yacht club in Western Canada. It promotes yachting, boating, navigation, and seamanship. It offers racing, cruising, moorage, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Royal Victoria Yacht Club joins 22 other yacht clubs, marinas, boatyards and harbour authorities in flying the CMBC flag. “I want to recognize and thank Victoria Foundation for contributing to help make this, and other certifications possible. Today, we have eight CMBC-certified facilities in the Capital Regional District, with an additional six enrolled in the program,” says Wilhelmson.