The following article was written by Young Reporter for the Environment Elinor Roderick from United Kingdom. She was part of the sailing voyage organized Sail Training International who are in active collaboration with both the YRE Programme and the Blue Flag Programme.
Storms: The Uninvited Guests at Every Sailor’s Party
by Elinor Roderick, October 2024
Huge storms and hurricanes have been dominating the headlines, raising concerns about how sailors respond to these extreme weather events. Take Joseph Malinowski, also known as ‘Lieutenant Dan’, a Tampa sailor who survived two consecutive hurricanes aboard his 20-foot sailboat. Even after experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Malinowski stood by his decision not to evacuate during Hurricane Milton, claiming the “safest place to be is on a boat in a flood.” (1) But how safe is sailing, especially in an era of increasing climate change?
Sail Training International sailing T.S. Rupel before storm Isaac, Belgium coast LARA LAVER
Sailors often rely on the classic strategy of navigating away from a storm's path, but as storms intensify, sailing becomes more perilous. Climate change is causing more frequent and often severe weather events, making oceans more unpredictable and dangerous. Sailing, once the epitome of freedom and exploration, now faces a harsh reality.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience this firsthand aboard T.S. Rupel and T.S. Saeftinghe as part of Sail Training International in Belgium. The voyage was a combination of learning and connecting with students from all over the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and Germany. However, the journey took an unexpected turn. Our adventure was cut short by Storm Isaac, a reminder of how unpredictable the sea has become. For two days, our ship was grounded, forcing us to explore the cities of Ghent and Ostend by train instead of by sea.
Sail Training International voyage crew 2024, Ostend SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL
This pause in our journey brought me face-to-face with the growing environmental challenges caused by climate change. More frequent storms, like Isaac and Milton, are just the beginning. Historically, sailors could rely on the weather patterns, but those patterns are shifting, making it harder to plan voyages safely. The maritime industry is feeling the effects of a warming planet, and the question remains: how will sailing adapt?
Beyond the immediate dangers posed by storms, sailing also has an environmental gauge that can’t be ignored. While tall ships like the T.S. Rupel and T.S. Saeftinghe might seem like eco-friendly alternatives, my time aboard highlighted that there is still significant room for improvement. For instance, aboard T.S. Saeftinghe we separated general waste from recyclable materials, but more fundamental measures are needed to truly minimise environmental impact.
A promising example of sustainable innovation in tall ships is the Norwegian sail-training vessel, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Equipped with an advanced hybrid power system developed by Rolls-Royce, this ship harnesses wind power to recharge its batteries, significantly reducing its reliance on diesel engines. Not only does this allow the vessel to sail emission-free out of port, but its propeller also generates electricity while underway, storing energy in the ship's batteries for later use. The goal is to make the Statsraad Lehmkuhl a model of sustainability for other ships, demonstrating that even century-old vessels can embrace modern, eco-friendly technology.
Sail Training International sailing T.S. Saeftinghe before storm Isaac, Belgium coast ELINOR RODERICK
While the upfront costs for such systems are high, as seen with the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, which received NOK 4.2 million (£298,400) in funding for its refit, these investments can result in long-term savings (2). Battery systems and hybrid engines reduce fuel consumption and emissions, offsetting initial expenses through operational efficiencies over time.
Sustainability certainly comes with financial challenges. The skipper of the T.S. Saeftinghe demonstrated the ship's high-tech forecasting and communication systems, including a monitor, satellite-linked tablet, and personal phone—three separate methods for ensuring safety at sea. While these innovations enhance safety, they come with a hefty price tag, limiting such advancements to those with significant financial backing.
Maintaining a tall ship is already an expensive endeavour. For example, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, which operated the SV Tenacious, a tall ship designed to be sailed by people of all abilities, including those with disabilities, had to cease operations due to the overwhelming financial burden. Running the SV Tenacious cost a staggering £150,000 per month, with expenses covering maintenance, crew salaries, fuel, insurance, port fees and more (3). For many non-profit organisations, these costs are crippling. Could the added expenses of making these vessels more environmentally friendly push them over the edge?
However, just as with solar panels or other sustainable technologies, the initial investment may eventually pay off. By adopting renewable energy sources and more efficient systems, tall ships could reduce fuel and waste management costs and even gain greater independence from traditional port infrastructure. Over time, these steps could not only make sailing more sustainable but also more financially viable.
Belgium tackling climate change through renewable energy: windmills, Belgium coast ELINOR RODERICK
Belgium, with its 40-mile (60 km) coastline along the North Sea, is a great example of a country actively addressing climate change through various environmental initiatives. Wind farms dot the coastline, providing clean energy, while an extensive tram system offers a sustainable alternative to cars, reducing urban pollution. There are also grassroots efforts, such as encouraging locals and visitors to collect waste on beaches. In fact, I noticed designated areas on the beach where people could dispose of cigarette butts they had found—small but meaningful steps toward preserving the environment.
Belgium tackling climate change through sustainable mobility: trams, Zeebrugge PITANE.BLUE
Yet, there remains a noticeable disconnect between these land-based sustainability efforts and those in the maritime world. While cities and governments push for greener solutions onshore, maritime activities, particularly in sailing, seem slower to adopt comprehensive environmental measures. Despite the strides made on land, much more needs to be done at sea to align sailing practices with modern environmental goals.
Belgium tackling climate change through local environmental initiatives: cigarette collection, Ostend Beach ELINOR RODERICK
The world of tall ship sailing is at a crossroads as climate change intensifies. Storms are stark reminders of the increasing risks, but they also highlight the need for broader adaptations—both in navigation and sustainability. To ensure sailing's future, tall ships must not only be prepared for the physical challenges of navigating rougher seas, but also evolve to reduce their environmental footprint. The question isn't just whether sailing boats can weather the storm, but whether they can embrace the necessary sustainable innovations to remain viable in a changing world. Significant transformations, both above and below deck, will be essential to keeping the art of sailing alive in this era of climate urgency.
Citations
https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/im-fine-tampas-lt-dan-survives-milton-on-his-boat/
https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2018/21-02-2018-the-tall-ship-that-harnesses-thewind-
to-recharge-its-batteries.aspx#
https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/jubilee-sailing-trust-closes-due-to-a-lack-of-funds-83576
References
Rodriguez, N. (2024) ‘I’m fine’: Tampa’s ‘lt. Dan’ survives Milton on his boat | WFLA, News Channel 8.Available at: https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/im-fine-tampas-lt-dan-survivesmilton-on-his-boat/ (Accessed: 10 October 2024).
Rolls-Royce (2018) The tall ship that harnesses the wind to recharge its batteries, rolls-royce.com. Available at: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2018/21-02-2018-the-tall-shipthat-harnesses-the-wind-to-recharge-its-batteries.aspx (Accessed: 14 October 2024).
Stickland, K. (2023) Jubilee sailing trust closes due to a lack of funds, Practical Boat Owner. Available at: https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/jubilee-sailing-trust-closes-due-to-a-lack-of-funds-83576 (Accessed: 14 October 2024).
