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What information do you need from The Green Blue? There is an immense amount of knowledge in the recreational boating sector, which can be shared. Perhaps you know of an environmentally beneficial product, club or company or simply want us to let us know what works for you.
Please use this section to email us your questions, feedback or ideas and we'll try and post our answers below. You can also register an interest and we will let you know about Green Blue events and publications.
Please also use this page to report any broken links or other issues with the website.
Thank you for visiting the Green Blue website.
Sarah Black
Project Manager
The Green Blue
Question: Do you have any information on how to harness rain water to wash down boats?
Operations Manager, Mount Batten Centre www.mount-batten-centre.com
Answer: The only premises we know that collects rainwater and uses it in the dinghy park is Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy. I attach some pictures below for information. Water collected on the roof and piped to the dinghy park, where there are two taps - one from the roof-collected water which is slightly saline and used for washing down boats etc and then tap water for other purposes. For more information on how they set this up and what the costs were, contact WPNSA: www.wpnsa.org.uk
If you are looking for a large water collection tank, you could try www.thetankexchange.com who provide recycled and second hand rain water collection tanks up to 400 gallons.
Question: Do you have any information on how to harness Wind Power for Electricity?
Answer: Please clik here for our article on wind power on boats.
You can also get interest free grants from The Carbon Trust for this type of equipment:
www.thecarbontrust.co.uk
The Government gives Capital Allowances (tax advantages) to renewable energy equipment, so you may be able to claim some tax back too.
If you want to talk to a business that has successfully installed wind power, try Ormiston Wires, who harness both wind and solar power to run their business.
Question: We wish to find/trial more environmentally friendly products for slipway cleaning and antifouling. Do you know of any? Fal River Links www.falriverlinks.com is committed to sustainable transport and as such the use of Green products where possible is tied in closely to our aims.
King Harry Ferry, Cornwall Ferries Limited
Answer: The Green Blue currently recommends pressure washing as the most environmentally friendly method we know of cleaning slipways. The alternative is to use biocides to clean the slipway chemicals, but you must follow the usual advice, namely if chemicalising the slipway or applying biocides do it on a falling tide, stick to the manufacturers recommended dilution and don't be tempted to make it up stronger, and never use bleach. Use only the minimum amount required to get the job done.
NB King Harry Ferry is currently trialling a product called Byotrol Inhibitor which claims to be environmentally friendly. The Green Blue would like to look into this further and any students who wish to take this on as a research project should see our Science Matters pages for application details.
Question: I've just got my renewal form for my mooring on Windermere, and I'm interested to see that there's some concern expressed by the Lake Manager about the introduction of alien species of small organisms to the lake by visiting boats. Since many Drascombers, including myself, trail-sail their boats, this led me to wonder whether we ought to be more concerned about this. Years ago I sailed with friends a few times on a reservoir where the boats had to be washed down in a disinfectant of some kind before they were allowed on the water; but apart from this I hadn't given the question much thought until now. I suppose we ought at least to be washing down our boats between waters. Has anyone come across a statement of 'best practice' about this one?
RYA member by email
Answer: The transfer of Alien Species is an increasingly prominent issue with the species such as slipper limpets and Chinese mitten crabs gaining a foothold around the British coast.
With regard to freshwater environments, areas like Cardiff Bay and Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland are experiencing problems with the spread of Zebra mussels, which can survive in both salt and fresh water. Northern Ireland’s Environment and Heritage Service has produced a Zebra Mussel Management Strategy that notes:
The Green Blue understands that all boats moving between water basins in Northern Ireland now have to be steam cleaned, as do boats leaving Cardiff Bay. Boat clubs, marinas and sometimes local garages now provide steam cleaning in these areas. Engine cooling water should be drained and bilge water should emptied out (dispose of on-shore if it contains oil or fuel). A quick visual inspection of the hull and trailer is also recommended.
In coastal environments, big shipping is a major contributor to the transfer of alien species. For more information on species and locations, visit www.marlin.ac.uk/marine_aliens
The Green Blue undertakes to use information submitted in accordance with our privacy policy. The Green Blue has carefully researched the advice and information contained within these pages. However, neither The Green Blue, BMF or RYA take responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of information, guidance, advice or product information contained within these pages, which is followed at your discretion.
