Yesterday at the Southampton International Boat Show (Friday 15 September), Sunsail and The Moorings were officially revealed as winners of the Exhibitor Environmental Innovation Awards.

The awards, now in their fifth year, recognise exceptional exhibitors, who have truly embraced environmentally responsible behaviour and sustainable work practices both at and outside the show and this year it was Sunsail and The Moorings who clinched the winner’s crown.

“It has been a goal of ours for a number of years to win this award, so we are really proud of what we have achieved today.  Over the last 12 months since launching our Ocean Promise, we have focused, as a business, on adopting new technologies and ways that enable our customers to travel responsibly.  We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised as the number one exhibitor in this area at the show”, commented Laura Bowtell, Global Sales Operations and Sustainability Manager, Sunsail and The Moorings.

With just a few a points between the top three, it was RAD Propulsion who claimed second place, with last year’s winner’s boatfolk taking third place.

“We have seen a 50% increase in the number of entries in this year’s competition”, explained Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.  “Some of the most exciting and innovative examples of sustainability and environmental protection are found amongst the companies entered into the British Marine Exhibitor Environmental Innovation Awards and it goes to show the growing commitment and engagement in environmental sustainability from our exhibitors here at the show.”

This year’s awards were judged by an expert panel, including Dee Caffari MBE, first woman to sail single-handedly and non-stop around the world ‘the wrong way’, Dr Tim Ferrero, Senior Marine Biologist from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust – which this year is the show’s chosen charity partner – and Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Southampton City Cabinet member for the environment and transport.

Speaking of this year’s winner, judge Dee Caffari commented: “Holidays are a tricky area to be more sustainable, flights and not being able to control how much people motor when on a sailing holiday is a difficult issue to address. However, Sunsail and The Moorings have committed to making this happen and are doing this across a global reach. There are some good changes happening and these are all helping educate their huge audience to be more conscientious.”

From the exhibitor’s Environmental Pledge to The Green Blue’s Boating Pledge, the latest new products and sustainability practices and learning about exciting wildlife projects, the Southampton International Boat Show is at the forefront of environmental protection and sustainability. To find out more about the show’s commitment to deliver a sustainable and environmentally friendly show to its visitors and exhibitors visit: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/helping-the-environment/

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The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.

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