Greening the Blue

The image of yachting has changed a lot over the years and it seems the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has been keeping up with the times. Last week we had a visit from the RYA's very own green team The Green Blue who had got wind of the embryonic Calypso and wanted to know more. The Green Blue team donned the hard hats and looked around the yard while Jeremy quietly and very persuasively outlined the green advantages of building the Contessa 32 out of fibreglass. (Jeremy argues that because the Contessa 32 is built to last - potentially forever if maintained properly - it's actually quite a green option). OK it can't be recycled but no one seems to be trying to recycle their Contessa 32s, unlike many of the cheaper GRP boats out there. By the end of the visit there were plans afoot to take Calypso to the Southampton Boat Show to use her as a showcase for green technology and products. This would have a rather dramatic effect on the build timetable, but could provide a great opportunity to make Calypso something very special. Watch this space!