Spain’s Nicole van der Velden and other SailGP athletes joined an environmental cleanup at the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn before the Hudson River yachting competition. The event focused on maintenance work on public rain gardens and installing protective plants along the shoreline. Athletes described the experience as shocking due to raw sewage outlets and the canal’s condition. SailGP conducts oceanic clean-up missions in each of the 13 countries it races in as part of the annual Grand Prix. Crews of six race high-tech F50 catamarans at speeds up to 60 mph while also contributing to local environmental efforts. Volunteer work has included litter pickup, habitat restoration, and building artificial reefs with the Billion Oyster Project.
"“We do a sport that's really connected with nature and in nature. Cleaning and being able to contribute and give back in all the places we go is something super unique and super special,” said van der Velden, who sailed in the 2016 Summer Olympics."
"“What motivates me is to see people who live and fight to make our world and the canal a better place and make it a healthier environment for everyone.”"
"“The SailGP athletes conduct an oceanic clean-up event at each of the 13 countries they race in as part of the annual Grand Prix to give back to the communities where they race their high-tech F50 catamarans.”"
"“It's certainly quite shocking in parts of it: the state that the canals got to, the raw sewage outlets and stuff like that,” said Ne"
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