At Sail la Vie, we recognize our role in fostering sustainable tourism in the maritime and travel sectors. We are committed to sustainability in every aspect of our operations, aiming to lead by example and inspire our clients, partners, and stakeholders to do the same. Our sustainability policy is rooted in our passion for the sea, our love for sailing, and our responsibility to protect the oceans and coastal communities for future generations.

1. Sustainability & Compliance
We are committed to implementing sustainable practices through the following actions:

• We have a dedicated sustainability coordinator within our team.
• We develop and share our sustainability mission statement that emphasizes ocean conservation and eco-friendly sailing to our customers, partners, and suppliers.
• Our sustainability policy is accessible and focuses on minimizing negative environmental, social, and economic impacts related to sailing, ocean health, and coastal communities.
• We actively participate in external sustainability forums, particularly those focused on maritime issues and conservation.
• Our company’s sustainability performance is regularly assessed with an emphasis on reducing our ecological footprint on the seas.
• Sustainability targets are very important to us -they help guide our efforts to reduce emissions from sailing operations, waste management, and marine preservation.
• We monitor progress towards our goals and ensure full transparency by publicly reporting our initiatives.
• All of our staff understand and are committed to implementing our sustainability policy in every aspect of our sailing operations.
• To enhance transparency, we comply with all relevant legislation and embed sustainable development principles into core business practices.
• We have started measuring the environmental footprint of our sailing packages to both inform our clients and set targets for further reduction. This effort supports our broader goals of transparency and continuous improvement in sustainability performance.

2. Workplace & Social Responsibility
We foster a positive, responsible work environment focused on social responsibility and human rights, ensuring fair and sustainable practices for our staff:

• We uphold fair and safe working conditions in all aspects of our sailing operations, with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.
• Diversity, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities are actively promoted within our team.
• We ensure full compliance with national labor laws and international human rights standards.
• Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas that support sustainability, particularly in our sailing services and community engagement.
• We prioritize respect for employees and their diversity, advancing their wellbeing wherever possible.
• We provide information, training, and support to colleagues and external partners to engage them towards sustainability.

3. Environment & Community
We prioritize environmental responsibility and engage with local communities to ensure our sailing operations have minimal negative impacts:

• As part of our commitment, we reduce the use of disposable materials, emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly packaging for all onboard services.
• We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact by using energy and water resources more efficiently throughout our activities.
• Whenever feasible, we actively engage in recycling and waste reduction practices during our sailing events and tours.
• We participate in and organize beach cleanups, removing waste from coastal areas to protect marine life.
• Support is given to protect and preserve local environmental and cultural heritage through responsible tourism practices.
• We ensure that tourism brings sustainable economic and social benefits to coastal communities.
• We do not allow the purchase of souvenirs containing threatened flora and fauna species, any illegally obtained historic/archaeological artefacts, drugs or illegal substances, and abide by local and international laws in place to prevent this.

4. Sustainable Partnerships
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our own operations — it’s built into the relationships we cultivate. This includes working with organizations like Green Sail and SeaKeepers, whose efforts in promoting eco-friendly maritime practices a nd protecting marine ecosystems align with our own mission.

• We work only with partners who demonstrate commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
• We raise awareness and provide training on sustainable practices for partners.
• When needed, we collaborate with accommodations that work with internationally-recognised certifications such as Travelife, or those that are acknowledged by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). When no suitable certified accommodations are available, preference is given to accommodations with a positive and verifiable reputation on sustainability practices.

5. Green Transport
We strive to minimize the environmental impact of transportation in our sailing operations:

• To reduce carbon emissions, we recommend sustainable transport options for guests traveling to and from sailing destinations, considering environmental impact and comfort.
• Where feasible, we encourage the use of public transport or low-emission vehicles for guest transfers to and from the coast.

6. Responsible Activities
We ensure that all excursions and activities offered by Sail la Vie respect the environment, wildlife, and local cultures:

• We carefully select activities that minimize environmental impact, focusing on those that protect marine life.
• To help achieve our goals, we educate guests on responsible behavior to help preserve marine ecosystems and coastal environments.
• Our activities directly promote and contribute to local communities, supporting sustainable tourism that benefits both nature and people.
• We strive to organize travels that do not have adverse effects on the environment or society, especially sensitive activities that may bring travelers into contact with animals, children, or remote communities.
• Excursions and attractions in which captive wildlife is held are not offered, except for activities that are properly regulated and are in compliance with local, national, and international laws. Excursions that include interactions with wildlife, comply with relevant codes of conduct. Any disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimized.

7. Our Tour Leaders & Local Guides
Our team is essential in ensuring that our sustainability mission is realized on the ground:

• In partnership with local guides, we support the local economy and provide authentic, sustainable experiences.
• We ensure that all tour leaders are regularly trained in sustainability practices, including marine conservation, responsible tourism, and cultural sensitivity.
• For the benefit of the community, our tour leaders are encouraged to educate guests on ocean preservation, the importance of reducing marine pollution, and respecting local coastal customs.

8. Sustainable Destinations
We carefully select sailing destinations based on their sustainability and their ability to support responsible tourism:

• Whenever possible, we prioritize destinations that focus on sustainable development and conservation.
• To minimize environmental impact on popular destinations, we explore lesser-known coastal destinations to reduce the pressure of overtourism on popular regions, ensuring the long-term health of marine environments.
• Our goal is to prioritize working with locally owned businesses reflecting local cultures (hotels, lodges, restaurants, handicraft outlets, arts, and culture centers).
• We promote Responsible Tourism in our industry and to stakeholders we engage with in our destination(s).

9. Transparency & Communication
To ensure full transparency and engagement in our sustainability efforts:

• We regularly communicate on our achievements against our sustainable goals, internally and externally through thorough reporting at least once a year.
• Our best practices on sustainability are shared among our teams and partners to raise awareness.
• With every opportunity we give back to communities by supporting projects addressing local development challenges, encouraging fair employment opportunities, and advancing wellbeing.
• We ensure that no marketing and advertising document, statement, or other publication, shall contain misleading information, over advertise and under deliver. We guarantee that all our staff are aware of and ensure that what is offered can be delivered to our clients with ease.

At Sail la Vie, we believe that sailing is not only a means of transportation but also a way to connect with nature, explore the beauty of the seas, and protect it for future generations. Our sustainability policy reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible tourism, and the preservation of our oceans and marine ecosystems. Through our actions, we aim to inspire our community to embrace sustainability and work together to protect the world’s most precious resource: the sea.