Despite the focus of the world being firmly fixed on the continuing coronavirus pandemic and the social and racial divisions in the US, World Water Day last week was a good opportunity to acknowledge other major issues facing the planet; in this case, the many crises being experienced by our largest bodies of water.

After spending more than two decades as a competitive sailor, Damian Foxall is all-too-aware of the damage being caused to the ocean by plastics, pollution and climate change.

Now after transitioning to become the sustainability manager of the 11th Hour Racing Team – which will compete in the next Ocean Race (2021/22) – Foxall is doing everything in his power to make sure the marine industry becomes part of the solution rather than the problem.

Aptly, the theme of World Ocean Day 2020 was “innovation for a sustainable ocean”. 

In this episode, Foxall talks about working with partners and boatbuilders to seek out materials and methods that will not only help the team achieve a good finish in the race, but will accelerate sustainability in The Ocean Race and beyond.

Foxall explains:

– Why the win-at-all-cost mentality is being replaced by a more holistic approach

– How sports teams can combine performance with sustainability

– What the main pillars of the 11th Hour Racing Team’s sustainability policy are

Listen to the full episode here:

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