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Nautical Destinations is a small women-owned business offering customized yacht charters and unique special events for groups visiting the Chesapeake Bay. After 11 years, Nautical Destinations hopes to leave in their wake a legacy of helping to “Save the Bay.”
Partner Lynne Forsman, a long-time hospitality veteran in hotels and incentive planning, initiated a bay-friendly charter program called “Go Green.” The program gives customers the option to charter private boats that have demonstrated environmental responsibility.
Working closely with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Department of Natural Resources’ Clean Marina Initiative, Businesses for the Bay, and the Boat US Foundation, Nautical Destinations established criteria for their participating boats, caterers and other vendors involved in the charter. Offering both sail and power, clients can choose from “Schooner Woodwind” and motoryacht “Entertainer” in Annapolis, and motoryacht “Blue Horizons” and sailboat “Pintita” in Baltimore.
The Green Pledge
These boats and vendors have signed a “Green Pledge” to confirm their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their practices range from use of biodegradable cleaners and clean fueling devices to providing reusable tableware and recycling trash. A portion of each charter fee will be designated as a donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Ultimately, Go Green will provide customer education by sharing tips and fact sheets about the environmental practices being carried out by their charter boat. Nautical Destinations hopes that Go Green will inspire other yacht charter companies to do the same as part of a movement toward “green” meetings, hotels, and other activities in the lodging and tourism industry.
Forsman is an advocate for adopting green practices in the hospitality community and specifically in encouraging Annapolis to become a green meeting destination. The Green Meeting Industry Council www.greenmeetings.info hosted the “Greening of the Hospitality Industry” Conference at the Inn and Conference Center at the University of Maryland, Oct. 5-7, 2005 and Forsman led the way in encouraging Maryland lodging representatives to attend that conference.
Nautical Destinations has been a member of Businesses for the Bay since April 2005. To join this free pollution prevention recognition program, call 1-800-YOURBAY, ext. 719, or visit
www.b4bay.org.
For more information on sustainable tourism and greening the lodging industry, see www.sustainabletourism.net and http://www.greenseal.org/
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