Today is World Oceans Day

There’s nothing the sailor likes more than a good ocean. We’re also fond of seas, straits, lakes, rivers, ponds, and puddles, but the lure of the wide ocean is particularly strong. Luckily for us, there are 5 of them here on Earth. And when you learn to sail, somewhere in the back of your mind is usually a dream of making an ocean crossing, or even sailing around the world.

President Obama has declared this month World Oceans Month, and today, June 8th, is World Oceans Day. What does this mean for you? It’s a good chance to reflect on the importance of keeping our marine environments healthy, and perhaps to enjoy a nice time on the water using the “greenest” method of travel there is: sailing!

Here’s a list of 5 things you can do to celebrate World Oceans Day.

You might also consider checking out these great organizations that work to preserve our oceans:

• Sailors for the Sea
• Sea Stewards
• Save Our Seas

Lastly, don’t forget the small things you can do! NEVER throw trash overboard, especially plastic! Use the engine as little as possible–check out ASA instructor Greg Martin’s Electric Seas project for more on this. And most of all, keep on sailing and introducing new people to the sport, so that they’ll develop the same connection to the sea!