Get to know Ambassador Jamie Haines
Pictured above: Crowds gathered on the shoreline of Fort Adams during the 2015 stopover. Thanks to the sustainability plan the shoreline was cleaner after the event than it was before! Photo credit: Ainhoa Sanchez /Volvo Ocean Race
While not sailing, riggings boats or chasing after her 2-year-old son, our Ambassador, Jamie Haines has been volunteering with the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover Sustainability Committee.
How many volunteers make up the sustainability committee and what do you work on as a group?
There are 30 people on the sustainability committee for the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover. The committee looks at all aspects of the upcoming stopover and has created 14 initiatives that will be implemented at Fort Adams while the race village is open from May 8 – 20.
What has been the biggest challenge for the sustainability committee?
The biggest challenge for the sustainability committee is making sure that we exceed the huge successes during the 2015 Stopover, which made sustainability a key part of this edition of the Volvo Ocean Race.
If you could convince everyone attending the stopover to bring just one thing to Fort Adams what would it be?
Bring your reusable water bottle and cup or mug!
How did you get involved in working on this committee?
I’m an advocate for sustainability within the sailing community as well as within my town (Newport), so it seemed like a natural fit. Plus I am a former board member of Clean Ocean Access, and Dave McLaughlin, who chairs the committee, asked me to join.
Any words of advice for the remainder of the Volvo Ocean Race Stopovers?
A Volvo Ocean Race stopover is an excellent opportunity to gain momentum on sustainability issues and leverage the event to work towards lasting change for a more sustainable city and future.
How did you get involved in sustainability?
I have always been an ocean lover and have spent many hours in the ocean studying it in school and sailing on it. When I started to see changes in the ocean that have occurred in my short lifetime, from coral reefs dying to massive increases in ocean pollution, I had to do something to help protect what I love. And knowing that it was all being caused by human impact was something that I just could not turn away from.
How has your involvement with 11th Hour Racing helped for working on the committee?
Working with sailing teams to implement more sustainable practices has given me valuable insight into how the teams work in the Volvo Ocean Race. Also knowing the ins and outs of sailing events, while at a smaller scale, has allowed me to provide insightful information to the committee on areas that we should focus on.
What’s the most interesting thing interesting while working on this project?
It has been great to see that there are so many people working on this from many different angles, from local non-profits, Rhode Island Department of the Environment, and even the transportation authority. The committee allows everyone to get on the same page and ensure that there all items are covered, from boots on the groundwork as well as policy work that make it all come together.
Don’t forget to visit the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover from May 8 – 20. There’s fun for every age including The One Ocean Exploration Zone, Presented by 11th Hour Racing an interactive exhibit highlighting ocean sustainability, marine science, and sailing recreation.
Top photo: Crowds gathered on the shoreline of Fort Adams during the 2015 stopover. Thanks to the sustainability plan the shoreline was clearer after the event than it was before! Photo credit: Ainhoa Sanchez /Volvo Ocean Race
