SeaTurtles.org welcomes the America’s Cup to San Francisco Bay as an opportunity to engage the international sailing community in conserving the marine environment while holding a world class sporting event.

While the multi-million dollar marine drag race may be a great way to showcase San Francisco Bay’s natural amphitheatre, the spectacle will also trigger environmental threats --  not so much from the racing boats, but from support vessels and spectator boats, new development on piers at the Port of San Francisco including a new cruise ship terminal and several marinas, and transporting crowds to and from waterfront parks, greenbelts and other race viewing areas.

America’s Cup preparations got underway well before any races were held. SeaTurtles.org engaged on the environmental review that was fast-tracked and completed with a certified environmental impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act in December 2011.  As a member of the America’s Cup Environmental Council,  Seaturtles.org leveraged its expertise in marine species conservation and maritime pollution prevention to strengthen and enhance the Council’s work to ensure a green and sustainable America’s Cup event and associated development projects.  Key Council partners include San Francisco BayKeeper, Clean Water Action and Sierra Club. More than 30 environmental organizations were represented.