Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community, announced that Sail Martha’s Vineyard and Tisbury Waterways have taken the Clean Regattas Pledge for gold level Clean Regattas certification of the 2013 Vineyard Cup. Clean Regattas certification provides independent, third-party verification that a yacht club, sailing program, or regatta is environmentally responsible and is protecting and restoring the waters.

The eighth annual Vineyard Cup is July 12 to 14 and is expected to attract over 100 boats from as far away as Florida. The race is designed as a recreational event for the average sailor who enjoys being on the water with friends and family. This summer’s event will benefit Sail Martha’s Vineyard. For more information visit sailmv.org, tisburywaterways.org or vineyardcup.org.