Water restrictions from the start of the season
The spring of 2023 is sadly marked by an early drought. The Mediterranean coasts are severely short of water, and restrictions on consumption of the precious liquid are raining down. In several departments along the coast, bans on boat washing due to the shortage of fresh water, to which we had unfortunately become accustomed in late summer and early autumn, are already in force in this month of May 2023. In addition to boat washing, harbourmasters' offices and yacht clubs are introducing a welcome control system for water use.
Combining pleasure boating and water efficiency
Fortunately, the number of complaints about this issue is declining, a sign that attitudes are changing. Solutions are being put in place, and we're seeing the emergence of new ones in harbors. Products for washing boats without water are coming onto the market. Mobile seawater pump systems for cleaning decks are being developed. And port operators are beginning to take a serious stand against leaky networks and the abusive use of hoses...
But beyond prohibited cleaning, it's also about changing the mentality of boaters and boat designers. There are a wide range of uses when sailing for leisure, to save water, in the kitchen, for washing or for any other purpose . These efforts on the part of yachtsmen should also be facilitated by the builders, who could consider integrating more rainwater recovery systems, or simply by making foot pumps and seawater circuits standard. So let's take advantage of these new restrictions to get the message across, not only to each other on the pontoons, but also to dealers and builders.
