SailWise moves towards a future-proof, energy-efficient future with support from Rabo ClubSupport and CFP

For more than 50 years, SailWise has been making water sports accessible to everyone. Thanks to their highly personal approach and boundless commitment, people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities can fully experience the freedom of being on the water.

Through the Rabo ClubSupport programme, SailWise received professional energy-efficiency advice, delivered by CFP Green Buildings. Together, they are moving towards a future where enjoyment, accessibility and energy efficiency go hand in hand. CFP also provided an additional financial contribution to support further improvements. In this article, you can read how SailWise is taking practical steps, from an electric ferry to smart energy measures at their facilities.

What makes SailWise special

Decades of experience have shaped SailWise‘s highly personal approach. For every type of disability, there is a solution, ensuring that everyone can enjoy being on the water. Their accommodations are fully wheelchair accessible and their sailing equipment is specially adapted. Some boats, for example, can be operated using mouth controls, and hoists are used to lift participants safely on board.

Participant Arie was able to return to his favourite sport after sustaining a spinal cord injury.
“I was an enthusiastic sailor until I fell backwards down the stairs five years ago, resulting in a spinal cord injury in my neck. At that point, I no longer saw a future for myself. Fortunately, I heard about SailWise during my rehabilitation. I went sailing there, and it felt as if a whole new world opened up,” Arie explains.

Each year, around 1,700 participants like Arie are able to forget their limitations for a while through water sports at SailWise. In addition to removing physical barriers, SailWise also ensures that participation remains financially accessible. Participants pay just 50% of the actual cost, while disability-related additional costs are covered each year through fundraising. To continue delivering this valuable social impact in the future, SailWise is committed to improving the energy performance of its operations. Thanks to Rabo ClubSupport, SailWise had the opportunity to receive professional advice from CFP Green Buildings.

The role of Rabo ClubSupport and CFP Green Buildings

Through the Rabo ClubSupport project, SailWise received support to improve the energy performance of its water sports centres in The Netherlands. CFP Green Buildings carried out assessments and provided tailored advice for three locations:

• Water sports centre It Sailhûs with the catamaran Beatrix in Elahuizen
• The two-masted clipper Lutgerdina, home-ported in Enkhuizen
• Water sports island Robinson Crusoe in the Loosdrecht Lakes

Following the assessment of energy-saving opportunities, CFP delivered a practical and actionable plan. By connecting SailWise directly with installers, the advice provides clear next steps for implementation.

Future-proofing water sports island Robinson Crusoe

The SailWise location in Loosdrecht deserves special attention. Robinson Crusoe island is accessed by a ferry that has been operating for many years. While the old diesel engine adds a certain nostalgic charm, it also presents a major opportunity for improvement. An electric ferry would operate far more cleanly and with significantly less noise.

A simple calculation

CFP’s analysis shows that electrifying the ferry could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%. With an annual operating time of around 700 hours, this would save roughly 1 tonne of carbon emissions per year.

The calculation uses an electricity emission factor of 0.268 kg of carbon emissions per kWh, based on a standard mix of green and grey electricity. The results are shown below:

Current engine carbon emissions (tonnes/year)	Electric engine carbon emissions (tonnes/year)	Absolute reduction (tonnes/year)	Relative reduction (%)
1,6	0,5	1,1	69%

Replacing the ferry engine is therefore well worth the investment. An added bonus: an electric bicycle ferry already operates on the Loosdrecht Lakes, meaning this measure fits perfectly with the local context.

A decisive and practical approach

In addition to electrifying the ferry to Robinson Crusoe, the advice includes further concrete measures tailored to SailWise’s actual energy use. CFP also recommends upgrading the island accommodation with, among other things, solar thermal collectors combined with a heat-pump boiler.

At the group accommodation It Sailhûs, located on the Frisian lake De Fluessen, roof insulation and additional solar panels offer clear opportunities for improvement. As a roof renovation is already planned, these measures can be implemented cost-effectively. The sailing ship Lutgerdina, built in 1987, can be upgraded with additional solar panels on the deckhouse roof, as well as insulation of pipes and auxiliary equipment.

A clear focus on financial feasibility

For every recommended measure, CFP outlines the required investment, available subsidies, payback period, and expected savings in energy use, costs and carbon emissions. SailWise can apply for the DUMAVA subsidy for many of these measures, and the ISDE (Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy and Energy Savings) also applies.

These clear insights support well-informed decision-making, and SailWise has acted immediately. Work on upgrading Robinson Crusoe has already begun.

Want to learn more about SailWise? Meet them on 4 September 2026 in Enkhuizen during the
CFP Green Buildings Regatta.

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