First carbon neutral sailing race

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - The country's first carbon-neutral sailing race will wrap up in Newport May 26-27.

The 2012 Atlantic Cup is a nearly 900 mile race with fifteen boats. It a three stage race that starts in Charleston, South Carolina, stops in New York City, and finishes in Rhode Island.

Each team's goal is to win a $30,000 prize purse, while having no negative impact on the environment.

The fuels being used to power the Class 40 yachts don't contribute or reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.  In fact, Newport Biodeisel is providing their vegetable oil based fuel for the auxiliary engines.

Some boats are also using solar panels, others are using hydrogenerators.

In addition to the use of renewable energies, plastic water bottles are not allowed in the race.

Environmentally friendly cleaning products will be used to clean these boats and only 100% post recycled paper will be used for things like tickets and handouts.  

Race organizers want to set an example, showing others that you can take small steps to do things in a different way that's going to benefit the environment.