About Us

Our Story

The Clean Boating Association was founded out of a deep love for the sea and a shared concern about its growing environmental challenges. Mallorca, a jewel of the Mediterranean, is world-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coastline, and rich marine biodiversity and at the same time faces massive challenges with plastic pollution of its waters. The increase in boating and tourism has put pressure on the marine environment — from pollution to unsustainable practices.

From our base on Mallorca we seek to activate the pleasure boating community and stakeholders to ensure a clean Mediterranean sea.

Vision

Our vision is a clean, healthy, and thriving marine ecosystem — safeguarded by a conscious boating community that respects the sea, protects marine life, and leaves no trace behind.

Mission

Our mission is simple — to inspire and promote sustainable and responsible boating. We believe that enjoying the sea and protecting it should go hand-in-hand. The Clean Boating Association Mallorca works to create awareness, provide practical solutions and impact, and foster a community of boaters who care.

We work collaboratively with boat owners, marinas, charter companies, industry professionals, and environmental organizations to develop practical solutions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the boating community.

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal

Clean Boating actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Our work directly contributes to this global agenda by raising awareness about marine pollution, promoting responsible boating practices, and engaging the sailing community in hands-on action to protect our oceans. Read more about this UN SDG.

Meet Our Team

Mike John

President

I am the President of the Clean Boating Association and through my many years working as a teacher for Boating, I have seen, first hand the problem of ‘Plastic Pollution’ grow and grow.

I would like to say that Mallorca’s coast is a magnet for beach lovers and boaters alike. However, my main motivation is to help keep the sea and beaches clean and healthy for marine life and the marine environment to survive.

Silja Teege

Secretary

Working together with Mike for over 25 years managing our Sea School has motivated me to be very involved in this project. I believe that the only chance we have to help reduce the plastic in the sea is to engage with and gain support from the many 1,000’s of Boaters who keep their boats in the Balearics.

My role in the in the Clean Boating Association is to help Luca, Mike, Christian and Naty in organising events that bring support and awareness to the huge problem we face.

Natalia Gonzalo

Treasurer

I have lived in Mallorca for five years. Mallorca is known for its beauty and is often described as an island paradise. It makes me appreciate everything it offers, from its pleasant climate, its beaches to its spectacular coves.

Since I arrived on the island I was working in the nautical sector and it was during this time that I became aware of the amount of excess waste and plastics in the sea and on the beaches. From that moment I decided that we should be more responsible for our plastic waste and try to find a solution to cleaning up the plastic problem .

Luca Jendrek

Environmental educator & event planner

I believe plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges today where everybody has an important role to play. Clean Boating is among the few organizations in the East Coast of Mallorca dedicating to marine conservation, therefore our work is significantly important.

I am a Development Officer at Clean Boating, with experience in project management, communications, advocacy and youth empowerment. I have a Master diploma in International Relations and a second-level Master degree in Sustainable Blue Economy. At Clean Boating, I organize clean-up actions, educational events and I am responsible for outreaching to new partners and collaborators.

Anja Vinter

Board Member and Advisor

As a Board Member and Advisor, Anja brings strategic leadership, expertise, and passion to our mission of combating plastic pollution. She plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our initiatives, ensuring that our efforts are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.
With deep experience in environmental advocacy, sustainability and business strategy, Anja advises on key decisions, provides oversight for major projects, and helps forge partnerships that amplify our reach.

Latest News

In progress

We’re proud to be participating in “Letters from the Sea,” a powerful initiative led by Somos Océanos that aims to collect and share 1,000,000 letters from young ocean lovers around the world.

4th July 2024

We joined Insel Radio to share our mission to fight plastic pollution and protect the sea, presenting the real impact of our work and inspiring the community to take action for cleaner, healthier oceans.

1st August 2023

On EU Clean Up Day, our team proudly took part in cleaning up our local beaches — and it was a beautiful day of action, community, and care for the planet.