11th Hour Racing, the sustainability partner of Volvo Ocean Race, has supercharged its Ambassador Programme and revealed its first batch of grants for 2018.

Mudratz Inc, Clean Water Fund and The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival have been identified by ambassadors for 11th Hour Racing’s first grant funding round of the year.

The former (a non-profit based in Connecticut) helps sailors in youth sailing programmes participate in regattas around the world. 11th Hour Racing will develop a comprehensive sustainability plan for the organisation.

Clean Water Fund is a non-profit that works for cleaner, safer water, cleaner air and protection from toxic pollution, while The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival is producing a documentary profiling young people who have become ocean champions.

As part of 11th Hour Racing’s new-look Ambassador Programme, those chosen as ambassadors will take on more responsibility by identifying non-profit companies that work on environmental or sustainable solutions as potential partners or grant recipients.

Grants distributed by 11th Hour Racing are funded by The Schmidt Family Foundation.

“Being professional sailors, all of our ambassadors travel extensively – they can see with their own eyes which issues are affecting local communities,” said 11th Hour Racing’s programme director, Todd McGuire.

“Their feedback and contribution is an invaluable asset and they can also help us recognise up-and-coming organisations to promote their growth.”