Dear Member,
I am pleased to say that there has been some recent sailing, predominantly in cruisers by club members although it has to be said that following the early good signs the recent weather hasn’t been particularly conducive.
The recent continued easing of restrictions by HM Government from the 4th July has meant that the main committee has again reviewed the club’s response in terms of getting back to sailing.
The Government has assessed that outdoor activities can be increased but indoor sports venues/facilities cannot be made sufficiently Covid-19 Secure and should remain closed. Additionally, the RYA has published additional guidance stating that limited cruiser and dinghy sailing is possible providing that social distancing is maintained.
We are now allowed to gather outdoors in a mixed group of up to six, but still with social distancing.
Whilst we can gather in small groups the preparation and launching of our dinghies and crewing of safety boats will inevitably require individuals to operate closer than 2m apart and whilst one meter plus mitigation is allowable the committee do not consider that the required mitigation requirements are practical for sailing purposes.
Our guiding principal is the safety of our members, rather than what ‘could’ be done under the regulations. The upshot is that, for the month of July, the Main Committee has decided that
• The club and dock will remain open for personal sailing (subject to government distancing regulations)
• The Clubhouse will remain closed
Over the next couple of months we will continue to clean the Club in preparation for re-opening and in the meantime, I would be grateful if members could be mindful of the restrictions and understand that we are acting in the interests of our members
The main committee will continue to monitor the advice issued by HM Government and continue to review changes to the club’s sailing policy in response.
Stay safe and alert.
Andrew Walls
Commodore
