Covid 19 Statement

Sunday 31st May 2020

Please see below information regarding Covid 19 and a gradual return to sailing.  The attached file also includes the Risk Assessment to be used.

COVID-19 Position Statement and Return to Sailing Outline

Aim

  • While complying with all Welsh Government Guidance, RYA recommendations, Saundersfoot Harbour operating procedures and ensuring the safety of all club members, we seek to gradually return to dinghy sailing, albeit in a much reduced fashion as soon as practical.

Position Statement 30th May 2020

  • All formal club activities, access to the club house, Dinghy Park and waterside areas within the harbour remain suspended.

Return to sailing outline

  • As the lockdown arrangements ease we anticipate a gradual and cautious return to sailing.  We are hopeful that the next (mid-June) relaxation will allow some formal sessions to be arranged. We do not envisage a return to a structured racing program until, at the earliest, September 2020.
  • In the interim period as lockdown restrictions ease it is hoped that some form of informal sailing can be introduced to allow members to sail in groups with perhaps a limited rescue cover. Outlined below are the broad parameters under which we may reintroduce sailing over the coming months. These guidelines are subject to regular review and will be updated as and when legislation and RYA guidance changes.
  • Initially sailing could be introduced as a series of casual group sailing sessions using favorable conditions and suitable tides.
  • These could be but are not limited to:
    • 27th/28th June
    • 11th/12th July
    • 25th/26th July
  • Informal sailing may also be arranged by members on an ad-hoc basis during other periods using the principles outlined below.

Informal sailing outline

  • Sailing alone in any conditions should not be encouraged.
  • The Club House and changing rooms will remain closed.
  • Inexperienced or novice sailors are not permitted to sail until normal sailing returns.
  • There will be no formal training in 2020.
  • Sailors should either arrive at the sailing club dressed in their sailing gear or use a “dry robe” or similar to change in the dinghy park.
  • Sailing double-handers will not be allowed unless helm and crew are from the same household unless government guidance advises otherwise. Sailors are urged to ensure their boats and equipment are in good working order to avoid breakages whilst sailing
  • Guidance on appropriate condition to allow informal sailing to take place are set out in the Risk assessment attached at Appendix A.
  • Dinghy preparation, launching and retrieval must be conducted with strict social distancing guidelines.
  • Sailing will be restricted to the area within the normal club marks and the moorings area.
  • If a rescue boat Is in attendance it must be manned by a single person (unless a helm and crew can be provided from the same household) will be on standby. Any rescues should be conducted by throw lines and non-contact methods where possible (so we need a rescue boat launched and moored in the harbour with all essential equipment onboard or in the dinghy park locker to be able to do this – note to committee to consider)
  • Sailing will only be permitted on low wind and therefore low risk days. Sailing will only be permitted if the Risk Assessment indicates the session can take place.
  • Sailing will be within a stated 2 hour period.
  • At least one of the dinghies shall take either a mobile phone or handheld radio afloat.

Download: Covid 19 Statement and Risk Assessment - PDF

Download: Covid 19 Statement and Risk Assessment - Word