East Dorset Sailing Club | Home

East Dorset Sailing Club Covid Roadway

Under the current guidelines the sailing club remains closed. However, with the infection rates coming down quickly we have been given a clear route out of this pandemic which fits in, quite nicely, with our sailing season. This is great news. As normal we have been waiting for the RYA to give us proper clarity as to how it effects our sport in particular.

The RYA has responded to the announcement by updating their guidelines which we believe have been prepared with the best interests of our sector and supporting activities, at their heart. There is no headlong run to open regardless of underlying progress. No-one wants to go backwards again and we believe that it is important to continue to abide by the spirit of the unlocking process, after all, we all want to minimise the chance of any Covid resurgence. Here is our proposed roadmap:

The current position up until 8th March

No change from current procedures. Meaning the Club is currently closed.

Work done on boats should be for absolutely essential maintenance and only on safety grounds.

You cannot use your boat, or use the club slipway for activities such as stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.

From 8th March until 29th March

Meeting one other person outside in a public space is permitted, but as the Club’s outside space is deemed private, we do not qualify for this relaxation. The RYA Guidance is that general boat maintenance does not fall within the intended definition of recreation for this period.

To be clear, this means there are no changes to the rules around working on your boat – work done should be for absolute essential maintenance and only on safety grounds. However, third-party contractors may work on your boat. You must seek written permission from the committee.

You cannot use your boat, or use the club slipway for activities such as stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.

On but not before 29th March (these and all following dates will be subject to review in line with Government guidelines)

Sailing commences again

The details of the recommencement of sailing will be sent out by the Hon Sailing Secretary well before this date. One thing we should emphasise, is that you will not be able to use the changing rooms at the Club.

We understand that as we have not been able to carry out our normal seasonal maintenance on our dinghies and tenders, we will organise a plan to cover this, during March, once the detailed arrangements for the to return to dinghy sailing have been finalised.

Meeting outside for up to 6 people or 2 households will be able to meet in our boat yard but will still be expected to maintain social distancing practices. The clubhouse remains closed.

On but not before 12th April (these and all following dates will be subject to review in line with Government guidelines)

We can start to use the Club. We want to take advantage of our outside space but as always it is subject to mother nature playing ball, especially as its the start of the season.

Groups of up to 6 or 2 households can meet outside.

The toilet will be available and there will be no other access to other areas within the Clubhouse. The toilet will be deep cleaned once a day as before and are to be used at your discretion. Hand sanitation will be provided around the club to use. It is still recommended that we use the QR track and trace codes when we arrive on site. No non member guest will be allowed on site.

On but not before 17th May (these and all following dates will be subject to review in line with Government guidelines)

The Club House will be able to extend its opening to include limited inside activity.

Groups of up to 6 or 2 households can meet indoors to which social distancing will apply. Groups of up to 30 outside.

Wearing of masks will be required whilst inside the Clubhouse.

On but not before 21st June. (these and all following dates will be subject to review in line with Government guidelines)

The Government has indicated that all legal limits on social contact may be removed. We will adjust what the club can offer in line with the Guidance at the time.

None of the above is too onerous and considering the restrictions we have had to endure; this does seem an easy way out as long as we continue to follow the rules. We can get on with our sailing lives and enjoy the fantastic facilities that EDSC and Poole Harbour give us. Please remember that Covid19 has not gone away and we still need to keep everybody safe and well.

You should not visit the Club if you or anyone in your household has any symptoms of Covid 19.

Lindsay Court, Commodore East Dorset Sailing Club

Please stay safe and help the club abide by the spirit of lockdown regulations.