Notices to mariners published by the UNIVERSITY of ABERDEEN 
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The Scottish Government confirmed on 18 June that Phase 2 of the easing of lockdown will go ahead in stages but some of the measures expected in Phase 2 from the route map have yet to be announced.
From the club perspective, the only change from Phase 1 is that it is now permitted for up to 3 households to meet outdoors provided the total number does not exceed 8 people. Physical distancing (the 2-metre rule) needs to be maintained.
RYA Scotland has updated guidance, which has been approved by the Scottish Government, and is available via this link: www.rya.org.uk/scotland/representation/Pages/Return-to-Boating.aspx
Clearly, Club organised activities are still not possible in Phase 2. In-line with Phase 1, the Committee considers it is now acceptable to travel to the club to check over your boat (within distance guidelines), or to move boats to and from the club, or to do maintenance for leisure as an individual or household activity.
You could also go on the water as an unsupported activity (together with up to 2 other households should you wish in separate boats). You are reminded to have a plan before you go, check your equipment thoroughly if it hasn’t been used for a while, stay well within your limits and experience and if in doubt, don’t go out.
The Clubhouse remains closed to general members in-line with RYA Scotland guidance.
The harbour and dinghy park are a public space and we cannot control numbers at the facility. Should there be other people in the vicinity while you are in the public space, please socially distance (unless it’s the other households you planned to meet under physical distancing) and avoid giving the impression of a ‘gathering’ which may bring unfortunate repercussions on to the Club.
Regrettably, we have decided that open events (Regattas and the Black Isle Challenge Cup) cannot go ahead this year. We are hoping though that some organized activities will be possible in Phase 3 and are actively considering the hygiene measures we will need in-place when we are allowed to reopen the Clubhouse, even if access may be limited.
Finally, the Committee is incredibly grateful for your continued support. Your subscriptions are helping to keep the club afloat. Our income is of course down as we are not running social, open or training events but major outgoings such as insurance and maintenance costs continue despite COVID.


Regards,
Your Club Committee
info@chanonry.org.uk

The Scottish Government confirmed on 28 May that Phase 1 of the easing of lockdown will commence on Friday, 29 May. While the main message remains ‘Stay at Home’, it is now permitted to travel short distances for leisure and exercise and to meet-up with one other household outdoors in small numbers provided no one has Covid-19 symptoms. Physical distancing (the 2-metre rule) needs to be maintained and the advice for those shielding has not changed.
RYA Scotland has issued guidance, which has been approved by the Scottish Government, and is available via this link: www.rya.org.uk/scotland/representation/Pages/Return-to-Boating.aspx
Clearly, Club organised activities are not possible in Phase 1. However, the Committee considers it is now acceptable to travel to the club to check over your boat, or to move boats to and from the club, or to do maintenance for leisure as an individual or household activity.
You could also go on the water as an unsupported activity (together with another household should you wish in a separate boat) but please heed this advice from the CEO of RYA Scotland: ‘When we enter Phase 1, it will be more important than ever that we be vigilant in ensuring our safety afloat. Our message to all of Scotland’s boating community will remain for them to be considerate and conservative as they return to the water. Have a plan before you go, check your equipment thoroughly as it hasn’t been used for a while, stay well within your limits and experience and if in doubt, don’t go out.’
The Clubhouse remains closed to general members in-line with RYA Scotland guidance.
The harbour and dinghy park are a public space and we cannot control numbers at the facility. Should there be other people in the vicinity while you are in the public space, please socially distance (unless it’s the other household you planned to meet under physical distancing) and avoid giving the impression of a ‘gathering’ which may bring unfortunate repercussions on to the Club.


Regards,
Your Club Committee
info@chanonry.org.uk

Further to our communications in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following confirmation by the Scottish Government this lunchtime that Phase 1 of the easing of lockdown measures will start on Friday, 29 May, we are awaiting RYA Scotland detailed guidance on activities during Phase 1, which in turn is awaiting Scottish Government approval, before we release a statement by the Committee. RYA Scotland has intimated that its guidance should be released tomorrow (Friday) and the Committee will release its statement as soon as possible after that.
We will continue to review advice regularly and our position may change at short notice - hence please continue to keep an eye on the Club calendar, social media, and your email account.
Please bear with us while we deal with this and we just ask everyone who is anxious to get going to wait until our statement is issued.
Regards,
Your Club Committee
info@chanonry.org.uk

Further to our communications in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic Committee would like to update members with a brief message in relation to the ongoing and evolving situation.
The committee formed a Covid-19 focus group last week to consider all the issues with returning to some activity when permitted. The members of the Focus Group are:
James Dargie (Commodore), Richard Jenner (Training), Sandra Hogg (Rowing), Richard Evans (Sailing) and Diarmid Hogan (Cruising).
With yesterday's announcement by the Scottish Government, the group is formulating guidance on the activity that will be permitted under Phase 1 which may commence on 28 May. We need to see guidance from RYA Scotland and other maritime agencies but intend to have a message ready to issue as soon as the Scottish Government confirms Phase 1 can commence.
As the situation is fast evolving, we will continue to review advice regularly and our position may change at short notice - hence please continue to keep an eye on the Club calendar, social media, and your email account.
Please bear with us while we deal with this.
Regards,
Your Club Committee
info@chanonry.org.uk

Sailing From Home
I want to draw your attention to a new page on our website on the subject of “Sailing From Home” - see www.chanonry.org.uk/sailing-from-home.
 
Most of the information and links have been provided by the RYA as part of their #SailFromHome initiative – see their web pages at www.rya.org.uk/programmes/Pages/sailfromhome.aspx.
 
If you are looking for some inspiration or learning opportunities during this ongoing lockdown then have a look. I am sure you will find something to whet your appetite no matter your age.
 
For our racers and perhaps computer gamers, there is the eSailing system from Virtual Regatta – link on our “Sailing From Home” page under the main heading of Marine Industry. You don’t need to pay to use Virtual Regatta. It’s as simple as visiting their website from a laptop or PC or downloading the app on a smartphone or iPad and clicking ‘play now’ on either the inshore or offshore game. You can then enter the game and learn how to use it and compete against others all around the world. If you want to compete and keep your score, you’ll need to create a login and a user profile.
 
I have taken out a subscription that enables me to run races for up to 20 competitors and a few folk have said they are interested in doing that  during the lockdown in place of our sail racing programme at the club.
 
If you are interested in eRacing between club members please contact me via sailing@chanonry.org.uk.
 
If you have already registered for the eSailing Virtual Regatta system then let me have your Virtual Regatta ID, and confirm the email address you used to set it up, so that you can be invited to specific races. After a bit practice, we can decide whether to run a series or three.
 
Keep safe and active,
 
Richard Evans, Sailing Secretary
sailing@chanonry.org.uk

Further to our communications in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic Committee would like to update members in relation to the ongoing and evolving situation.
 
The Committee has considered the UK Government’s recent extension of the self-isolation restrictions for a further 3 weeks. We have no options but to continue to our own restriction of club activity in line with that timescale. We are now cancelling events in the sailing calendar for a further 10 days, i.e. to and including Tuesday 12 May. DutyMan and Teamup will be updated.
 
The Committee has drawn up a list of our activities and against each we have estimated how long it will take us to resume after restrictions are lifted, or eased in stages, to the extent that sailing and rowing can take place. Each of these involves some physical preparation that cannot yet be undertaken:

• Race Marks refurbishment and laying
• Rigging refurbishment of Club dinghies
• Rowing Skiff Maintenance
• Moorings Maintenance and eventual Cruiser Crane-in.
• Operational check on radios

 
Our Safety Boats are ready for the water thanks to some timely hard work after New Year lead by Robin Witheridge, ably assisted by Richard Jenner.
 
Some boat owners have yet to complete their own preparations for going afloat and not least cruiser owners who will have the deadline of crane-in day to contend with.
 
Once we know when activity can start, we will be seeking volunteers for the duties involved. This mainly concerns recreational sailing, racing, and training. Please be ready to put your hand up to help. Thanks to those that had volunteered for April duties only to have them deleted.
 
Club members should feel they can reach out to each other, through email and social media should they need support in these difficult times.
 
As the situation is fast evolving, we will continue to review advice regularly and our position may change at short notice - hence please continue to keep an eye on the Club calendar, social media, and your email account.
 
Regards,
 
Your Club Committee
info@chanonry.org.uk
​

Further to our communications in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic the Chanonry Sailing Club Committee would like to update members in relation to the ongoing and fast evolving situation.
 
The Committee has considered the UK government announcement on Monday the 23rd March, which states that:
“…people will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes:
·       Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
·       One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
·       Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and
·       Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.”
 
In addition to the previously announced suspension, postponement or cancellation of club activities, we now ask that:
 
-      Members do not enter the Clubhouse until further notice.
 
-      As exceptions the Committee authorises: continuing monthly safety inspections, periodic collection of mail by Committee members and the accessing of the Clubhouse to borrow the projector for a Covid-19 related presentation to a community support team being run by a club member.
 
A revised notice will be pinned to the Club door to reflect this situation.
 
A separate notice will be placed on the sail store/ emergency exit door regarding the water seepage from the public road opposite the clubhouse; this seepage has previously been drawn to the attention of Scottish Water by the Committee. Scottish Water have tested the seepage and confirmed it is not chlorinated and is therefore not from a water main leak; it is ground water seeping up through the public road.
 
Club members should feel they can reach out to each other, through email and social media should they need support in these difficult times.
 
As the situation is fast evolving, we will continue to review advice regularly and our position may change at short notice - hence please continue to keep an eye on the Club calendar, social media and your email account.
 
Regards,
 
Your Club Committee
info@chanonry.org.uk
​