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