Return to Boating Phase 2The lockdown restrictions now make it possible to programme Recreational Sailing supported by a RIB. The Committee are keen to trial implementation of physical distancing and hygiene at the club within the ongoing restrictions and have developed the following trial arrangements.  
Recreational Sailing Trial 5th JulyA trial recreational sailing session very much like our Recreational Sailing on Friday evenings is scheduled for the afternoon of 5 July to test how practical it is for Members to keep to the Scottish Government (SG) physical distancing and hygiene requirements, including single manning of boats and RIBS (unless a single household is involved).
We are individually responsible for complying with the SG’s requirements.
The Trial Plan:

1. The session is aimed at Members who are not comfortable going on the water without support from a RIB. 
2. Use your own boat(s) - club/shared boats are currently out of bounds. 
3. On the website calendar (www.chanonry.org.uk/calendar.html) book a 30 minute time slot in TEAMUP for being in the Dinghy Park to rig and launch your boat.
4. Concurrent time slots can be booked by up to 6 households and if more than three are present they must form groups of up to three households that do not mix.
5. The dinghy park, car parking area and slipway are public areas and physical distancing must be maintained.
6. Boat rigging and put away to take place in the Dinghy Park, moving smartly to the Dinghy Park after washing down. 
7. Launching and recovery to be carried out by the individual sailors without help unless by someone in their own household or bubble.
8. RIB Support Volunteers can not get involved with more than two other households in a day so participants from the first time slot will need to help with the launching and recovery of the RIB. Generally five people are required to recover the RIB safely. Physical distancing will be maintained by using a rope attached to the trailer for 2 helpers well spaced, a 3rd steering at the jockey wheel and the RIB crew at the stern of the RIB.
9. On the water is viewed as a public open space and as such there is plenty of space to physically distance. The RIB crew may lay training marks to designate the limit of the sailing area (there are no race marks laid at present).
10. The RIB provides support while maintaining physical distancing. In extremis a sailor would be taken aboard the RIB for as short a time as possible.
11. After putting boats away Members should leave the club.

Note:

1. The Clubhouse is closed apart from for RIB Support Volunteers who need to pick up keys and radios. These, and any door handles and surfaces touched, to be cleaned before and after use with the materials provided.
2. Participants need to arrive ready to go on the water, or change discreetly at the harbour perhaps in their car. 
3. The length of time on the water will be at the discretion of the RIB Support Volunteer depending on weather and tidal conditions. The maximum period of support on the water for each set will be 90 minutes. Three long whistle blasts from the RIB crew is an urgency signal for all to return to shore.
4. Weather will be monitored in the run up to a session and unhelpful conditions, especially strong winds, will result in cancellation at least 24 beforehand. The RIB Support Volunteer can cancel the session on the day in the light of adverse conditions; e.g. strong or very light winds. 

Richard Evans, Sailing Secretary
sailing@chanonry.org.uk

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