Getting back on the Water
The excellent news is that on Wednesday 13th May, the government confirmed that use of boats is now permitted!
It is subject to various restrictions. Please carefully review the guidance to ensure that you are able to meet it. A list of the various links appears below. In particular, please note that:
- You must not come to the club (or leave your home) if you or anyone on your house is showing symptoms;
- You may only sail with members of your household;
- You must maintain social distancing and good hygiene;
- You cannot stay overnight on your boat.
At Dell Quay, we are not proposing to re start club events yet (e.g. racing or training). We are happy for members to use their boats, subject always to the government guidance. We ask in particular that members note the following.
- Safety - Give very careful thought as to whether you should be sailing taking into account:
- The condition of your boat;
- The prevailing weather conditions and your own level of experience and expertise – in short, is it safe for you to sail? The last thing we want is to require any of the emergency services to attend a Dell Quay member. Please re read page 8 of the year book (Sailing at Dell Quay Sailing Club- your responsibilities for going afloat.)
- There will be no safety/patrol boat cover.
- Social distancing - Be patient with each other to allow social distancing:
- In the dinghy park, and maneuvering around the quay and slip way, keep 2m/6ft 6” apart when moving your boat (about the width of the lanes between the boats). ‘Give way’ to those leaving the dinghy park or the slip way (so that makes more room for those in it to move around). Remember to wash your hands after touching the gate or other surfaces– please bring your own hand sanitizer for now.
- Limit use of the Club house to that which is strictly necessary – e.g. getting keys to the shed.
- Come to the club dressed and ready to sail. Please do not use the changing rooms. And please do not go into the club if you cannot maintain social distancing.
- We’ll endeavor to provide some additional sanitizer and paper towels but, in the meantime, please bring your own and dispose of used paper towels in the outside bin near the barrier.
- The galley, honesty galley and bar will remain closed for now. Please be considerate in removing any food waste or rubbish from the club and its surrounds.
- The hot water is not on so please do not shower or expect hot water.
Government Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces
This document states, amongst other things:
“The risk of the coronavirus being passed on to others outdoors is considered to be low as long as people maintain social distancing.
In England you can leave your home to exercise and spend time outdoors for recreation.
All forms of water sports practiced on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed. You can continue to use towpaths for walking, running and cycling, being mindful of other users and people living in boats along the water”
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
This documents states, amongst other things:
“1.1 What can I do that I couldn’t do before?
There will be a limited number of things you can do that you cannot do now:
- spend time outdoors – for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing
- meet one other person from a different household outdoors - following social distancing guidelines
- exercise outdoors as often as you wish - following social distancing guidelines
- use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or golf course – with members of your household, or one other person while staying 2 metres apart
- go to a garden centre
At all times, you should continue to observe social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, including ensuring you are 2 metres away from anyone outside your household. As with before, you cannot:
- visit friends and family in their homes
- exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
- use an outdoor gym or playground
- visit a private or ticketed attraction
- gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household), except for a few specific exceptions set out in law (for work, funerals, house moves, supporting the vulnerable, in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations)
If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.”
As always, stay safe (and alert!)
Last Sunday the Binning family in fully compliant (in all senses) mode had a successful first rowing outing in the Itchenor boat. A beautiful day for rowing and 3 teenage Dell Quay members also got some coxing experience. Any Dell Quay household with a competent cox wanting to row please contact me and an outing can be arranged. The boat can be rowed as a coxed pair if you don’t have a full crew.
