Dear Member,
As you know, the Prime Minster made an announcement on Sunday evening of the Government’s change in philosophy from ‘Stay at Home’ to ‘Stay Alert’ whilst still combatting the virus and saving lives. He also mentioned some small easing of restrictions on travel, exercise and outdoor pursuits. The RYA has since issued detailed advice on how it believes clubs might organise a resumption of sailing in a manner which complies with the present Stay Alert philosophy. Whilst this may be applicable to coastal sailing and for those clubs where safety cover is not mandatory, we need to ensure that we can maintain the health and safety of all members whilst at Sutton Bingham.
We are determined to support the Government’s objective of keeping the R number below 1 and to abide by their rules. The current rules allow one individual to contact no more than one member from another household – and, even then, whilst maintaining the current social distance of 2 metres. It is difficult to see how we could do that at Sutton Bingham.
For the time being then, we are not in a position to allow sailing to restart until we have resolved the issues of providing safety cover, access to the Clubhouse, use of changing rooms and toilets etc. However, we believe that it is within the spirit of the Government’s current rules to allow members access to the Club grounds to collect boats, check on security and undertake maintenance, providing individuals adhere strictly to the Government’s rules of social distancing. The Clubhouse and Galley will remain strictly off limits except for essential use of the toilets, but responsibility for washing and de-sanitising hands will be with any member that needs to use those facilities. We are attempting to source sanitiser pumps to place in the Clubhouse but we would ask members to bring their own until such time as suitable pumps can be found. Remember that others may have touched the gate, padlock and other fixtures and fittings before you.
You can be assured that the Club’s committee is studying the latest advice and looking closely at how things might be organised in order to get members back on the water as quickly as possible. However, the health and safety of our members remain our priority. We will keep members informed as the situation develops.
Stay alert and stay safe.
Merv Clark
Commodore