Phase 5 Return to sailing

In view of the deteriorating Covid situation described in the government announcement 30-Dec-20, for the short term (hopefully) we have taken the responsible decision to suspend organised racing at the sailing club.

The Resolution Trophy Race on Friday 01-Jan-20 is cancelled.

However, we want to try and keep the club open for members recreational sailing as a key form of individual exercise. This will depend on being able to roster duties for members willing and able to carry them out. We do expect that members who have sailed will feel able to perform a duty. If you are called upon by Dutyman to be either an OOD or RBH and are not happy attending the club, please let Tom Skailes know in good time. Also the loss of Tier 4 members from the rota means Tom will be hugely grateful for any volunteers who are able to help out –

Many of you (like me) will have been placed in Tier 4 yesterday. The rules are clear that you should not travel outside your tier to the club which is now in Tier 3.

We want to remind you :-

  • Members should remain conscious of the need for copious hand hygiene, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings when inside the clubhouse.
  • Limited numbers may use the changing rooms AFTER sailing, entering and exiting via the ‘side’ doors. It is preferable to avoid using these if possible.
  • Rob will be opening the galley at weekends for take-away food with only one member at a time inside the clubroom ordering and collecting.
  • ALL members wishing to sail must pre-book using the booking emails. Members may not turn up ‘ad-hoc’ to sail – if their name is not on the OOD’s list they cannot sail. The Test and Trace system is now more important than ever.

I can assure you that our club Covid group continues to convene on an almost daily basis to try to understand how the changing pandemic impacts on our sailing activity. We should all be grateful for their commitment and dedication to keeping members safe whilst still enabling them to come and sail. The RYA also update their guidance to us, usually 2/3 days after the government announcements, which have helped us to interpret the rules as they change.

Many thanks to the various contributors of pictures and news items. As you will see, ‘stuff’ has been happening at the club over the festive opening days. Please keep them coming and I will endeavour to keep you all up to date despite not being able to get to the club myself.

The very best wishes to you all for 2021 – life has to get better.
John Smalley – commodore@chewvalleysailing.org.uk

29ers ready for their training yesterday

It was light wind training!

They were joined by Fevas

The winners of both ‘proper'(!) handicap races on 20-Dec-20

Our President dressed for the cold conditions!