15th May 2020
As club members will probably be aware, the Government guidance on ‘accessing green spaces’ was updated earlier this week and came into force on 13th May. This provided positive news for the resumption of some of our activities. The revised guidance is:
“All forms of water sports practised 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.”
Torbay Harbour Authority have already confirmed that the harbour has reopened for leisure use with restrictions, the detail of which can be obtained by following this link: https://www.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk/notices/1220/.
We would strongly recommend that all members who are planning to go afloat read this notice as it contains useful advice on the access to the inner harbour and the maintaining of social distancing while accessing the pontoons.
We have summarised below what this means for RTYC members:
- You are now able to use your own boats.
- Please note the following restrictions to this use:
- As you may only meet with one person outside of your household and that even then you must keep 2 metres apart. This will most likely restrict members to activities with members of their own household unless their boat is large enough to maintain social distance with one other person.
- There will be no club provided safety boat cover so we strongly advise that you are satisfied that both yourself and your boat can easily handle the conditions as if you were to get into difficulty the RNLI and Coastguard would have to risk their own safety for you.
- If you do put to sea, we advise that you take a waterproof handheld radio with you.
- We will not yet be able to offer organised Club activities, be that racing or training as the requirements for social distancing does not make this practical.
- Club boats and equipment, principally the TYST owned dinghies, Mary Gurine and the club ribs will not be available for use.
Training
The Club is still unable to offer any shore-based or on the water training in line with the latest RYA Training Guidance. as it would be impossible to maintain social distancing.
Clubhouse, changing rooms etc.
These will remain closed while we assess the latest Government guidance.
In Conclusion
This is a first small step towards normal club activity and the Management Committee will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as we are able to do so.
As this is an ever-changing situation, we advise you should always check for the latest guidance issued by the Government, RYA, RNLI and RTYC before you decide to go afloat.
Please also be aware that the Royal Torbay Yacht Club’s reputation with our stakeholders on the harbourside and within the local community could be jeopardised by our actions over the coming weeks and we ask all members to take this into account.
Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all on the water and in the clubhouse soon.
On behalf of the RTYC Management Committee