Statement on Coronavirus (Covid-19) – 20th March 2020

Friday 20th March 2020

Following a meeting of the club Coronavirus working party comprising all the Officers of the Club and the Club Manager via tele-conference last night the Officers of the Club are putting in place the following additional measures in response to the current Coronavirus outbreak.

  1. The Club Annual General Meeting previously announced for Friday 3rd April is to be postponed. Our current intention is to hold an Annual General Meeting on the 22nd May, details of this are still being confirmed and will depend upon government advice so we ask members to bear with us while plans are completed.
  2. All Club organised sailing is now cancelled until at least 31st May. This is to ensure the health and safety not only of competitors but the Club’s volunteers who organise the activities. Club members can of course still sail should they wish to do so but there will be no access for use of club ribs, Mary Gurine or other equipment
  3. All Club training is cancelled until at least 31st May, this includes Squadron 13. This is in accordance with RYA advice and guidance. Parents of children taking part in Squadron 13 will be contacted directly by the Club office with further information.
  4. All Club social events are cancelled until at least 31st May. The only exception to this is the Mother’s Day Lunch this weekend, where it is felt that the numbers booked mean that effective social distancing can be put in place.
  5. All external functions are cancelled until at least 31st May. Club members who have functions booked during this period will be contacted shortly by the Club office to discuss options.
  6. The Members’ Bar remains open, but will operate on reduced hours from Monday 23rd March, the new opening hours and accompanying food offering from the kitchen will be confirmed in a separate communication.
  7. The Clubhouse remains open as normal, where possible we are segregating staff to minimise the risk of transmission. The sealing of the club office to all except office staff, means that for the time being, and in consultation with the staff, it is not felt to be necessary to instigate homeworking despite government advice. It is however possible for almost all Office functions to be fulfilled remotely should the need arise.
  8. The Club caterer, John Powell, is planning to make available a home-cooked meal delivery service to members who may distancing, self-isolating or struggling to obtain food from the supermarkets. Details will be available soon.

Strict controls are in place on expenditure, cost savings that arise due to the changes in the level of activity are being actively pursued. All possible funding sources from insurers and/or resulting from recent government announcements are being investigated. Club staff members have voluntarily offered to either reduce their paid hours, or to be redeployed in order to allow cost savings elsewhere to reduce the financial burden on the club.

The situation continues to develop rapidly and advice from both Government and the RYA is being monitored very closely. The working party will now meet on a weekly basis, with the aim not only of protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff, members and visitors but also to ensure the long-term stability of the Club.

A weekly update will be sent to Club members each Friday; even if that is to confirm no change. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy and continue to monitor our social media channels for updates.

A reminder of measures we already have in place in the Clubhouse:

  • Our cleaners are no longer focusing on cosmetic cleaning and are instead cleaning surfaces that visitors to the building are coming into contact with.
  • The Club Office remains open, but the office itself is now off limits to everyone except for the two members of staff who normally work in there (Michael & Caroline).
  • Bar cleaning has been stepped up and measures have been taken to distance staff and members using the bar, including:
    • Removal of bar stools at the bar (members are asked not to move the stools back into the bar),
    • Changes to card processing procedures to minimise contact,
    • Discouraging acceptance of cash,
    • Increased hand washing after every transaction.
  • Hand sanitiser is available in the main entrance.
  • Regular toilet checks throughout the day to ensure effective handwashing is always available.

A reminder of measures we are asking members to take:

  • Follow good hygiene when in the club, use the hand sanitiser, wash your hands and always cough or sneeze into your sleeve or into a tissue that you immediately dispose of.
  • All members who need to make contact with the office are requested to limit it to telephone or email where possible.
  • If you or any of you family members have symptoms, we would ask you not to visit the Club and to follow government guidelines on self-isolation.
  • If you are in what would be considered an at-risk group, we would suggest you do not visit the Club.
  • If you contract Coronavirus within a few days of visiting the Club, please inform us with details of who you may have been in close contact with.