As promised here is the update on reopening plans for the yard and club rooms. In planning the reopening schedule we have used information from the RYA and British Marine. Obviously the schedule is based on the planned deadlines being met and is subject to change in the event that the reopening plan set out by the government is altered.
At present the planned reopening will follow this schedule:
From now: The yard is only accessible to members to check their boats and to carry out any work that is essential to keep them safe. This work should be completed as quickly as possible and then members should vacate the yard. Other essential tasks to prepare the yard for the coming season are permitted but these will be under the direction of our Bosun who will identify what tasks need doing and which members are to carry out the work.
From 29 March: Members can access the yard to carry out work on their boats. All social distancing rules should be adhered to. The toilets will be open but we ask that members use the provided cleaning materials to clean down surfaces after they have used the toilet. The workshop will be accessible as there is essential safety equipment stored there. The engine store will also be accessible so that members can access their engines for servicing and general maintenance tasks. We ask that members clean behind them if they need to access these rooms. The clubhouse will remain closed.
From 12 April: The rules change very little in respect to our yard and club rooms. We will wait to see if there is further guidance provided and let members know if the rules can be eased once we know more ourselves.
From 17 May: Club house reopened with a limit of 6 members.
From June 21: All restrictions lifted.
We have used the following sources of guidance to put our reopening plan together:
The first link is to British Marine “Back to Boating”: https://britishmarine.co.uk/coronavirus

Coronavirus – British MarineBritish Marine understand that cases of Coronavirus are expected to rise in the coming weeks which may have implications for our members and their day-to-day operations here in the UK. The situation is constantly evolving which means the Government’s advice may change in the future. We would like to reassure our members that we are monitoring the situation closely and will post regular …britishmarine.co.uk

The second link is to the RYA Covid-19 FAQ’s valid in England; https://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/clubs/Covid%20FAQs%20in%20England%20from%205%20Jan%202021.pdf

RYA Covid-19 FAQs valid in EnglandRYA Covid-19 FAQs valid in England (Updated 4 March 2021) These FAQs have been developed in accordance with the ‘National Lockdown: Stay at Home’ and updated as a result of the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ Government guidance.

We appreciate that the proposed deadlines will restrict members’ opportunities to get their boat ready for the Spring Launch dates (20&21 April). If you feel you are going to struggle to be ready in time please contact me ASAP so we can support you as best we can. We still plan to proceed with the planned Spring Launch dates, subject to the reopening dates we have set out not being significantly altered.

Jake Daykin – On behalf of S.P.B.A. Committee