Covid-19 Update: Australian Sailing guidance
/Message from the Commodore.
Dear Member,
Australian Sailing received advice from NSW Health last week regarding community sport in the current COVID environment. Sailors are requested to comply with the recommendations from the Chief Health Officer to all community sports organisations to avoid inter-regional mixing, in particular within the Greater Sydney area.
NSW Health have requested State Sporting Organisations for water-based sports in Greater Sydney (i.e. Sydney Harbour), to designate at least three (3) ‘regions’. Australian Sailing have followed this request for the longer term benefits of the sport and proposed the regional zones as requested (click link). These designated local area zones are current until the end of September.
Over the next 5 weeks it is recommended, where practicable, that skippers sail with crew who usually reside in their own local area. The intention is to discourage travelling for community sport. If you live in Area A, you should, where possible, ideally sail with a crew who are also all from Area A. Given the somewhat arbitrary nature of the harbour divisions, skippers will need to decide how best they can comply with the new recommendations while still safely crewing their boats.
The club does not have the resources or authority to monitor or enforce the new recommendations. As always, skippers take responsibility for the health and safety of their crew.
The club understands that the introduction of the ‘Sailing Regions' may potentially limit some boats and crew from being able to compete. It has been decided (and agreed by other clubs on the harbour) that the results of races conducted during the period of the recommended restrictions will not contribute to any Pointscore. This decision has been taken so as to not disadvantage those skippers who may feel they are unable to race because they, or members of their crew, live outside the designated club region. At this stage, it is our intention to continue with the club racing program, until the government reviews this position, which is expected in the first week of October. The club shall keep you informed of any changes to that plan.
Please be aware that these 'Sailing Region' restrictions do not - for the moment - apply to social sailing or cruising. Nevertheless, we seek your assistance in conforming with the recommendations, where practicable. This is a unique change to how we normally sail and compete but is intended help ensure that sailing is seen to comply with NSW Health recommendations for sport in general.
Note:
· It is still possible for boats from other regional zones to join us on the water for racing
· It is still possible for all Members to come visit the Blues Point Hotel so long as the COVID-19 protocols implemented by the Hotel’s management are followed
· Everyone is required to complete our Crew Contacts declaration (via SailSys.com.au) for each Club race you intend to participate
Yours in sailing, and please stay safe.
Michael Jansen
Commodore
Blues Point Yacht ClubPO Box 7040, McMahons PointNSW 2060