Sailing allowed in lockdown

Capt Popeye

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Yes but "Outdoor sports centres and amenities (which includes sailing clubs and watersports centres) will have to close"
Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Current Affairs | Knowledge & Advice | RYA - Royal Yachting Association
Yes well, do not think that closing Yacht Clubs, Sailing Clubs and Watersports Centres will really effect us lone Sailors at all; ok yes nice to pop in and have a drink, say hello or use the toilets etc but we do not need the Socialising aspect of Boating at all.

Guess that for Boating is could be that the closing of such centres and buildings is no bad thing at all, after all its the same with the various Church, Offices, Public Transport and other places where peoples meet up, they are breeding grounds for germs and virus infections

So far better we go boating on our own to observe the Govt Distancing and Isolationist policies.

Guess a reason that the RYA etc might take a different slant on this subject is that they (RYA) have become to centurist in their business activities and possibly rely upon the income generated from the various Courses and Certificates to be truely acting in our , (those that participate in Boating in general) interests
 

BabySharkDooDooDooDooDoo

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Yes well, do not think that closing Yacht Clubs, Sailing Clubs and Watersports Centres will really effect us lone Sailors at all; ok yes nice to pop in and have a drink, say hello or use the toilets etc but we do not need the Socialising aspect of Boating at all.

Guess that for Boating is could be that the closing of such centres and buildings is no bad thing at all, after all its the same with the various Church, Offices, Public Transport and other places where peoples meet up, they are breeding grounds for germs and virus infections

So far better we go boating on our own to observe the Govt Distancing and Isolationist policies.

Guess a reason that the RYA etc might take a different slant on this subject is that they (RYA) have become to centurist in their business activities and possibly rely upon the income generated from the various Courses and Certificates to be truely acting in our , (those that participate in Boating in general) interests

The required closing Yacht or Sailing clubs isn't just the clubhouse but the entire premises.

So if you are fortunate enough to have a berth in a club marina you cannot go sailing or attend to it in person and similarly if your boat is on a swinging mooring and you need to use the club slip to launch the tender then you cannot do that either.

Latest statement from British Marine:

What the Marine Industry should know as England starts a second lockdown

As England starts a 4 week lockdown, British Marine has been seeking clarity from the UK Government on how the new restrictions will impact our members and the leisure marine sector.

During a meeting with DEFRA officials on Monday 2 November, British Marine was informed that no sector specific guidance would be produced and instead, individual businesses should interpret and comply with high level government guidance published on the Gov.uk website.

Where British Marine has been able to gather some specific clarity from Government, DEFRA officials have stated they do not consider private individuals visiting their boats for maintenance or winterisation purposes as an essential activity for leaving their primary place of residence.

DEFRA has confirmed that under PART 4 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, a member of the public can pay a business to maintain their boat on their behalf during the lockdown.

DCMS has not as yet confirmed that recreational boating can be part of an outdoor exercise regime, however some Harbour Authorities are permitting the visiting and use of recreational craft and British Marine supports this position until clear government guidance says otherwise.

British Marine understands that members seek clear unambiguous guidance and that is why we will continue to press the UK government for further, sector specific guidance. However, until that is forthcoming, current interpretation of the regulations is as follows:

  • Areas of industry where workers cannot work from home can stay open with COVID-19 secure protocols in place. This would allow boatyards to provide maintenance and winterisation services.
  • Chandleries and other non-essential retail will need to close for the 4 week period but can continue with click and collect and delivery services
  • Passenger vessel operations (unless being used for essential transport), charters and hire boat operations will need to stop operations for the 4 week period
  • Brokerage and boat showrooms will need to close to the public for the 4 weeks. The regulations specifically say “Showrooms and other premises, including outdoor areas, used for the sale or hire of caravans, boats or any vehicle which can be propelled by mechanical means, and car washes.”… should close. The restrictions do not prevent such businesses from remaining open to respond to orders or order queries either through a website or otherwise by on-line communication, by telephone or by post. See the BM/YBDSA joint statement for yacht brokers here
  • Marinas can remain open, however, no overnight stays are allowed on boats except for residential berth holders (where the boat is their Primary Residence) or for business purposes. Toilets and showers can remain open for site users. For the above reasons, access and access control systems may remain open however, marinas should remind their berth holders to adhere to Government rules for England requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes. A full TYHA statement can be found on the BM website here.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, “Whilst the current lockdown has seen many more businesses continue to stay open, there are still many who need further information over the exemptions and of course the continued financial support packages provided by Government. We will continue to support and represent the best interests of these businesses throughout the pandemic. The British Marine Coronavirus hub, which is accessible to all, will be updated with the very latest advice, together with business support tools and further guidance.”

To keep up to date with all the latest COVID-19 advice and guidance from British Marine, please visit www.britishmarine.co.uk/coronavirus.

What an absolute mess.
 

Mark-1

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"DEFRA officials have stated they do not consider private individuals visiting their boats for maintenance or winterisation purposes as an essential activity for leaving their primary place of residence."

Even if it's not it is certainly outdoor recreation which is allowed.



"British Marine understands that members seek clear unambiguous guidance"

I don't. The regs are not specifically saying we can't sail, I don't think we want to push further because a 'no' is less risk to civil servants than a 'yes'.
 
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dk

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Statement just reissued (1046 on 6/11/20):

What the Marine Industry should know as England starts a second lockdown

As England starts a 4 week lockdown, British Marine has been seeking clarity from the UK Government on how the new restrictions will impact our members and the leisure marine sector.

During a meeting with DEFRA officials on Monday 2 November, British Marine was informed that no sector specific guidance would be produced and instead, individual businesses should interpret and comply with high level government guidance published on the Gov.uk website.

Where British Marine has been able to gather some specific clarity from Government, DEFRA officials have stated they do not consider private individuals visiting their boats for maintenance or winterisation purposes as an essential activity for leaving their primary place of residence.

DEFRA has confirmed that under PART 4 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, a member of the public can pay a business to maintain their boat on their behalf during the lockdown.

DCMS has now confirmed that recreational boating can be part of an outdoor exercise regime either alone, with 1 other person, or within your household or bubble. Guidance states; “There is no restriction on the type of activity you can do when exercising, provided that you are within the permitted gathering limits.” Furthermore, it confirms; “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 provided that the guidance on social distancing is observed”. However, British Marine would advise to check with local marinas, navigation authorities and clubs beforehand.

British Marine understands that members seek clear unambiguous guidance and that is why we will continue to press the UK government for further, sector specific guidance. However, until that is forthcoming, current interpretation of the regulations is as follows:

  • Private individuals can use their boats for exercise and therefore deliver their vessel to a boatyard for maintenance or winterisation. However, current DEFRA guidance does not allow the boat owner to visit their vessel to conduct maintenance themselves.
  • Areas of industry where workers cannot work from home can stay open with COVID-19 secure protocols in place. This would allow boatyards to provide maintenance and winterisation services.
  • Chandleries and other non-essential retail will need to close for the 4 week period but can continue with click and collect and delivery services
  • Passenger vessel operations (unless being used for essential transport), charters and hire boat operations will need to stop operations for the 4 week period
  • Brokerage and boat showrooms will need to close to the public for the 4 weeks. The regulations specifically say “Showrooms and other premises, including outdoor areas, used for the sale or hire of caravans, boats or any vehicle which can be propelled by mechanical means, and car washes.”… should close. The restrictions do not prevent such businesses from remaining open to respond to orders or order queries either through a website or otherwise by on-line communication, by telephone or by post. See the BM/YBDSA joint statement for yacht brokers here
  • Marinas can remain open, however, no overnight stays are allowed on boats except for residential berth holders (where the boat is their Primary Residence) or for business purposes. Toilets and showers can remain open for site users. For the above reasons, access and access control systems may remain open however, marinas should remind their berth holders to adhere to Government rules for England requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes. A full TYHA statement can be found on the BM website here.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, “Whilst the current lockdown has seen many more businesses continue to stay open, there are still many who need further information over the exemptions and of course the continued financial support packages provided by Government. We will continue to support and represent the best interests of these businesses throughout the pandemic. The British Marine Coronavirus hub, which is accessible to all, will be updated with the very latest advice, together with business support tools and further guidance.”

To keep up to date with all the latest COVID-19 advice and guidance from British Marine, please visit www.britishmarine.co.uk/coronavirus.
 

DJE

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  • Private individuals can use their boats for exercise and therefore deliver their vessel to a boatyard for maintenance or winterisation. However, current DEFRA guidance does not allow the boat owner to visit their vessel to conduct maintenance themselves.
BM possibly drumming up a bit of business there by squeezing out the DIY boat owner.
Why doesn't sanding and removing cushions, sails, etc count as "using my boat for exercise"?
 

Capt Popeye

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Yep it shows all to well that we, who go boating, really really need a support association more akin to that enjoyed by The Ramblers Association than what we apparently have got now

I must say that reading most of the Blurb put out by Harbour, Marina, RYA, Boating Manufactureres Associations I get the impression that those in charge there have long (to long) experience in safe Empolyment in Govt or Council situations and have lost the point of their reason for existance, so to speak just relying upon the Written Word of others and not their Personal attributes over whats right, wrong, expected, required, wanted, etc etc
 

DJE

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And this isn't the "exercise only" regime that we had in April. We are also allowed "outdoor recreation" but BM seem to be ignoring that.
 

TernVI

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That still leaves the question of how far it's reasonable to travel to your boat.
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales is allowed as exercise, it's pretty clear that driving there from Bristol is not?
 

Bob@SYH

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Statement just reissued (1046 on 6/11/20):

What the Marine Industry should know as England starts a second lockdown

As England starts a 4 week lockdown, British Marine has been seeking clarity from the UK Government on how the new restrictions will impact our members and the leisure marine sector.

During a meeting with DEFRA officials on Monday 2 November, British Marine was informed that no sector specific guidance would be produced and instead, individual businesses should interpret and comply with high level government guidance published on the Gov.uk website.

Where British Marine has been able to gather some specific clarity from Government, DEFRA officials have stated they do not consider private individuals visiting their boats for maintenance or winterisation purposes as an essential activity for leaving their primary place of residence.

DEFRA has confirmed that under PART 4 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, a member of the public can pay a business to maintain their boat on their behalf during the lockdown.

DCMS has now confirmed that recreational boating can be part of an outdoor exercise regime either alone, with 1 other person, or within your household or bubble. Guidance states; “There is no restriction on the type of activity you can do when exercising, provided that you are within the permitted gathering limits.” Furthermore, it confirms; “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 provided that the guidance on social distancing is observed”. However, British Marine would advise to check with local marinas, navigation authorities and clubs beforehand.

British Marine understands that members seek clear unambiguous guidance and that is why we will continue to press the UK government for further, sector specific guidance. However, until that is forthcoming, current interpretation of the regulations is as follows:

  • Private individuals can use their boats for exercise and therefore deliver their vessel to a boatyard for maintenance or winterisation. However, current DEFRA guidance does not allow the boat owner to visit their vessel to conduct maintenance themselves.
  • Areas of industry where workers cannot work from home can stay open with COVID-19 secure protocols in place. This would allow boatyards to provide maintenance and winterisation services.
  • Chandleries and other non-essential retail will need to close for the 4 week period but can continue with click and collect and delivery services
  • Passenger vessel operations (unless being used for essential transport), charters and hire boat operations will need to stop operations for the 4 week period
  • Brokerage and boat showrooms will need to close to the public for the 4 weeks. The regulations specifically say “Showrooms and other premises, including outdoor areas, used for the sale or hire of caravans, boats or any vehicle which can be propelled by mechanical means, and car washes.”… should close. The restrictions do not prevent such businesses from remaining open to respond to orders or order queries either through a website or otherwise by on-line communication, by telephone or by post. See the BM/YBDSA joint statement for yacht brokers here
  • Marinas can remain open, however, no overnight stays are allowed on boats except for residential berth holders (where the boat is their Primary Residence) or for business purposes. Toilets and showers can remain open for site users. For the above reasons, access and access control systems may remain open however, marinas should remind their berth holders to adhere to Government rules for England requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes. A full TYHA statement can be found on the BM website here.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, “Whilst the current lockdown has seen many more businesses continue to stay open, there are still many who need further information over the exemptions and of course the continued financial support packages provided by Government. We will continue to support and represent the best interests of these businesses throughout the pandemic. The British Marine Coronavirus hub, which is accessible to all, will be updated with the very latest advice, together with business support tools and further guidance.”

To keep up to date with all the latest COVID-19 advice and guidance from British Marine, please visit www.britishmarine.co.uk/coronavirus.

I've been keeping an eye on the BM website and it appears not to have been updated to this so far, I can only see the version where DCMS has not confirmed recreational boating ... can you show me the link to this update please... thanks
 

Blueboatman

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Split personality types could therefore , theoretically or hypothetically , swap captain and owners hat for grubby boiler suit , undertake professional grade maintenance and winterisation , even ooh, deep cleaning of bilges and surfaces ( topsides) and indeed do this by vigorously climbing up and down ladders and rubbing lots of wax and polish vigirously puff puff pant phew I’m so exhausted..
Might even do it out of sheer altruism and public spiritedness and not bill the owner ..

Seems marginally safer and more useful than “ going for a walk” with 100s of others on the same path/towpath/street pavement...
or running nowhere burning ones life away on a stationary “ exercise” device in front of the telly?
Mebbe?

I always at these times consider no more the man on the Clapham omnibus .
But a wiser, kinder, more modern scion of political vision and clarity , one Dominic Cummings Esq. .
What will he be doing this weekend ??
 

RJJ

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  • Private individuals can use their boats for exercise and therefore deliver their vessel to a boatyard for maintenance or winterisation. However, current DEFRA guidance does not allow the boat owner to visit their vessel to conduct maintenance themselves.
BM possibly drumming up a bit of business there by squeezing out the DIY boat owner.
Why doesn't sanding and removing cushions, sails, etc count as "using my boat for exercise"?
That's ridiculous and I'll ignore it, thanks. I suspect the person in DEFRA assumes that all boatowners have overflowing wallets and none of us know how to wield a screwdriver.
 

RupertW

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That's ridiculous and I'll ignore it, thanks. I suspect the person in DEFRA assumes that all boatowners have overflowing wallets and none of us know how to wield a screwdriver.
I use up more calories doing most maintenance than I do for sailing, so my primary goal for maintenance for me now is exercise.
 
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