marinias reopening

[Daydream believer]

The trouble with curtain twitchers is they are terrified someone somewhere, is not as miserable as they are??

So it is wrong to comment on the missdemenours of a group. I suppose that explains why we have so many drug dealers on the streets feeding the kids. Because to complain means one is criticised or sectionalsed. Never mind keep sniffing.

 

[bdh198]

Going for a walk a few hours ago I saw this boat going down Portchester Lake in Portsmouth Harbour (heading towards the Solent). It was about 17:30, and only 15 minutes before sunset. On a Saturday afternoon, with a sunny forecast and 10-15kts of breeze tomorrow one could assume he was breaching lockdown (by intending to stay aboard and away from the place he is living) and selfishly having full enjoyment of the weather tomorrow.

However, it is equally possible he has been berthed in Port Solent, and is using the only opportunity he has to move his boat to a new berth when his berthing contract at Port Solent expires at the end of the month (the lock gate at Port Solent has been closed for maintenance since the beginning of February and has only just reopened) - arguably a reasonable excuse. Alternatively, he may live on his boat and therefore will not be “leaving the place he is living” in breach of the regulations (although there may be an argument he should remain berthed in the same marina). Finally, he could work in the maritime industry (e.g. a delivery skipper) and be moving the boat in the course of his business.

Is he breaching lockdown? I have no idea, but one thing I won’t be doing is calling QHM or Hampshire Police.

If I knew he was breaching lockdown, would I make the call? No. The risk he presents of spreading the virus is negligible (including the risk of getting in trouble and calling for help from the emergency services resulting in a transmission). That doesn’t mean I condone the behaviour; I won’t be behaving in that manner because I respect the rules. However, a boat full of teenagers from different households getting drunk and messing about... well that might be a different matter!

 

[Cathy*]

We visited our boat today in Northney for the first time since before Christmas, it's no-one's business why. The office was open, Salt shack cafe was open. There were plenty of cyclists in the marina (why should they be there but not berth holders?) There were quite a few berth holders socially distancing but still talking. We had a conversation with a couple who were on their boat we were on the finger. The benefit of that hour long visit to our mental health far outweighed any non existent risk that we would catch Covid.

 

[Daydream believer]

We visited our boat today in Northney for the first time since before Christmas, it's no-one's business why. The office was open, Salt shack cafe was open. There were plenty of cyclists in the marina (why should they be there but not berth holders?) There were quite a few berth holders socially distancing but still talking. We had a conversation with a couple who were on their boat we were on the finger. The benefit of that hour long visit to our mental health far outweighed any non existent risk that we would catch Covid.

That the point i have been making. Once one does it the other lemings all think it is a good excuse to be selfish idiots themselves. & so the circle goes on.
Why do you think the Govt has a lockdown in the first place?
As for mental health -- !!!!! yes for a woman with 2 kids in a one bed flat in the middle of London with nowhere to go. But some claiming that one?? Really
I wonder how many of those that caught covid, said to themselves ," I am Ok it will not happen to me"

 

[Cathy*]

That the point i have been making. Once one does it the other lemings all think it is a good excuse to be selfish idiots themselves. & so the circle goes on.
Why do you think the Govt has a lockdown in the first place?
As for mental health -- !!!!! yes for a woman with 2 kids in a one bed flat in the middle of London with nowhere to go. But some claiming that one?? Really
I wonder how many of those that caught covid, said to themselves ," I am Ok it will not happen to me"

You clearly have no understanding of mental health problems, you're very lucky.

 

[lustyd]

it's no-one's business why.

Sums it up nicely. If you have a reason then do what you need, no need to explain to nosy people on the Internet.

 

[longjohnsilver]

That the point i have been making. Once one does it the other lemings all think it is a good excuse to be selfish idiots themselves. & so the circle goes on.
Why do you think the Govt has a lockdown in the first place?
As for mental health -- !!!!! yes for a woman with 2 kids in a one bed flat in the middle of London with nowhere to go. But some claiming that one?? Really
I wonder how many of those that caught covid, said to themselves ," I am Ok it will not happen to me"

Hmm.............

 

[ryanroberts]

It has been quite busy here in Cobb's Quay today..

 

[Achosenman]

So it is wrong to comment on the missdemenours of a group. I suppose that explains why we have so many drug dealers on the streets feeding the kids. Because to complain means one is criticised or sectionalsed. Never mind keep sniffing.

So now you equate people on boats to drug dealers.

Keep twitching if that gives your life meaning. The rest of us will just get on with life where possible using our common sense to stay safe.

 

[jimi]

Lets talk some sense. Covid is spread mainly by the inhalation of infected aerosol particles emanating from the breath of an infected person. A distance of 2m in an outside environment should minimise any risk of transmission partic if contact is less than 20 minutes and masks are worn by all parties. If one sails only with one's household then any risk is so minimal as to be non existent. RYA guidance is that sailing is permitted as a form of exercise. What is not permitted is overnight stays or travel outside ones local area. The definition of local area is not clear in the legislation and obviously people's interpretation will vary. There is certainly one hell of less risk of transmission in a socially distanced outside environment than shopping at Tesco's (other shops are available!). I do feel that one ought to be seen to be compliant and the picture of yotties swanning around whilst single mother Bettie is confined to her 12th story inner city flat with 4 screaming kids is not a particularly good one. However I have no issue with going down to the boat for maintenance purposes.

 

[TernVI]

A look at the interactive covid map shows quite a lot of yotty places are notably higher than the general region.

 

[Bodach na mara]

In post #24 we were asked why the government has a lockdown. I personally have no idea. Lockdowns as such don't seem to have much effect on the growth rate of cases. If they did, then the peak number would be reached after a few weeks but the first lockdown lasted for about three months and this one is already 2 months long and is expected to last for another two.

Jimi, in post #30, gave a clear explanation of the mode of transmission and the scale of the risk if simple measures are taken. Lockdowns have been a lot less effective than they should have been, not because of people breaking them, but because the daft f***ers can't be bothered to take similar precautions. And among those who have both ignored the rules of lockdown and failed in their personal protection measures are many of the people who laid down the rules, for example Bojo himself, Robert Renwick, Chris Whitty, Dominic Cummings, etc, etc.

 

[dankilb]

I think we can at least count ourselves relatively lucky that the marine sector is among the first to reopen (being grouped, as it rightly is, with outdoor sports - meaning Govt recognises the health benefits, even if some on here seem to think that’s just a concern for the ‘snowflakes’?).

So at least we can be eyeing a fuller opening-up ahead of many other sectors. If that creates a bit of a buzz around marinas, etc., in advance of that date - so be it. The risks are low (outdoors) and who’s to say those boaters aren’t, in fact, local anyway?

It’s up to businesses, clubs, etc. to enforce their Covid-secure policies and presumably they have a better idea of who people are (how many households, local, etc.) than commenters on an Internet forum! Yes, if a business lets things get completely out of hand, they will in turn attract the attention of authorities. So maybe it’s best to assume these businesses know what they’re doing - whether open or closed - and leave it at that?

 

[bdh198]

...What is not permitted is overnight stays or travel outside ones local area. The definition of local area is not clear in the legislation and obviously people's interpretation will vary.

There is nothing in the legislation that mentions “staying local” in regard to the restriction on leaving home or the exceptions to that restriction under the regulations. The distance you travel may, however, be relevant in determining whether someone might have a “reasonable excuse” for leaving or being outside the place they are living. The further you travel the more difficult it will be to show your excuse for being outside is reasonable. For example, if you boat is a ten minute walk from your home it will almost certainly be considered reasonable for you to walk over and check her mooring lines are secure. If, however, you live a ten hour drive from your boat then it almost certainly would not be reasonable to travel to check its lines - ask the marina or someone more local to do it for you.

Rather than thinking in terms of “staying local” it is probably more helpful to think in terms of ‘is it reasonable for me to be travelling that distance for that purpose’.

 

[steveeasy]

The fact is marinas were not told to close. So they are or a proportion are open. But some say they are closed to their paying customers even though they are open.
So are these businesses that are open as not being told to close being subsidised for being open or closed. And the ones that remain open but restrict access are try in breach of contract cos their open but should have closed. Me I'm at home until 29th March.
Steveeasy

 

[oldgit]

I do choose actually. As do many others. See my pics above.

+1

 

[Blue Sunray]

We visited our boat today in Northney for the first time since before Christmas, it's no-one's business why. The office was open, Salt shack cafe was open. There were plenty of cyclists in the marina (why should they be there but not berth holders?) There were quite a few berth holders socially distancing but still talking. We had a conversation with a couple who were on their boat we were on the finger. The benefit of that hour long visit to our mental health far outweighed any non existent risk that we would catch Covid.

My observations lead me to believe that the entire body of English and Welsh law does not apply to cyclists. The CV19 regulations are no different.

 

[jimi]

There is nothing in the legislation that mentions “staying local” in regard to the restriction on leaving home or the exceptions to that restriction under the regulations. The distance you travel may, however, be relevant in determining whether someone might have a “reasonable excuse” for leaving or being outside the place they are living. The further you travel the more difficult it will be to show your excuse for being outside is reasonable. For example, if you boat is a ten minute walk from your home it will almost certainly be considered reasonable for you to walk over and check her mooring lines are secure. If, however, you live a ten hour drive from your boat then it almost certainly would not be reasonable to travel to check its lines - ask the marina or someone more local to do it for you.

Rather than thinking in terms of “staying local” it is probably more helpful to think in terms of ‘is it reasonable for me to be travelling that distance for that purpose’.

Govt guidance is used by enforcement authorities to interpret legislation. The relevant guidance with regard to sailing is:

Exercising
You should minimise time spent outside your home, but you can leave your home to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

National lockdown: Stay at Home

 

[RichardTaylor]

My primary recreation is the boat (sailing and maintaining it is all part of the hobby). I live 5 miles from my marina. I am not sure I can justify visiting the marina under the current rules, however from the latest government papers, Rule 93 states:

93. From 8 March, the Stay at Home restriction will continue but it will be amended so that people can leave home for recreation as well as exercise outdoors - with their own household, support or childcare bubble, or with one person from another household. Social distancing and other safe behaviours should be followed

The Oxford dictionary definition of "recreation":
the fact of people doing things for enjoyment, when they are not working

I will have no qualms about visiting the boat from the 8th to carry out maintenance and cleaning, I will however do my best to avoid close contact with others outside of my household.

 

[IanL]

So desperate to get back on the water....

I'm trying to judge when the marinas/harbours around the solent will be opening to overnight visitors
My guess is that they will peg themselves to the planned April 12 date to allow overnight stays (and opending of B&B's etc) - although that does say "overnight stays with no shared facilities), although none of them seem to have made any updates to their visitor policies since January

The RYA advice is here
Coronavirus - advice and information for recreational boaters | News | News & Events | RYA - Royal Yachting Association
which I believe that the harbour authorities usually follow

I know this is all subject to potential change, but wondered if anybody has any inside knowledge on plans or can remember how soon after restrictions lifting that they all opened up last year

I understand that B&Bs will not be reopening until May 17.