The Yacht Harbour Association position with Lockdown II

[Sandy]

I received this from my marina today

The Yacht Harbour Association

Marina Industry Position Statement – England
3rd November 2020

As directed by Government for the period 5th November to 2nd December 2020 marinas can remain open for business services including (but not limited to) boatyard, boat servicing and tenants. Chandleries and other non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers, click and collect and to supply the marine trade. On site catering should close unless providing takeaway services.

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.

Access and access control systems may remain open to customers however marinas should encourage their berth holders to adhere to Government rules for England requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes:

New National Restrictions from 5 November

Whilst this initial announcement outlines the Government’s intention, the details of how this will affect boating and marinas in England will not be clear until the legislation has been through Parliament and we have received the necessary guidance from Government Departments including DEFRA and DCMS.

Current Government guidance does not provide complete clarity and there are some uncertainties including Government’s definition of ‘exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place’. Until further clarity is available marinas may decide to accept that their customers should be able to make their own choice based on Government guidance.

New National Restrictions from 5 November

 

[Lucky Duck]

I received this from my marina today

Thank you for that

... and to think I was mocked on another thread for saying we would needs to see the regulations and guidance before knowing for sure

 

[Sandy]

I thought it was a very pragmatic view.

We won't need to exit the marina in "stealth mode", navigation lights off, AIS off, RADAR off, mast down and using oars in the dark of night.

 

[ip485]

I see nothing in the regulations published that specifically excludes marinas remaining open, but I do see overnight stays are specifically not permitted.

 

[Lucky Duck]

There is a thread elsewhere about the regulations, another member and myself overlooked that.

Can you point us in the right direction?

 

[Hallberg-Rassy]

Has anyone seen anything that says you're not allowed to exercise at night? Or sleep during the day.

Nice big 90% moon tonight.

Try:

New (England) restrictions impact on sailing?

Boating During Lockdown?

 

[Greenheart]

...nothing in the regulations specifically excludes marinas remaining open, but I do see overnight stays are specifically not permitted.

I don't aim this at you, IP485, but at that objectionable restriction, and the unfortunate weight that forumites are giving it.

It's ludicrous to picture intelligent, mature, quiet-living yachtsmen and their wives being targeted by authorities, as a Covid risk...

...and it would be an inexcusable waste of police resources if they were to visit marinas to catch owners, overnighting harmlessly.

Yet, many of those owners keep broadcasting here, how they (and everyone else with a boat) must not spend a night aboard. Why?

Don't reply "it's the law". We all know what the letter of this law is, and how absurdly ill-written it is for many that it covers. These rules have not been passed because boatowners represent any specific danger - they're written for simplicity, because "one-size-fits-all" is easier to apply, and is ostensibly fairer, than a proportionate response to an activity's level of risk.

The rules are generalised to keep unspecified risk-groups from spreading Covid. People enjoying low-risk/no-risk activities just need the intelligence, confidence and discretion, a) to recognise that their actions do not represent any identifiable risk, and that they are just caught up in a heavy-handed solution, and b) to quietly carry on as they would have previously, without discussing it publicly!

Visit your boat, stay aboard for supper, and after a late coffee, judge for yourself how measurably more hazardous it would be if you were to go home then, than in good daylight ten hours, or days, later. The letter of this law is only to prevent envy breaking out. If you discuss it as though it were carefully reasoned, you give it undeserved credence.

 

[jimi]

I don't aim this at you, IP485, but at that objectionable restriction, and the unfortunate weight that forumites are giving it.

It's ludicrous to picture intelligent, mature, quiet-living yachtsmen and their wives being targeted by authorities, as a Covid risk...

...and it would be an inexcusable waste of police resources if they were to visit marinas to catch owners, overnighting harmlessly.

Yet, many of those owners keep broadcasting here, how they (and everyone else with a boat) must not spend a night aboard. Why?

Don't reply "it's the law". We all know what the letter of this law is, and how absurdly ill-written it is for many that it covers. These rules have not been passed because boatowners represent any specific danger - they're written for simplicity, because "one-size-fits-all" is easier to apply, and is ostensibly fairer, than a proportionate response to an activity's level of risk.

The rules are generalised to keep unspecified risk-groups from spreading Covid. People enjoying low-risk/no-risk activities just need the intelligence, confidence and discretion, a) to recognise that their actions do not represent any identifiable risk, and that they are just caught up in a heavy-handed solution, and b) to quietly carry on as they would have previously, without discussing it publicly!

Visit your boat, stay aboard for supper, and after a late coffee, judge for yourself how measurably more hazardous it would be if you were to go home then, than in good daylight ten hours, or days, later. The letter of this law is only to prevent envy breaking out. If you discuss it as though it were carefully reasoned, you give it undeserved credence.

Depends on how you crew, I sail with SWMBO so no risk. Those that sail with crews not in their household have another level of risk.

 

[Greenheart]

I really hope that's obvious, Jimi...that's what I meant by yachtsmen and their wives. I think in the UK in November, the need for any crew at all is likely to be microscopically smaller than the simple desire to sleep aboard at the marina berth.

 

[Sandy]

Nothing stopping anybody spending the night sailing or on the hook.

 

[Hermit]

mature, quiet-living yachtsmen and their wives

And in a flash, its the 1950's....

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Can understand golfers restrictions though.

I have a caddy, life trainer, fitness trainer, and ball spotter with me at all times.

It's a bummer !

 

[Hallberg-Rassy]

Nothing stopping anybody spending the night sailing or on the hook.

Especially when the entire Navy and Border Forces cant stop 24 Afghans in a dinghy from doing so?

"Welcome to England. Here's your £10,000 fine for not social distancing.
I am sorry, but you are not allowed to be out sailing or use our marina".

 

[ip485]

I don't aim this at you, IP485, but at that objectionable restriction, and the unfortunate weight that forumites are giving it.

It's ludicrous to picture intelligent, mature, quiet-living yachtsmen and their wives being targeted by authorities, as a Covid risk...

...and it would be an inexcusable waste of police resources if they were to visit marinas to catch owners, overnighting harmlessly.

Yet, many of those owners keep broadcasting here, how they (and everyone else with a boat) must not spend a night aboard. Why?

Don't reply "it's the law". We all know what the letter of this law is, and how absurdly ill-written it is for many that it covers. These rules have not been passed because boatowners represent any specific danger - they're written for simplicity, because "one-size-fits-all" is easier to apply, and is ostensibly fairer, than a proportionate response to an activity's level of risk.

The rules are generalised to keep unspecified risk-groups from spreading Covid. People enjoying low-risk/no-risk activities just need the intelligence, confidence and discretion, a) to recognise that their actions do not represent any identifiable risk, and that they are just caught up in a heavy-handed solution, and b) to quietly carry on as they would have previously, without discussing it publicly!

Visit your boat, stay aboard for supper, and after a late coffee, judge for yourself how measurably more hazardous it would be if you were to go home then, than in good daylight ten hours, or days, later. The letter of this law is only to prevent envy breaking out. If you discuss it as though it were carefully reasoned, you give it undeserved credence.

DanCrane - I know you dont aim this at me, and in any event I agree with you. It is undoubtedly right to simply not draw attention and go peacefully about our business.

Indeed I was reflecting on the regulations which run to what, about half a dozen pages - I have actually read them!

I do wonder whether they have missed the point. I reckon they might have been reduced to one page.

All shops resteraunts pubs clubs meeting places anywhere where more than 2 people would routinely come together shall close with the following exceptions.

Any sport hobby or pastime that is conducted wholly out of doors and involves no more than the prescribed number of people in these regulations many continue, but otherwise may not.

The usual wording about who you can meet with and bubbles.

The usual wording about key workers.

and then the key that anything not explicitally covered by these regualtions the people involved shall be able to demonstrate that their actions did not compromise the overriding principle of restricting the interaction of people as set out in these regulations.

I dont mean this as a piece of drafting , but the principle of conveying what it is that surely is intended and we should all follow.

 

[Greenheart]

And in a flash, its the 1950's....

Not sure if you mean to be humorous or pertinent, Hermit, or what your point may be if it's the latter.

A very large majority of the cabin-boat owners I have known and observed in the Solent in 2020 and recent years, are married men or couples, retired or past middle age, very keen about their boats and the business of sailing, but without any inclination to intrude on other people's space, peace or enjoyment.

I call them "mature, quiet-living yachtsmen and their wives". Is there a better description? You don't have to like it, but it's accurate.

 

[Hallberg-Rassy]

I call them "mature, quiet-living yachtsmen and their wives". Is there a better description? You don't have to like it, but it's accurate.

It's probably not PC to place the possessive pronoun on the wife. How about an equal ops, "yachtspeople"?

Plus you can never tell these days if one partner has had their gender reassigned. I mean, remember boxing promoter Frank Maloney, or have a look at Paul McCartney these days ...

 

[Greenheart]

I loved Gyles Brandreth's story of how he was watching a very old lady making her way slowly along a first-class airplane aisle. It wasn't until she sat down that he realised she was Mick Jagger.

 

[Hallberg-Rassy]

It was a terrible shame, especially for poor Yoko, but John did the right thing by dying while he still "keeped young and beautiful".

 

[SimonFa]

This is getting bizarre.

I've just had an email from the marina and it appears we can go boating:

With recreational boating still permitted, we remain open and manned to help you get out on the water. This includes our dry stack and fuel dock, but please remember that the onus is on you, the customer, to comply with the lockdown restrictions and consider carefully the distance you will need to travel to access your boat.

but:

After direct conversation with The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, British Marine have also issued the following guidance:

“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.”

Unfortunately, this means you are unable to visit your boat for maintenance and winterisation purposes. Our boatyard is still fully operational for lifting services and boatcare works and we can help you organise essential maintenance through our boatcare team or our registered contractors.

Does that mean I can go sailing but can't do any maintenance when I get back?

How about if I decide to go for a walk at Portland, leaving home to do that is still OK, I think, and decide to drop in on the boat while I'm there?

Someone's obviously made the cardinal sin of asking for permission and its far easier for bureaucrats to say "no", by the look of it


Full email below

Update on new national restrictions - COVID 19

Dear Mr Fawthrop, Following the introduction of a second lockdown across England, we have been working closely with the Trade Bodies that govern the leisure marine industry to clarify the position on accessing Portland Marina. A full summary of the guidance from British Marine can be found here. The section relating specifically to marinas states; “Marinas can remain open, however, no overnight stays are allowed on boats except for residential berth holders (where the boat is their primary residence). 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.” With recreational boating still permitted, we remain open and manned to help you get out on the water. This includes our dry stack and fuel dock, but please remember that the onus is on you, the customer, to comply with the lockdown restrictions and consider carefully the distance you will need to travel to access your boat. After direct conversation with The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, British Marine have also issued the following guidance: “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.” Unfortunately, this means you are unable to visit your boat for maintenance and winterisation purposes. Our boatyard is still fully operational for lifting services and boatcare works and we can help you organise essential maintenance through our boatcare team or our registered contractors. We are now operating a split marina team rotating on a weekly basis during this period of lockdown and have a smaller crew on-site at the marina supported by the opposite team working from home. We understand you may have questions or concerns so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Marina office – 01305 866190/ portland@boatfolk.co.uk The marina office is open, but where possible we ask that you contact us via phone or email rather than face-to-face. Boatcare office – 01305 818550/ portland@boatcare.co.uk The boatcare office is manned but closed to customers and can be contacted by phone or email. If you do travel to the marina, please remember to bring a face covering with you as you will need to wear one in the washrooms and marina office.

As the situation unfolds, we will keep you up to date. In the meantime, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes from Paul, Lee and the teams at Portland Marina

 

[Seven Spades]

That is exactly what it means. You can sail because it is a permit recreation. You cannot however go to you boat for maintenance.