The light airs and sunshine of the last week were kind to us allowing some members to enjoy casual sailing at last. Unfortunately the weekend is less promising, as with stronger winds and few boats in the water it is more important than ever to sail within physical capability and experience of the skipper and consider how self-rescue would be managed. Please read the risk assessment (on the website, and emailed to all members) before arriving at the racks or birdcage to sail. 

The next step the committee are working on is opening of the clubhouse for use of the toilets for those members sailing or working on boats. Seems a small step but there is a lot to do. Risk assessment is underway, hand sanitiser ordered, one-way route arranged and cleaning our (somewhat dusty) clubhouse is planned. An update will be posted as soon as the club can open the toilets to members. Unfortunately this won't include changing rooms, as this has been recognised as a much higher risk. until this announcement is made the clubhouse remains closed to all members.

The support boat has had its final maintenance and is ready to launch. I'm sure you will appreciate that keeping social distance on the support boat in a rescue situation will be a big challenge, the committee have begun to work on managing this safetly. Please be patient while we find solutions.

The cinder path remains closed, but if you carry your club handbook and rack key the security will let you pass. They don't always challenge people but the sunny weekend weather may change that.

Cruiser lift in is arranged for June 20 starting 6.30am. This is great news. Thanks to Dave Giles and also to Andy Middleton who has organising support for the lift-in in collaboration with EYC, though we hope a tow isn't required! if you are able to assist please contact Dave Giles as he will co-ordinate a socially distanced team.

Safe sailing and fair winds to all.

 Ainslie Masterton, Commodore

The Solo Open meetings planned for Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2020 have been cancelled due to the restrictions on force to restrict the spread of CoVid 19 virus.
We hope to run Open Meetings in 2021 when we can find suitable dates for tides and other local events.
We hope to welcome you all to Leigh-on-sea in 2021

Steve Corbet Sailing Secretary

Committee has considered the latest Government Guidance to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, but allow the ability to spend time outdoors for recreation and sport, where (unless from the same household) social distancing can be maintained.
PLA Notice to Mariners No 9, issued 13th May 2020, replaces Notice No 6 which is cancelled. Use of the tidal Thames for recreational use, can now resume. Members are advised to read the guidance given in Notice 9.
The Committee has produced a Risk Assessment for activities on the racks and club compounds. This is based on guidance from the Government and RYA. Our Commodore will be emailing members today with the details. The assessment can also be found on the club website as a Policy Document under the ABOUT tab.
Should members wish to make use of the club dinghy racks, for launching and recovery, please read the Risk Assessment and bear in mind the requirement to maintain social distancing at all times and take extra care to ensure that your actions remain safe and reduce the chance of requiring outside assistance.
The Clubhouse (including changing rooms and toilets) remains closed and club racing is cancelled until further notice. The Committee is working hard to develop new procedures and risk assessments that will hopefully enable sections of the clubhouse to be opened up in the near future.
Nick Hann Hon.Sec.

The Committee continues to monitor the situation and is working on plans to get the Club up and running as soon as practically possible, considering guidance from the RYA and PLA. Unfortunately, to remain compliant with the latest Government guidance, the Clubhouse (including changing rooms) will remain closed.
The PLA Notice to Mariners, No. 6 of 24th March 2020, strongly recommending that all recreation and leisure activities on the tidal Thames are avoided, is still applicable.
Nick Hann Hon.Sec.

In addition to our thrice weekly fleet racing, we will be running a knock-out match race series. The first round draw will be on Wednesday (May 13th) evening and the first round to be sailed between Thursday and Saturday inclusive. If you have not dipped into the virtual sailing world but would like to give this a try, please contact me. Entries close at 17:00 on Wednesday. There is a video on the RYA website that shows how it all works, there is no charge.
https://www.rya.org.uk/Pages/virtual-regatta.aspx (coaching and Top Tips).
John Charles This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Attachments:

LSC_match_race_NOR.pdf	[ ]	446 kB
VR_Match_Race.pdf	[ ]	498 kB

The general committee continues to meet monthly via video call and the club is being regularly inspected to ensure that it is secure and that no maintenance issues arise. We are starting to explore how we can resume sailing whilst maintaining social distancing. This is being undertaken considering government and RYA advice. We wish all our members and friends the best in these difficult times.