COVID-19 - STATEMENT FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE 24 MARCH 2020

Published 16:44 on 24 Mar 2020

COVID-19 STATEMENT FROM THE BSC GENERAL COMMITTEE

Tuesday 24th March 2020

In light of the most recent statements from the Government, the RYA and Brightlingsea Harbour, the BSC General Committee would like to ask all members to exercise common sense regarding use of the Boat Park and Independent Sailing. All club premises and boats are out of bounds, but as we cannot secure the dinghy park or ramp, we must rely on individual members taking the right actions to keep our community safe.

Boat Park - The current World Health Organisation advice is that the virus can linger on hard surfaces for several days, the boat park is full of boats with hard surfaces and so common sense says to avoid going there. We also saw at the weekend that although we all have good intentions to social distance, in reality we are very bad at it so again please don't gather there.

Independent Sailing - Whilst we appreciate that sailing is good exercise, if you do go afloat and suffer gear failure, the wind dies or you capsize and get stuck in the mud, etc, you may end up taking up valuable emergency resources at a time when they are already stretched to the limit with far more important priorities. Also bear in mind that the Harbour now has only skeleton manning so may be unable to assist you. We therefore advise that it is not appropriate to put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services and everyone should make their own individual decision as to whether sailing is necessary at this time.

For those of you thinking that we are being over cautious and that this is not an issue here in Brightlingsea, please bear in mind that we are already aware of at least one fit and active member of our sailing community who is hospitalised with the virus. Our thoughts and prayers go out to that sailor and his family and friends for his full recovery, and we ask all members to use their common sense to keep everyone safe at this most difficult time.

Brightlingsea Sailing Club General Committee

Last updated 12:35 on 6 April 2023