Covid Tier 4 update

Published 00:00 on 21 Dec 2020

21 December - Tier 4 Covid restrictions update

We now have further Government and RYA guidance on the most recent Covid-19 announcements and we would like to clarify how this will affect ESC members.

These are the measures in place from Saturday 19 December:

- The clubhouse and changing rooms are closed

- Ollie's takeaways are still available

- The outside men's loos and disabled loo are open

The Club grounds will be open to allow personal exercise within the guidelines provided by the Government. So this means 'free' sailing is possible, but please make sure you are fully prepared for winter sailing conditions. Our advice is as follows:

- Wear appropriate clothing

- Safety cover will not be provided by the Club, so please bear in mind that if you have to call on the Coastguard/RNLI or another emergency service, you may be putting them at Covid or another risk, so please have regard for the conditions before you go afloat

- You should be self-sufficient and it is advisable to take a mobile phone or VHF and agree with a shore contact before you go

- It is advisable to stay in sight of the Club and preferably in the company of another boat

Under the guidelines issued by the Government, organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people is allowed, but at this time we do not plan to allow this at the Club until we are clear that it can be done safely. Safety is our paramount concern and all risks associated with running this type of activity will need to be mitigated.

Experience shows that a frequent cause for rescue is gear failure. Check your equipment carefully, and if you are unsure, consider very carefully the wisdom of going afloat.

ESC is in a Tier 4 area, so please make sure you are abiding by the travel guidelines before you plan a visit to the Club, and remember that the only permissible reason to come to the Club is for exercise.

We will all be having a very different Christmas to the one we all planned, but please try to have a happy and safe Christmas.

Please note that the above guidance may be subject to change as the situation develops - we will of course keep you informed of any changes.

Your Flag Officers