The Commodore's Newsletter May 2020

Covid-19 Bulletin: 25

Mon 30 Nov

Life at Poole Yacht Club in Tier 2

Dear fellow members

The current lockdown comes to an end shortly and having considered the proposed restrictions to be placed upon us, we are pleased to advise what we “will be permitted” to do at the Club and also, regretfully, what “will not be permitted.”

From Thursday 3rd December we will be operating the Club in line with central government guidance and laws that will apply in our area under Tier 2 restrictions – “High” alert level.

Essentially the Club will be returning to the permissions that were in place immediately before the recent lockdown in November, with one main exception: Tier 2 does not allow you to meet indoors with anyone who is not from the same household or support bubble.

The rules from Thursday 3rd December can be found on the Club website where they are regularly updated for your reference:

You can

  • Meet with up to 6 people outdoors, observing social distancing
  • Include visitors and non-members in the 6 (registered in advance by email to signin@pooleyc.co.uk)
  • Perform maintenance on your boat
  • Engage a contractor to work on your boat
  • Launch and sail your boat, windsurfer, paddleboard or kayak
  • Exercise at the Club
  • Resume the race series from 5th December
  • Stay overnight on your boat
  • Use the Club toilets and clean them after use

You cannot

  • Socialise with anyone indoors who you do not live with
  • Break the social distancing rules
  • Meet with more than 6 people outdoors (max. 6 people on the slipway)

If you have to interact with the Club staff, please wear a mask and keep your distance indoors or outdoors.

Facilities Available

Clubhouse

Clubhouse is open to members and guests (but only if living in the same household) – wear a face covering at all times and your observing social distancing rules is a must.

Restaurant

Table service only. If dining, we strongly advise you to book a restaurant table to avoid disappointment and to assist our Jack and Tom with stock ordering.

Lounge

Table service only for non-alcoholic drinks.

Takeaway

Available on request.

Alcohol Service

Only with substantial meals: “Pubs and bars must close”.

Toilets

Open as usual.
Please wear a mask, wash your hands and observe social distancing. The toilets are cleaned once a day. Please sanitise all surfaces after use.

Opening Hours

Bar

Mon - Tues 10:00 – 16:00
Wed - Fri 10:00 – 21:00
Sat 10:00 – 16:00
Sun 9:00 – 16:00

Breakfast

Sun 9:00 - 10:00

Lunch

Mon - Sun* 12:00 - 14:30
* Sunday Roast is also on the menu

Dinner

Wed - Fri 18:00 - 21:00

Facilities Not Available

  • Service at the bar is not allowed
  • Alcohol cannot be served except as part of a substantial meal
  • Showers are unavailable (continues to be under review)

Dinghies in the Yard

Additionally for those dinghy sailors not racing in the remaining winter series and not paying for winter storage, you must remove your dinghy from the yard by Sunday 6th December (1 week extension recognising the difficulty of completing removal before the end of the current lockdown).

Training Groups

We have been approached by the RYA and other training groups and we are comfortable with small training groups at our Club, conditional on prior planning and consultation, and that they commit to follow our rules. This includes no visitors in the clubhouse and no use of the showers.

Further updates

As always, we will keep all these decisions under review and continue to respond to any clarifications or new guidance from the government.

The current tiers will be reviewed by government on 16th December 2020, so rules may change then as a consequence.

Social distancing

Please act cautiously and responsibly to avoid putting anyone, or our reputation, at unnecessary risk and one more reminder that if you are visiting the club for any reason you must follow the Club rules on social distancing. Thank you.

Your comments

Please keep these coming in.
We, in turn, will be issuing newsletters and briefings to keep us all in the picture, as often as we need.

Now let’s look on the bright side

We are “beavering away” on drafting our 2021 Sailing Programme, in the hope and belief that as soon as we see some return to a “new normal”, we shall be well prepared….

More updates in the Commodore’s Newsletter coming out in December.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 24

Tue 24 Nov

National Lockdown

Recreational Sailing

Dear fellow members

The position on recreational sailing in this second lockdown is far from clear. After extensive research, debate, risk assessment and discussion, we have come to the following conclusions. They have been formulated to give members the maximum freedom that we think is permissible. (It has taken us a little time to reach our decisions and to advise the relevant Authorities before issuing this Bulletin.)

This is not intended to be patronising, but please do not push these boundaries, doing so will risk us all losing these freedoms.

From 9 am Saturday 14th November until pm Thursday 3rd December 2020

From our research, we know that the Government is keen, for our continuing physical and mental well-being, that recreational exercise (that includes “on the water activity”) takes place, within the current covid-19 safeguarding rules.

In evaluating that prospect, our conclusions are:

  • It will require all of us to behave responsibly if you wish to go boating.
  • There are many grey areas in this which are open to interpretation, so our approach is to ensure we do not introduce any unnecessary risk to you, our members, and that the Club’s reputation within the wider community is not put at risk.
  • We are in very unusual times, and as such, in order to be true to the above principles, the following will apply during this current Covid Lockdown (until Thursday 3rd December 2020):

You can

  • Come to the Club to perform essential maintenance and checks on your boat
  • Arrange for a contractor to work on your boat
  • Use the toilets if it is urgent, but please wipe down all contacted surfaces with the cleaning kit provided after use
  • Come to the Club for the essential reason of exercise, whether a walk along the bund wall or to use your boat – you can do this alone or with people from your own household or support bubble (a support bubble is formed when a single person who lives alone joins up with one other household – it is not an excuse to form what has been dubbed “a social bubble”)
  • Launch your boat, dinghy, windsurf, paddleboard kayak from the slipway and take it out of the haven into the harbour
  • Access the beach through the side gate: You can launch your boat through the side gate, but try to keep this to a minimum. You must lock the gate promptly behind you (if this doesn’t happen we will have no choice but to padlock the gate).

You cannot

  • Bring any visitor or non-member into the yard and haven
  • Meet up at the Club with someone from another household or support bubble
  • Meet up with other boats on the water
  • Organise any event, race, training on the water
  • Use the toilets as changing rooms
  • Sleep in your boat overnight

At all times you must apply the normal rules of social distancing both in the yard and on the pontoons. This includes not meeting, socialising or talking to people from outside your household/support bubble.

Any reported breaches of this guidance, which might embarrass the Club and potentially lead to our freedoms being curtailed will have to be investigated by your Flag Officers, in accordance with the Rules of The Club. If you are in doubt, phone the office for advice.

The Clubhouse remains closed including the changing rooms (except for the toilets). The haulout programme continues.

We can responsibly go for a sail, paddle or motor from the Haven.

Please act cautiously and responsibly to avoid putting anyone, or our reputation, at unnecessary risk.

Sailors are requested to sail well within their limits and not venture out in testing conditions, nor conditions that are forecast to significantly worsen.

As always, we will keep all these decisions under review and continue to respond to any clarification or new guidance from the government.

Please be mindful that this facility may need to be withdrawn at short notice should the relevant Authorities require.

On a personal note, may I wish you my best regards and thank you for your continuing support and please “keep the comments coming in…”

John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 23

Thu 5 Nov

National Lockdown

Background

Following the Law passed yesterday, the Government and the RYA, have overnight issued further guidelines.
We need a short period of time to consider the implications.

Please note:

  • The Club is essentially closed

  • The gates remain unlocked

  • The haul out programme continues at this time

  • Recreational sailing has to stop, whilst we seek clarifications

  • Essential checks/maintenance on boats are allowed


However, please bear in mind that if you need to visit the Club to undertake essential maintenance on your boat, it is just for that purpose only.

We will, of course, issue a further substantive Bulletin soon.

Thanks everyone for your understanding

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 22

Tue 3 Nov

National Lockdown

Background

As I am sure we all recognise, the Government cannot be specific about what every business and club should do, so firstly I set out our overarching principles in the coming restrictions.

The Government may clarify or change its guidance in the coming days or weeks and we may have to change our own guidance in response to that.

Our Analysis

This lockdown is not identical to the previous one in March. First, we know much more about the virus and that the risk of transmission and infection in the open air is very low if simple precautions are taken. Indoors infection risk is much higher. Previously we were in a completely novel situation with the prospect of summer to look forward to; the situation as we enter the winter months is more concerning regarding mental well-being and health and the government is keen to allow people to indulge in safe recreational activities to help in this. Additionally, although we are asked to stay home except for essential travel, the government wants as much of the country to continue working as it can.

House Bar and Catering

House Bar and Catering will be closed from am Thursday 5th November until further notice. Apart from the changing room toilets, there will be no access to the clubhouse. The changing rooms will not be available; the toilets will be cleaned daily and members using them should self-clean the area they have used and sanitise as needed.

Yard and Haven

Yard and Haven will remain open. We wish to support our members in their ability to use their boats for recreational purposes. If people are able to cycle for recreation or go fishing we feel boating fits with this guidance. Therefore, the yard will remain open for members to access their boats for recreational purposes. This means the haul out programme will continue and our contractor community as well as members will be able to work on their boats in the yard and in their berths.

Sailing

Sailing can take place recreationally. In line with lockdown rules, it can only be single-handed, same household or a maximum of 2 people from different households. Social distancing rules must be adhered to on land and on board. Running organised activities will not be allowed and so our racing programme has to be suspended immediately.

The above arrangements may change

Further detail will be added as we evaluate what is possible and safe. This of course could all change at very short notice if we receive instructions from higher authorities.

As always, we will keep all these decisions under review and respond to any clarification or new guidance from the Government.

Meanwhile I would like to remind you that if you are visiting the Club for any reason, you must follow the Club rules on social distancing and please remember to swipe your card at the entrance gate, even if the gate is open already open.

Further questions?

There is a Q and A section on the Club website which we will keep updated as and when necessary. Alternatively, Mark and Lorna are available to assist and my contact details are below.

With my very best wishes and warm regards

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 21

Mon 2 Nov

The National Lockdown effective Thursday 5th November 2020

“Hang fire with the questions, please, for a day or two….”

Myself and my colleagues appreciate your writing to us over the weekend with your questions relating to the above and how it may affect your using the Clubs’ facilities and how we will operate.

We are doing our upmost to ensure that we can (and will) keep the Yard and Haven open.

The Club House will remain closed during the lockdown period, but will remain open and operational (in the present format) until the close of Wednesday of this week.

We will issue a full bulletin in the next day or so, when we have clarified instructions on the lockdown as it affects the Club.

My best wishes to you during these worrying and “topsy turvy” times.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 20

Wed 28 Oct

Coronavirus Alert

Dear fellow members

This is a short bulletin to inform members that we have had our first report of a member who has visited the Club and tested positive for Covid 19.

This is a wake-up call for all of us to exercise added caution as the virus is very much appearing in our local area.

On Sunday 25th October the Club was contacted by a member who reported that his wife had felt unwell on Thursday 22nd and so they got a test done.

The results came back positive and he contacted the Club as soon as possible since he and his wife had been dining at the Club on Wednesday 21st.

Through our track and trace system the staff were able to contact everyone who had been at the Club at that time, even though they had not spoken to anyone except the member of staff who served them. That member of staff was sent for a test, which proved negative. As a precaution they will be off duty until 4th November. (The Club has not been contacted by the official Track & Test Service.) We feel that the right actions have been taken. We will always do everything we can to keep names confidential. Although this may seem to make it difficult for members contacted to decide if they have been in contact, the reason for informing them is so they can stay alert and if they feel unwell to self-isolate and get tested immediately.

This shows several important actions for all of us:

  • If you feel unwell do not come to the Club and if exhibiting the classic symptoms then get tested.
  • If you test positive and have recently been at the Club then it is everyone’s duty to let the Club know. In confidence we will ask you to identify the time that you were at the club and the people you were in close proximity to. These names will be contacted as a priority.
  • You must swipe in at the gate, complete the track and trace details if you are inside the clubhouse and scan the NHS App if you have downloaded it on your phone. With this information the Club can contact other members who were at the Club at the same time to alert them to take appropriate action themselves.
  • When in the clubhouse do not mix with other groups and wear your facemask at all times except when seated. Clearly if there is a lot of mingling of groups inside the clubhouse the risk of spreading infection is much greater.

This feels like a warning of the rising prevalence of the virus in our communities and a chance for us all to take the necessary steps to try and contain its spread and protect each other and our staff.

It seems our “in house” track and trace system has proved itself in this case, but it emphasises the importance for all of us using the Club to provide our contact information each time. This information will be treated in confidence.

The staff have been instructed to refuse service to any members not complying with the requirement for track and trace details and anyone not complying will be required to leave the Club premises immediately. We know most of you are doing your best to minimise risks of transmission.

Meanwhile we send our sincerest best wishes to our fellow members in coming through their infection and thank them for contacting us so we can alert others. And look forward to better times ahead.

On a personal note, what a roller coaster world we are in….immediately following on from our last positive, upbeat bulletin, we now have to issue this bulletin 20.

Any questions, or comments, as always, please contact me.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 19

Fri 23 Oct

Changes to our Club House Opening and Operating times: effective Sunday 1st November

Dear fellow members

Thank you for all the continuing messages of support for the decisions we have taken over the last eight months.

The overriding objective of your General Committee and Staff is to ensure that the Club is safe, warm, inviting and operates within the Covid-19 Rules. We will do all that we need to ensure that those objectives continue to be met.

Clearly, we are not able to hold larger gatherings at the Club, such as the very popular quiz night, winter talks and parties, which means that as the evening sailing stops, we cannot expect the turnover that we would normally have over the winter.

Additionally, our staff are required to do a lot more than usual in order to meet the legal requirements under Covid restrictions: meeting people at the door, showing you to your table, providing table service in the bar, as well as scrupulously cleaning and sanitising work surfaces, tables, menus and condiments. This all means additional staff hours with reduced turnover.

Consequently, as we move from the Summer period to the Autumn and Winter months, your General Committee has been reviewing the day to day finances and it is clear that the losses under current opening hours and the associated bar and catering services are not sustainable in the longer term.

To that end, your General Committee has agreed to various changes: The most obvious to you will be that, with effect from Sunday 1st November 2020, the club will be closed on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

As the special price deals come to an end, Tom will continue to offer his delicious meals Wednesday to Friday evening. As I am sure you will appreciate, there will be, as a consequence, some careful revision to the bar and catering selling prices. Our aim is to continue to provide nourishing, interesting meals and snacks in a safe environment and served to you. Menus and prices are kept updated on our website.

Please book and come to the Club, if you feel able.

We anticipate this level of service being in place until 1st April 2021, but, if circumstances change, we will look at this again. We have consulted with our staff colleagues and have their full understanding and agreement.

The daytime offerings are unchanged and are available seven days a week. For exact opening times please go to our website.

Subject to the current levels of take up of bar and catering offerings being maintained, our analysis suggests that the rate of shortfall will be similar to “pre Covid – 19” levels.

Opening Times From Sun 1 Nov

Bar

Mon - Tues 10:00 – 16:00
Wed - Fri 10:00 – 21:00
Sat 10:00 – 16:00
Sun 8:30 – 16:00

Breakfast

Sun 8:30 - 10:00

Lunch

Mon - Sun* 12:00 - 14:30
* Sunday Roast is also on the menu

Dinner

Wed - Fri 18:00 - 21:00

The Club House is required to close at 22:00

Your feedback, questions and comments are always welcome.

Thank you to the many members that have taken up my offer to join me for a “chat and a cuppa.” I am greatly enjoying these opportunities…
My contact details are below.

We will continue to keep you updated.

Wishing you good health.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 18

Tue 29 Sep

Dear fellow members

Regretfully, further restrictions have to be introduced now.

Why and why us?

We will all have become aware of the recent worrying trends with regard the spread of the Covid-19 Virus and the current “second wave.”

The similarities with the 1918 Flu Pandemic are becoming increasingly striking. There were 50,000,000 deaths during that time and the then second wave had a catastrophic number of deaths.

As a consequence, last week the Government introduced new Covid-19 restrictions.

Read the Updated Government restrictions

These enhanced restrictions have a direct effect on the way we operate at the Club.
As you will still appreciate, it has always been, and will be, our policy to be careful, cautious and work well within the Government’s guidelines and the Law.

Catering

Catering will now be table only service indoors and out.

You will be offered a table and your order will be taken from and delivered to the table. This will include drinks. You can book a table on 01202 674706

The tables are arranged to maintain social distance and reduce the mixing that we normally love at the club. Please stay in your table group of 6 or less and resist the urge to change groups. This will reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

Take away service

A limited take away service is available if you wish to eat on your boat, or consume off the premises only.

Face coverings

Face coverings must be worn in the buildings at all times and only removed when you are seated at a table to eat or drink.

Register your Attendance

Please register your attendance at the Club by scanning the QR codes displayed near the entrances, if you have the NHS App.

Additionally, we still ask you to record your attendance on the paper sheets with your contact details or membership number and continue to swipe each member’s card at the gate or email details to signin@pooleyc.co.uk.
This is so that the club has the details for NHS Track and Trace and for our own early warning scheme.

Social Events

With much regret, currently, with such severe restriction in place on “groups over six,” your Social Committee cannot arrange social events at this time. With weddings now limited to 15 people, it just does not feel right to be encouraging events with anything like this number at our Club.

This is a real “body blow”.
We are studying the Government announcements as they are made public, and we will keep this under close review.

Thank you for your Understanding

It would be lovely to return to the days of mixing with all of your friends at the Club.
Sadly, this is not possible at this time.

I take no comfort, what so ever, in being the bearer of these messages, but happier times will return, I have no doubt.

Feedback

We will continue to do our upmost to keep you posted as to developments and changes via all our well tried and tested ways.

Always happy to hear from you with any comments and suggestions.

Covid-19 Bulletin: 17

Mon 14 Sep

Dear fellow members

I am sorry that this bulletin is rather factual. At this time of several changes this update errs on the side of brevity for clarity. There will be a more chatty Commodore’s newsletter coming shortly for those of you who like a bit more flesh on the bones.

Covid 19 rules around the Club

Following the latest clarifying rules from the government, if visiting the Club please follow these essential rules:

  • If you feel unwell do not come to Club
  • On arrival at the Club please swipe in at the main gate
  • If bringing in a guest then please sign them in beforehand by email at signin@pooleyc.co.uk
  • No more than 6 people in any group (inside or outside), including max 6 on the slipway
  • Wear facemasks inside the Clubhouse at all times except once seated at a table to be served drinks or food
  • Wear facemasks inside the Clubhouse at all times except once seated at a table to be served drinks or food
  • Maintain 2m social distance whenever possible or 1m mitigated by being in the open air or by wearing a facemask

Bar and Catering

We are pleased to welcome members back into the Clubhouse - it is now open for a limited number of seated customers in the bar area. Dining at lunchtime and in the evenings in the newly carpeted restaurant should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. An area of the skylight lounge will be offered for coffees and snacks (without having to book).

For all service indoors please enter either through the balcony doors at the western end of the balcony, or through the front door and stairs or lift. Please follow the signage and you will be met by a member of staff who will check your booking (if dining in) and show you to your restaurant table; alternatively you will be offered a seat in the bar area or skylight lounge, or able to place your order for takeaway food or drink at the western end of the bar.

Please note: all service in the Club House Lounge is table service only. Kindly wait to be served and do not come to the bar, even to settle your bill.

The one way system

There is a new menu and daily bargain offers during the week as emailed to you last week.
Drinks indoors will be served in glass.

Sailing

The sailing season continues and we have hints of an Indian summer. The Club organized racing programme is now following the 2020 notice of race and sailing programme with sunset series for dinghies (Mondays), R19s (Tuesdays), class organized laser/aeros (Thursdays), R19 singlehanded (Fridays), dinghy autumn series (Saturdays) and cruiser Sunday winter series starting from 4th October, when pre-race breakfasts can be booked at the Club.

The changing rooms are open for changing for up to 6 people at one time with social distancing spaces marked out. Clothes and kit may not be left in the changing area while you are on the water. Showers are only available in an emergency and not for normal use, consistent with RYA and government guidance. We are closely monitoring this aspect.

Yard and Haven

The haulout programme has begun and forms are available online or from the office.

We are getting immense positive support and feedback from people coming down to the Club.
Thank you for your encouragement.

Your advice and comments are always welcome; please keep them coming.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 16

Wed 19 Aug

Thank you for the responsible way that the vast majority of us have been observing the Covid-19 Rules at the Club.

It is really appreciated when we gently remind each other around the Club, if / when we see something that needs correction or attention. On Saturday, I was reminded to put my face mask on when entering the Gents’ Toilets. If we all do that for, and with each other, that would be appreciated.

Using the Changing Rooms

We are very pleased to be able to advise members that the Clubs’ Changing Rooms will be available with immediate effect, with the following conditions:

  1. We allow use of the changing rooms for modesty only i.e. no inadertent flashing in the car park
  2. Only three people at a time, wearing masks
  3. Nominal 5 minute time limit just for you to change underwear and wetsuits
  4. No kit to be left before, during or after sailing. Any kit left will be disposed off.
  5. Cleaning spray and wipes to be available and used
  6. Buoyancy aids, gloves, spray tops, harnesses, watches, etc to be donned outside
  7. No showers available

Track and Trace

As an extra layer of protection, we have set up a local “track and trace” system, to compliment and work ahead of the national system. We have done this to try and get around the inevitable delay in the national system.

If, within 3 days of being at the club, you develop:

  • Temperature over 37.8°C
  • Persistent cough
  • Loss of taste and smell

Please call the office on 01202 672687 or if it is closed, the bar on 01202 674706
You will be asked when you were at the Club, where you went and who you met. With your permission, we will call any contacts you made and ask them to isolate, pending tests from official sources and we will thoroughly clean any areas you have touched.
We will, of course, suggest you call 111 for medical advice and ask you and your household to stay at home.

For both track and trace systems to be effective, we still need everyone to register their entry to the premises with your Club card or by emailing signin@pooleyc.co.uk. This is also why leaving your contact details is a precondition of being able to eat at the Club.

You will be aware of how fast outbreaks can spread. We hope that if we find ourselves in this unfortunate position, the Club has a system to limit the number of people affected. Sadly, establishments in our area have suffered such outbreaks.

Thank you, again, for your support.

Your advices and comments are always most welcome; please keep them coming.
Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 15

Fri 3 July

Dear Members,

As I write this we are about to enter a whole new experience of lockdown changes tomorrow, Saturday 4th July, particularly in the hospitality industry. I’ll explain below a few of the things we can now do at the Club, so please read them carefully. This is not straightforward and your general committee has worked hard to take considerate and conservative steps forward.

The Rules for social distancing to be followed within the Club and on the water from 4th July

The main change in all our lives is the new one metre plus (1m+) guidance: this means that we should maintain social distancing of 2m whenever possible and not meet in groups of more than 6 people. However, if it is difficult to maintain 2m then the 1m+ rules require you to mitigate the increased risk as much as possible by actions such as:

  1. Meeting outside if you can
  2. Do not sit face to face
  3. Wearing face coverings, particularly inside
  4. Whenever possible maintain 2m social distance

Entry to the Club

  • Swipe your card on entry

    Just a repeat from Bulletin 14 that we ask that every member to use their swipe card on entry to the Club, even if the gate is open for a car ahead. This is part of our responsibility to be Covid secure in support of Test Track and Trace: during the pandemic, you must be able to tell us who was with you in your car.

  • Signing in visitors

    If bringing visitors, or members without a card, to the Club, they must be registered by sending an email to: signin@pooleyc.co.uk before arriving.

  • Locking the beach gate

    We must all ensure that the beach gate is kept locked, please.

    We have noticed a number of members of the public wandering in through the beach gate, which puts our staff, members and Club reputation at risk. We must ask you to lock it behind you at all times, otherwise we will have no option but to padlock it until things settle down.

House, Bar and Catering

We are, as you know, using this time of “enforced closure” to undertake some maintenance work and upgrade in the Club House (Lounge) and we are planning to issue a fuller briefing on this aspect in the near future.

As we ease in gently to restarting the bar and restaurant service we will initially continue with the simple but tasty takeaway menu and system already in operation. Food and drink is served between 10:00 and 15:30, Wednesday through to Sunday for now. Consuming this on the patio is now officially possible in groups of up to 6 from no more than 2 households but please follow the one-way system to order and pick up, and dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

If you wish to consume on the balcony then this must be done in the marked area at the dinghy park end, with social distancing and leaving a clear access path to order food and drink.
The changing rooms and showers must remain closed until the Law allows.

Yard and Haven

There are no new changes to the Y&H with the launch service available until 19:00 at weekends (last service at 18:30); weekdays it operates from 09:00 to 16:00 (We are looking into extending the hours on weekdays and further advices will follow).

Sailing

From Saturday 4th July you may meet outdoors (e.g. in the yard) in groups of up to 6 from different households but following the 1m+ social distancing rules.
You must be able to maintain social distancing and the rules on household contacts on a cruiser.
You may now stay overnight on your boat within these rules, from Saturday 4th July, but must notify the Club by email at signin@pooleyc.co.uk including your car number plate if so doing.

Recreational Dinghy Sailing

We will continue to work within The Government and RYA Guidelines. As soon as further easing is announced, we shall not delay in advising you.
Our current risk assessment of this activity concludes, until further notice:

Distancing is not feasible in a dinghy so you should stick to the same household teams.

There should never be more than 6 people on the slipway (or anywhere else) in a group at any time.

Some members are getting in contact with each other to arrange to rendezvous on the water. If you do this you must ensure there are no more than 6 people in any group in the yard or on the slipway to rig and launch.

You must stay in your group of 6 on the water and return to the slipway as one group.

You must not mingle with another group of 6 and no more than 3 groups of 6 sailors from Poole YC are allowed to be in the yard and out on the water at any time.

Additionally, solo sailors are allowed to rig and launch away from any groups and must not form or join groups on the water.

Breaches of this will be treated very seriously by the Flag Officers, when we consider our responsibility towards our members, the wider Community and our Club’s reputation.

Club singlehanded dinghies (lasers and fusions) are available for hire as are two of our Rigiflex boats. Please go on-line via the website to book and follow the guidance on social distancing and cleaning.

Youth Training

The youth team is working out how best to start training within the necessary very restrictive guidance on numbers. Youth parents of the Start Race Group will be contacted in due course ready for a possible first Wednesday night of training on Wednesday 15th July.

Racing

With limits on groups larger than 6 it is difficult to see how we can restart Club organised racing just yet, but your Team Sailing are working hard on this and we will keep you posted as soon as we are ready.

Some final footnotes

It is proving to be a challenge to find our way through all this, so that we can safely and responsibly enjoy the type of sailing we all want to do and, step by step, “return to a new normal.” We continue to be driven by balancing our desire to deliver the Club and organised activity back to you, whilst needing to operate within the evolving Guidelines and the Law during this pandemic.

Your comments are always welcome.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 14

Fri 26 Jun

Covid-19 Bulletin: 14

Thank you for all the messages of support for the steps we have had to take to stay within the Law and the Covid-19 Guidelines.

With the recent glorious sailing conditions and the number of dinghy sailors out yesterday evening, I must ask us all to exercise correct social distancing of 2 metres. If we are not able to do this on a voluntary basis, we will be forced to introduce measurers to minimise the risk to health and the Club’s reputation in the Community.

The Prime Minister’s statement made on Tuesday 23rd June, announced some new freedoms. However, the “devil is in the detail” and your Covid-19 Group is now studying the full supporting detailed documentation, ahead of further bulletins.
In the meantime:

Entry to the Club

Important:

With immediate effect, we ask that every member uses their swipe card on entry to the club, even if the gate is open for a car ahead. During the pandemic period, you must be able to tell us who was with you in your car. If bringing visitors to the Club, they must be registered by sending an email to: signin@pooleyc.co.uk before arriving (the visitor “signing – in” book in the lobby is not currently in use).

This is so that the Club can fulfill its duty to the Test Track and Trace system when it becomes fully operational.

Until July 4th, social distancing is still 2m. We will advise of further changes in our next bulletin

Poole Yacht Club Takeaways

House, Bar and Catering

It has been exciting to welcome back Tom and Jack from their enforced absence to now start the process of opening up the clubhouse. Many members are availing themselves of the takeaway menu between 10:00 and 15:30, Wednesday through to Sunday.
Please follow the one-way system to order and pick up and dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

With the reopening of large parts of the hospitality industry from Saturday 4th July, we expect to be able to offer tables (appropriately spaced) on the balcony and patio. The aim is to re-open the toilets in the Club House shortly (regretfully, not the showers) and the portaloos will then be removed from the Club.

Mooring Launch

Yard and Haven

The Yard and Haven are now been operating normally which has meant many members are taking advantage of the fine weather. The launch service is now available until 19:00 at weekends (last Service at 18:30); weekdays it continues to operate from 09:00 to 16:00.

The Race Hut

Sailing

We closely monitor both the government guidance on relaxation and the RYA advices. For now we feel it is too early to launch into club-organised activity, but we are preparing and as soon as we feel confident and comfortable we have volunteers poised and ready to get into action at very short notice.

As already announced, the club singlehanded dinghies (lasers and fusions) are now available for hire as are two of our Rigiflex boats. Please go on-line via the website to book and follow the guidance on social distancing and cleaning.

Some members are getting in contact with each other to arrange to rendezvous on the water.
If you do this, please respect social distancing guidelines and ensure you do nothing to draw unwanted attention to our Club. We are asking you to do this for the good of the Club and as a responsible member of our community.

The Rules for social distancing to be followed within the Club and on the water

These can be found on the Club’s website and on the Government site.
Please act carefully as we all try to maintain 2 metre social distancing to contain the risk of the virus spreading.

Additionally:

  • Meet outside if you can
  • Do not sit face to face
  • Wear face coverings, particularly inside
  • Whenever possible maintain 2m social distance

We will continue to communicate to you to provide detail when it is possible to take further steps.

Your Covid 19 Group and General Committee meet again next week and as we digest and review the Government Guidelines, (including aspects such as: “social distancing rules,” “extended family groups” and “sleeping on board overnight”), we will issue a further Bulletin next week.

I am so pleased that the Club is beginning, to return to some form of “normality”….we still have many stages to go through, yet.

Your comments are always welcome.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Covid-19 Bulletin: 13

Fri 12 Jun
Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin

A message from John

Dear Members,

As the very credible Chris Witty (Chief Medical Officer) said at Wednesday’s Government briefing: “…. we are not at the end of this pandemic yet, we are right in the middle of it….”

With that in mind, your representatives on the Covid-19 Group continue to support a “considerate and conservative approach” as we implement steps to return to normal Club operating.

This may not feel fast enough for some, but it equally feels uncomfortable for others. The southwest region has had little exposure to the virus and our club membership has many who are in the more vulnerable demographic.

We continue to make steady and measured progress and will continue to operate well within the rules and guidelines. Regretfully, this means that there will be no organised events (racing or training) until guidance around larger gatherings changes.

We have the following updates for you:

The Haven

Yard & Haven

The excellent work of our staff and members has meant the Yard and Haven are effectively operating normally with the Yard now pretty clear of boats which have returned to their berths and moorings. We are pleased to announce that the launch service is now available until 19:00 at weekends (last Service at 18.30). After Michael finishes his shift at 13:00 it will be covered by volunteers. Weekdays it continues to operate from 09:00 to 16:00.

The Race Hut

Sailing

We closely monitor both the government guidance on relaxation and the RYA advices. Whilst our plans for a return to sailing and racing are well advanced, for now, we are not permitted to proceed with any club-organised events. We will advise on this, as soon as further announcements are made by HM Government. It is a delight that we are able to access our boats now!

The club singlehanded dinghies (lasers and fusions) are now available for hire as are two of our Rigiflex boats. Please go on-line via the website to book and follow the guidance on social distancing and cleaning.

Some members are getting in contact with each other to arrange to rendezvous on the water.
If you do this, please respect social distancing guidelines and ensure you do nothing to draw unwanted attention to our Club.
We also remind you that staying overnight on your boat is still not permitted.

The Club House

House, Bar and Catering

We are now looking at when we might be able to start opening the bar and catering side of our Club.
Due to the current constraints, starting up elements of HBC will not be profitable. However, your General Committee agrees that to begin to re-establish suppliers and staff and to learn how to operate in the changed environment is an investment by all of us in the future of the Club.

Re-starting a form of catering means the club can provide some of the social opportunity that so many of us joined for, and enjoy, as part of our total experience of boating.

This will depend on relaxation of rules that will allow the hospitality industry to begin to open; that will probably not be before July.

However, we will be starting gently with perhaps takeaway offerings including separated tables outside if for example beer gardens begin to be allowed to open earlier. A fuller announcement from the House, Bar and Catering Team will be made this coming week, giving the details.

Guidance on coming to the Club

View the latest guideline for coming to the Club, and the up to date status of facilities.

Thank you from Poole Yacht Club

Thank you!

We will continue to communicate to you to provide detail when it is possible to take each step.
We will let you know as soon as we are ready to “push the button” on the first steps of providing the Catering Service and all the other aspects of Club activity that we are working on.

Your comments are always welcome

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Please remember to use the Club Office as your point of contact for any queries and questions you may have; if Mark/Lorna cannot answer them, they will find someone who can. genmgr@pooleyc.co.uk 01202 672687

Covid-19 Bulletin: 12

Fri 29 May
Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin

A message from John

Dear Members,

Our last bulletin was on Friday 15th May which announced our removal of the barrier and opening of the Haven for members to go sailing. I am so pleased that many of you have been able to do so and take advantage of this fantastic weather.

Thank you for acting so considerately to others while we continue to be under restrictions to try to control this virus. It is because of your care in protecting staff, each other and our community that we are confident that it will not be too long before being able to announce the next steps towards on the water organised activity.

The statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday does not give us, quite yet, the green light we need to confirm dates of relaxation of further lockdown restrictions here at the Club.

But here is a flavour of the work we have been undertaking.

Organised sporting events are still not allowed. However, we are working on our “Back to Sailing” plan. We confidently expect, with appropriate risk assessments and adherence to social distancing, that it will be possible in the next month, to restart some of our organised activities on the water.

We will proceed with caution and organized activity may include racing with no spinnakers, a conservative maximum windspeed (nominally 15 knots), careful management of the slipway/beach for launching and recovery, among other things such as strictly same-household teams in boats, RIBS and the Race Hut.

The Race Hut

Organised Events and Racing

  1. Recreational Sailing

    This is well under way already with informal arrangements. This is great to see. (This is not Club organised activity.)

  2. Friendly Fridays

    Will resume as soon as we are allowed to run Club-organised sailing.

  3. Adult Training

    We are considering offering training with reduced numbers per instructor, as a first step when we are able.

  4. Club dinghy racing (and “Friendly Fridays”)

    We have a potential plan for a simplified Poole YC Covid Cup Series, catering for single handers and some house-hold double handers, when regulations allow. A simplified combined NOR and SI will be published in due course.

  5. Club Cruiser Racing

    There may not be many cruisers ready to race with a same-household team, even without spinnakers. But we know the R19s have a fleet so are aiming to offer a start as soon as possible. The R19s may also wish to hold their Friday single-handed series, which is self-run.

  6. Club Owned Dinghies

    We hope to be able to offer these to members soon. Work is underway to ensure that they can be hired without risk of transmission. Further announcements will be made.

  7. Youth Training and Activities

    Aaron Agnew, in the role of our RYA Principal, is working out how we could offer some Youth Training, when we have limited access to the changing rooms again, and plans to extend the training season potentially into the Autumn and Winter are being considered.

So you can see there is activity coming, but I must emphasise that we will ensure we have clearance from the relevant authorities before any of this happens. This will require us to demonstrate adequate mitigation of the Covid–related risks in any organised Club activity.

The Haven

Yard & Haven

Now that we are well into restarting the cruiser haul-out and launch programme, the yard is starting to clear.

The Club House

Thinking of our Club House

Whilst we are closed, we are working on the Lounge ceiling and attending to small jobs and “tidying up” that can be accommodated, together with some “re-modelling.” These will enhance the feel of the Club and our offering. We are looking at, and planning for, when we might be able to start opening the bar and catering side of our Club. This would depend on relaxation of rules that will allow the hospitality industry to begin to open. That will probably not be before July. We are looking at how we can start gently, with perhaps takeaway offerings including separated tables outside if for example beer gardens begin to be allowed to open earlier.

You may have seen the bright new paint job on the outside!

Guidance on coming to the Club

View the latest guideline for coming to the Club, and the up to date status of facilities.

Thank you from Poole Yacht Club

Thank you!

I would like to thank the group of members that have been liaising and meeting on line during recent weeks working on the above plans to help us all manage through this emergency. I have lost count of the number of volunteer hours that have been put in by so many of our colleagues, together with the fantastic support from Mark, Lorna and our staff.
Thank you everyone.

We will continue to communicate to you to provide detail when it is possible to take each step.

Please remember, we may be beyond the peak, but to manage the spread and possible resurgence of the virus, we must take each of these steps with care.

Happy to receive your comments and questions.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Please remember to use the Club Office as your point of contact for any queries and questions you may have; if Mark/Lorna cannot answer them, they will find someone who can. genmgr@pooleyc.co.uk 01202 672687

Covid-19 Bulletin: 11

Fri 15 May
Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin

A message from John

Dear Members,

Thank you to members who have come to the Club during the past two days with the opening of the Yard and Haven and co-operated so well and operated within the guidelines.
I am pleased to report that all has gone to plan and following further consultations we can now go to the next steps on our journey of bringing our Club back to life.

We must always keep in mind the reality that the country is still in the grip of a coronavirus pandemic and we must always apply the rules of social distancing to protect ourselves and the wider community.

The Plan

The Plan

Previous Covid-19 Bulletins set out the sequence of steps we planned to take:

So Far
1. Contractors work in yard
2. Prepare to restart haul-out programme
3. Yard Staff begin to launch/haul out boats that are ready
4. Members work on boats in the yard
5. Members visit their boats for essential maintenance checks.
From Mon 18 May

6. Dinghies to the Dinghy Park, including YW Dayboats and other boats trailered to the Haven from Monday 18th May

Due to the need to stagger our restart including clearing the dinghy park and installing the YW Dayboat pontoons, trailered boats will be able to start coming to the Club from 9am Monday 18th May.

Please do not bring your boat to the Club until you have received your dinghy park allocation in the post, shortly

7a. Remove the barrier protecting the Haven entrance.

After consulting with relevant authorities we are very pleased to announce the removal of the security barrier. It will be removed later today, Friday 15th May, so boats may then depart and enter the Haven for recreational sailing. Always follow the rules on social distancing particularly only members from the same household (including children accompanied by adults) in the same boat.

7b. Launch Access to Swinging Moorings.

Under social distancing measures extra precautions have to be taken when using the launch to get to boats on swinging moorings. These are to protect you and staff operating the launch:

  • If possible use your own tender to access your swinging mooring
  • Launch hours will be restricted initially and from Saturday 16th May are:
    Monday to Fridays09:00 – 16:00 (on the hour)
    Saturday and Sunday08:00 – 14:00
  • Maintain Social distancing at all times
  • Maximum 2 people and from same household plus driver in the launch at any time
  • Maximum luggage one small pack or bag – plan your trip to bring the boat in to the waiting pontoon to load and unload provisions, people and equipment
  • Follow the launch driver’s instructions
  • Board the launch before the driver, sit as far aft as possible
  • Climb aboard your boat from the aft step in the launch to maintain social distance from the driver.

Can I go sailing?
  • From Tomorrow, Sat 16 May, members may sail while following the rules on social distancing. Only members from the same household may be in the same boat.
Guidelines for returning to the Club
  • If you are feeling at all unwell, or have a fever or cough, please do not come to the Club.
  • If you are in one of the vulnerable categories then please think very carefully about whether you should be leaving home and visiting the Club at all.
  • Limit of family members from the same household in one car until further notice; this may include children but not in the yard except to access your boat on its berth.
  • Members to keep minimum 2m separation from all other members, staff and other persons on site.
  • STAY ALERT: Please enter the club with caution and if you feel it is getting overcrowded then please leave. We will be prepared to control numbers coming through the gate if need be.
  • Only members from the same household to work on or board a boat at a time.
  • All buildings, including the changing rooms, are closed. The only toilet may be at the north end of the maintenance shed. Please clean all surfaces you have touched after use. We will be providing a limited number of portaloos.
  • Do not socialise with other members working or sitting on their boats.
  • General Committee or General Manager or other members of staff may suspend access during very busy periods (i.e. lock the IN gate)
  • People walking OFF the pontoons have right of way, members walking ONTO pontoons should step aside down the nearest finger to let them pass.
  • No over-night staying on boats.
  • If contact with the Office is required, please use the telephone: 01202 672687
  • No members on site during the hours of darkness, other than those performing NIGHT WATCH duties. NIGHT WATCH shall be returned to normal operation from Sunday 17th May.
  • For your own safety and that of others, if you are not complying with the above, you may be requested to leave the premises.
The Future

The Future

We continue to refine plans for the staged restarting of organised activities on the water (e.g. training and racing) as well as re-opening the Clubhouse and catering side of life at the Club when the time is right.

Thank you from Poole Yacht Club

Thank you!

We will continue to communicate to you to provide detail when it is possible to take each step.

Thank you for your patience – it is due to your responsible behaviour throughout that we have been able to develop trust with the authorities to be able to take these tentative steps to get back to our Club.

But please remember, we may be beyond the peak, but to manage the spread and possible resurgence of the virus, we must take each of these steps with care.

I again ask for your continuing understanding and patience as we start to open up parts of the Club.

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

Please remember to use the Club Office as your point of contact for any queries and questions you may have; if Mark/Lorna cannot answer them, they will find someone who can. genmgr@pooleyc.co.uk 01202 672687

Covid-19 Bulletin: 10

Tues 12 May
p style="font-weight:bold;">Dear Members,

Thank you for your understanding and patience. We have all now heard the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday evening and the Commons Statement yesterday. HM Government has, yesterday afternoon, issued further details and clarifications.

Everyone’s overriding responsibility is the continuing safety and well-being of each other and ourselves.

Following the above and the beginning of the gradual process of relaxing restrictions, the first step includes, from Wednesday, encouragement to do more and unlimited outdoor exercise, even if not local to your home. This allows sitting in the sun in your local park and driving to other destinations. You can even play sports but only with members of your own household; the message is changed from “Stay at Home and Save Lives” to “Stay Alert and Save Lives”. Please continue to bear with us, as we slowly and carefully move forward and we take our first conditional steps towards reopening parts of our Club.

In that context I am pleased to announce that we can move to the next steps in the process of re-opening the Yard and Haven.

The Plan

Covid-19 Bulletin 8 sets out the sequence of steps we planned to take:

So Far
1. Contractors work in yard
2. Prepare to restart haul-out programme
3. Yard Staff begin to launch/haul out boats that are ready
From Tomorrow, Wed 13 May
4. Members allowed to work on their boats in the Yard from Wednesday 13th May to prepare for launch. Rules on social distancing must be followed and numbers within the Club controlled and monitored (see detailed process below).
5. Members visit their boats for checks from Wednesday 13th May for long enough to conduct checks on essential machinery and maintenance. Rules on social distancing must be followed and numbers within the Club controlled and monitored (see detailed process below).
Future Steps
6. Dinghies to the Dinghy Park, including YW Dayboats and other boats trailered to the Haven from Monday 18th May (subject to confirmation). Due to the need to stagger our restart including clearing the dinghy park and installing the YW Dayboat pontoons, trailered boats MAY be invited to start arriving from Monday 18th May. Obviously trailered boats (including YW Dayboats) will need to know they have a berth to go to in the Haven. Please do not bring your boat to the Club until you have received written advices from the Club that it is possible to do so. We only wish to ensure good process and safety.
We will issue further advices on this on Friday 15th May.
7. Remove the barrier protecting the Haven entrance. To allow boats to move to their swinging moorings and start recreational sailing. Date to be determined and announced.
We will issue further advices on this on Friday 15th May.

Steps 1-3 are already in progress and we can now start to take steps 4 and 5. The rules to ensure social distancing are the same for both step 4 (working on boat in yard) and step 5 (checking on boat in Haven).

When can you come to the Club
  • From Tomorrow, Wed 13 May, members may visit the Club to check on their boats and to work on boats in the yard.
Guidelines for returning to the Club
  • If you are feeling at all unwell, or have a fever or cough, please do not come to the Club
  • If you are in one of the vulnerable categories then please think very carefully about whether you should be leaving home and visiting the Club at all
  • Limit of 2 family members per car until further notice, but please, no children at this point in time.
  • Members to keep minimum 2m separation from all other members, staff and other persons on site.
  • Please do not rush along to the Club as soon as it is open. We will be introducing, at least initially, some form of way in which we control numbers coming through the gate (which will be manned). Gates will open 9.00 am from Wednesday 13th May.
  • Only members from the same household to work on a boat at a time.
  • Members are not to enter any buildings other than to use the available toilets, if any, and wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Members should be aware that the only toilets available may be the YARD TOILET, if at all. Should the changing rooms be open, they are only for access to the toilets / hand basins. Showering / changing etc. is not to take place. These facilities will be cleaned regularly.
  • Do not socialize with other members working on their boats.
  • General Committee or General Manager or other members of staff may suspend access during very busy periods (i.e. lock the IN gate)
  • People walking OFF the pontoons have right of way, members walking ONTO pontoons should step aside down the nearest finger to let them pass.
  • NO over-night staying on boats.
  • If contact with the Office is required, please use the telephone.
  • No members on site during the hours of darkness, other than those performing NIGHT WATCH duties. NIGHT WATCH shall be returned to normal operation as soon as possible. (General Committee and Flag Officers will be conducting additional patrols at their discretion.)
  • For your own safety and that of others, if you are not complying with the above, you may be requested to leave the premises.
The Future The Future

We continue to refine plans for the staged restarting of organized activities on the water (e.g. training and racing) as well as re-opening the Clubhouse and catering side of life at the Club when the time is right.

Thank you!

We will continue to communicate to you to provide detail when it is possible to take each step. Thank you for your patience – it is due to your responsible behaviour throughout that we have been able to develop trust with the authorities to be able to take these tentative steps to get back to our Club.

But please remember, we may be beyond the peak but to manage the spread and possible resurgence of the virus we must take each of these steps with care. I again ask for your continuing understanding and patience as we start to open up parts of the Club.

We may need to start some operations at different times for practical or legal reasons, or because of conditions imposed upon us, and if this restricts any of our proposed actions we may need to communicate with you again, at any time.

Well this, at last, is a step in right direction, all be it “one small step…..” You have no idea how pleased I am, on behalf of the Covid-19 Group and your General Committee to be issuing this!

Poole Yacht Club Commodore John Yonwin
John
Commodore

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