Grassroots sailing and boating opens from 2nd December

The RYA has welcomed the UK Government’s Covid-19 Winter Plan, with grassroots sports including sailing and boating, allowed to resume from 2nd December in England. Clubs and centres will be able to reopen across all tiers.

The new rules will come into effect from the beginning of Wednesday, 2nd December following the announcement later this week of which areas are in which tiers. The RYA says it understands that across all tiers everyone must follow the gathering limits for their tier – except in specific settings and circumstances. Elite sport will continue to be permitted in all tiers.

The plan is presented as a programme for suppressing the virus, protecting the NHS and the vulnerable, keeping education and the economy going, and providing a route back to normality.

“We are pleased that government guidance has confirmed that all forms of grassroots sport, like sailing and boating, are not only permitted, but are being actively encouraged in England in recognition of the significant physical and mental health benefits they bring,” says Sarah Treseder, RYA chief executive.

“Boating is the perfect activity for the whole family to be involved in. As well as positively impacting physical and mental health, outdoor activities like sailing and windsurfing have also been shown to aid character development in young people. So, we welcome the opportunity to switch off the screens, get active outdoors and enjoy the many benefits our sport has to offer.

“As always, we should carefully consider the potential impact that we could have on other water users when we go afloat and ensure that we do not place any unnecessary strain on the RNLI, independent lifeboats and other emergency services. We can do this by helping to minimise risk and by taking an extra considerate approach to our boating.”

Clubs should be aware that the pace at which restrictions are being eased varies between the four nations, there is more RYA advice online.