Downs Sailing Club return to sailing!
by Simon Cory 16 Jun 2020 08:08 BST
Back out on the water at Downs Sailing Club © Downs SC
Finally sailing has resumed at Downs, not our normal racing programme but recreational sailing on Sunday mornings. After considerable planning by a small group of the committee to ensure we meet current guidelines set out by the Government and the RYA the club is operating within the new normal.
A rescue boat is afloat crewed by same households, a beachmaster and bridge safety watch ensure our members are safe while afloat and maintain social distancing during launching and recovery.
We have to date sailed on two Sunday mornings, over 25 members have been afloat in perfect conditions. A pleasure for all to be back afloat for a wide variety of our membership young and old, seasoned racers and beginners.
During lockdown the club used social media to engage with members. A highlight was a challenge to build a model of your dinghy using only materials you had could find at home, there some amazingly detailed builds.
To keep our cadet Friday sessions going meetings via Zoom have been held weekly. Subjects matters discussed have included knot tying, sail setting, flags and finding three fun facts about sailing heroes.
Racing and organised training will hopefully return as lockdown restrictions ease, plans for summer holiday activities are already being made!