Is Racing Allowed?

Originally posted by H2 Originally posted by Chris_H I dunno why people cant just enjoy the buzz of leisure sailing and being on the water. Why this drive to go racing so quickly? It will come in time. I know my view is not so popular on here, as most here are dedicated racers, and hence why they are on this forum - but somewhere along the way, and a part reason why sailing is declining (amongst many other factors) is that "sailing" has now become defined as "racing". We forget that to get to racing, you need to go sailing first, enjoy it, - and thats why you took up the sport in the first place. Just chill, sail, enjoy. We are very lucky people even to be able to do this ... I do not disagree with you, but no one has ever tried to stop you just going for a pootle when you want. If you like drfiting around then fill ya boots.....but why are you interested in stopping the rest of us go racing? Whats your motivation for that? We let you do your thing...

Originally posted by Chris_H I dunno why people cant just enjoy the buzz of leisure sailing and being on the water. Why this drive to go racing so quickly? It will come in time. I know my view is not so popular on here, as most here are dedicated racers, and hence why they are on this forum - but somewhere along the way, and a part reason why sailing is declining (amongst many other factors) is that "sailing" has now become defined as "racing". We forget that to get to racing, you need to go sailing first, enjoy it, - and thats why you took up the sport in the first place. Just chill, sail, enjoy. We are very lucky people even to be able to do this ...

WOW, heard it all now, disagreeing with certain people on here is akin to jumping off Durdle door, plus it shouldn't be discussed on a public forum, because people disagree, WOW again, you need to think, you are not trying to reduce your tax bill this a disease.

But, more than anything I agree with what H2 says above. Those on the FB groups calling out more than 6 boats as illegal gatherings just strikes me a missing the point. We're trying to limit the spread of the virus, whilst sustaining some for of quality of life, physical and mental health and normality. 

Exposure isn't just about distance. Seven people in a location by coincidence isn't safer than six who messaged about it first on whatsapp. A fleeting moment of two laser sailors being within 2m isn't more risky than an evening sat 3m from an elderly relative. 

There is a danger that we become too hung up on absolutes rather than applying pragmatism and common sense.  

Any sailors/clubs using line starts etc will automatically be accused of carrying out 'organised' events

There may be no significant risk etc but that's not the point

If a number of sailors arrange something between themselves on the water that's another thing entirely

For now we just need to be grateful to be back on the water and create as little in the way of 'waves' as possible

A bit of informal practice (rabbit races etc as sensible) with a few others surely is fine for now ? (and may still be pushing the current guidelines ?)

Lots of sailors would snap your hands off for this (many clubs still not sailing)

Rushing things now and creating embarrassing headlines is not a good idea

And yes- some people will wave the 'rule' book and say we shouldn't do this or that but that's their opinion and they don't have to sail. In reality we are far more likely to have an accident driving/cycling to the club/work etc than we are likely to catch/spread CV or have an incident when sensibly sailing

Typical UK - follow every 'rule' to the letter without actually analysing it

Perhaps just debating this on a public forum is also not a great idea ? (especially if some posters are actively discouraging certain activities ?)











Edited by rich96 - 03 Jun 20 at 4:20pm