How to restart sailing

Aptly called Restart Sailing, this initiative aims to provide resources to help the group working on restarting racing in these difficult times, looking at new procedures to allow a safe return of sailing when appropriate. While based in the UK, the issues facing sailing are as global as the virus itself. Here’s their pitch:

A British sailing industry figure is looking to form a Special Interest Group (SIG) of clubs, classes, sailors, trade and other stakeholders to lobby for the safe restarting of racing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SailRacer managing director Simon Lovesey says the aim is to develop strategies and plans to allow sailing and racing to resume as soon as sensible (and safe) and, if need be, to lobby for fair treatment of sailing particularly among the grassroots of Britain’s sailing community.

“As and when the [UK] Government looks to ease restrictions, my concern is that sailing will be treated the same as much broader sectors, so clubs will be lumped in with bars and restaurants, and sailing events as festivals,” said Lovesey.

“The indications are these broad sectors will only be allowed to restart near the end of any easing of restrictions. In Holland, sailing events are categorized as festivals, which are prohibited from operating until September at the earliest.

“So, it is important we learn to live with the situation and make adaptations to allow some activities to be undertaken.

“With suitable adaptations, sailing and boating should be able to address many of the self-distancing requirements, and I understand the virus cannot be transmitted via water. Sailing brings many health benefits: physical, mental and plenty of the all-important respiratory gains.”

Details:
Website: https://restartsailing.org
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/restartsailracing
Contact: simon.lovesey@sailingchallenge.org