Loosening the noose on Olympic training

While restrictions in the Unitized States to limit the spread of COVID-19 vary widely from state to state and city to city, all four countries within the United Kingdom were in full lockdown regarding recreation. For the leading Olympic sailing squad, that had them handcuffed until
England loosened the noose on May 13… here’s their report:

The British Sailing Team has welcomed the guidance issued by the Government on the phased return to training for elite sports.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has set out how elite athletes in England will be able to return to training in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance, prepared by a working group led by UK Sport CEO Sally Munday, is designed to act as a framework for each sport to ensure a safe environment for training.

The British Sailing Team will continue to work closely with the RYA, UK Sport, and its stakeholders to ensure that the requirements laid out in Step One of the document are met.

With all watersports, including sailing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, now allowed in England under the latest Government guidelines, some British Sailing Team athletes are able to sail for the first time in two months.

However, this is limited to recreational sailing alone, or with members of your household. Doublehanded crews who don’t live together are not currently allowed to sail together. The RYA has issued comprehensive guidance for boaters returning to the water.

Mark Robinson, RYA Olympic Performance Manager, said: “Sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are now permitted outdoor activities in England, and members of the British Sailing Team are delighted to be able to get out sailing again.

“We are also pleased to receive the DCMS guidance for elite sport and we will be working to satisfy its requirements in order to enable us to safely proceed to organized training as soon as possible.

“The British Sailing Team remains very mindful of the risks of Covid-19 and the extra burden any accidents might place on the emergency services, so all athletes have received specific guidance to minimize these risks.

“We intend to heed the Prime Minister’s words that we must take small steps and that this is going to be a long and gradual process to get back to normal.

“We would like to also stress to any other keen boaters in England looking to take advantage of this great sailing weather to thoroughly check their equipment, sail safely, be considerate and follow Government rules.”

Information on the British Sailing Team’s plans for returning to action will be issued in due course.