Felpham Sailing Club welcomes back members

At Felpham Sailing Club, Roger Belton reports that the club’s volunteers have really come together to devise solutions which meet the current legislation and guidelines and are still able to offer fun in a safe environment.

Commodore Guy Maygar said: “We’ve worked really well together to understand the constraints of the new normal and adapt our offering to club members.

“Our members are enjoying getting out sailing, racing and training.

“A lot of work has been done to make the bar and clubhouse conform with guidelines and members are respecting what has been put in place.

“So far it is going well.”

Measures have been established for social distancing including household groups providing safety cover, launching on a falling tide (providing a bigger beach and avoiding the high tide dump), and only using lightweight safety craft (two-person launch and recover).

Choke points in the dinghy park and on the ramp and promenade are self-policed for social distance.

Training and race coaching have been led by Paul Miller with a team of young instructors looking for work now that school and university are over for the summer.

Guy said: “It has been difficult trying to get it right, but the support from the RYA through the online forums and the local Flag Officer network has helped us through some challenging times.

“The last two weeks have been very rewarding, seeing many old friends back sailing and having fun, and some new members too.”

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