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CORONAVIRUS MEMBER UPDATE – WEDNESDAY 13 MAY

Wednesday, 13th May 2020

CORRESPONDENCE TO MEMBERS via email on Wednesday 13 May

Dear Members

Two great new podcasts were released on the weekend, boating restrictions have been eased but what does it mean and a quick facility update…here’s the detail;

1) Two Great New Podcasts: were released on the weekend… our thanks again to George, Deeksy and Ian Mac.
· Water Police – George and John are joined by Leading Snr Constable Glenn Holland and Sergeant Mark Helyer from Victorian Water Police to discuss getting back on the water. Click here to listen
· Podcast #7 – a show full of news about our members and their hobbies this week. 6 special guests dial in and eight bells are sounded to commemorate Graeme Ainley, plus more. Click here to listen

2) Boating Restrictions eased – In some improving news, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has relaxed boating restrictions. We continue to seek clarity about what it means for SYC Members and our facility, but here’s what we know so far. From 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May;
· Can you go boating? Under the new directions, recreational boating is now permissible. Physical distancing (1.5m apart) and mass gathering rules apply at all times – including at the boat ramp, on the marina, on the hardstand and on your boat. As always though, Victorians are being asked to be considered and use common sense when it comes their activities.
· Can you go out on the water in your boat with a friend? Under the new directions, you can go out boating. But you must maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others. If you are doing these activities in a group there should be no more than 10 people.
· Can you go fishing? You can go fishing in groups of no more than 10 people. You must ensure 1.5 metres can be maintained between yourself and others on the boat …or in the Premiers words, “You can go out in your tinny, so long as you practice social distancing”. Fishing competitions can’t occur. You must also ensure that you can drive to SYC and back within one day.
· Can you come down to the Club to check out your boat? Yes, you can come down to the Club and check on your vessel and you can carry our essential / urgent type maintenance (this has not changed).
For reference you can: download the Premiers announcement by clicking here / download the Department of Health’s list of Sport, cultural and recreational activities restrictions by clicking here.

3) Sailing – what does the easing of restrictions mean specifically for sailing. Again we have sought clarity and Australian Sailing Victoria have written to us  (view the letter) …and our broad understanding is as follows;
·You can go sailing recreationally (not organised club racing) in a dinghy single handed with groups of up to 10 people e.g. 10 single handed boats sailing together as long as you keep the 1.5 mtr distancing
·You can go sailing recreationally (not organised club racing) in a dinghy double handed (two sailors in the same boat who must reside at the same address) in groups of up to 10 sailors in total as long as you keep the 1.5 mtr distancing
·You can go sailing recreationally (not organised club racing) in a keel boat with up to 10 people as long as you keep the 1.5mtr distancing if they do not live with you
· Club organised racing is not yet permitted
· Participants are required to arrive dressed for the activity and change at home afterwards (get in get out)
· Participants are encouraged to get the flu shot / download the COVIDsafe app and are reminded not to take part if unwell
· Participants who suddenly feel unwell to be sent home and to follow Gov’t Health Guidelines
To reassure myself of the sailing aspect further, I personally also spoke with the Water Police who confirmed SYC Members can go sailing as long as the physical distancing is complied with.

4) Facility Update – sorry about the information overload but here’s also the latest news re: our facility;
· Marina: remains fully accessible to authorised Members
· Boat Yard: fully operational with all tenants and contractors working onsite including the boat brokers and the chandlery
· Launch Ramp: fully accessible to authorised Members
· Boat Storage Areas: OTB, Hardstands and Marina remain fully accessible
· Ken King Centre: Open for Take Away Food Only with coffee and alcohol
· Clubhouse: Unfortunately remains closed for now (no easing of restrictions)
· Communication: Phones are on daily from 10am-4pm 9599 0999

Having outlined the above, we must continue to remind ourselves Victoria is under a State of Emergency, and this must be balanced by the risk of transmitting coronavirus. 

I hope this helps. As more announcements are made I will be in touch with you all.

Warm Regards & Stay Safe,

Richard Hewett
Chief Executive