Starting midday May 1, 2020, Northern Territory restrictions will start to be eased. Chief Minister, Michael Gunner has announced this will happen in 3 stages.  These are detailed here https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/steps-to-restart/roadmap-new-normal.

Stage 1 to take effect May 1 2020

• Participate in non-contact, non-collision outdoor sports
• Go fishing, boating, sailing with other people

Stage 2 to take effect on May 15 2020

• Operate and attend restaurants, cafes
• Operate and attend a bar, sports or RSL club

Stage 3 to take effect on June 5 2020

• Attend an arena, stadium, sporting facility including community and sporting competitions with spectators in approved seating configuration. However, if above 500 people the event requires a separately approved COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• All businesses, facilities and services previously restricted can now resume ensuring adherence to key principles.
• All businesses, facilities and services previously restricted can now resume ensuring adherence to key principles.
• Major events will be approved on a case by case basis.

Hygiene principles apply to activities. Social distancing will remain where possible.

What does this now mean for sailing and our sailing clubs?

The following provides information on what activities are permitted at each of the three stages;

May 1

• Instructor/official courses (all training required to ensure club can open on time)
• Club racing (no clubhouse use)
• Boat hire
• Working bees
• Coaching (Minnow Squad, NT Sailing Team)

May 15

• Clubs can open to public (presentations)
• Organised outdoor training for clubs/teams (Training Centre programs)

June 5

• Team sports may resume

Sailing clubs can open their doors to members from May 15 as long as they work within the guidelines (check NT COVID19 website - https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/).

What vessels can we sail?

• Yachts - Yes
• Dinghies - Yes
• Windsurfing - Yes
• Kiteboarding - Yes
• Powerboats - Yes

How many people can I have on board?
No limit.

Can clubs deliver racing and organised events?
Yes, from May 1.

Can clubs deliver courses or programs?
Yes, from May 15.

Is coaching permitted?
Yes, from May 1.

Can clubs promote, encourage, and facilitate Sailing?
Yes.

Australian Sailing and the NT Government recommend that clubs write a COVID19 plan/checklist for each activity to ensure you are able to operate inside the guidelines.

Clubs have a responsibility to ensure members comply with these conditions whilst on club premises.  If you do not believe your club can take reasonable measures to ensure these conditions are complied with Australian Sailing recommends you wait until these measures are lifted before allowing activities on your club’s premises. 

Links to Resources

• NT Government COVID19 Information - https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/steps-to-restart/roadmap-new-normal
• Australian Sailing COVID-19 Information - https://www.sailingresources.org.au/covid-19/