As of the 27 April 2020, some Western Australian Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

Premier Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook have announced Western Australians will be able to reconnect with family and friends. The changes will mean outdoor non-work gatherings will be relaxed for up to 10 persons, lifted from two persons, in alignment with South Australia.

Everyone should continue to practise appropriate social distancing and stay at home except for;

• Exercise, including outdoor personal training without shared equipment

• Non-contact recreational activities such as private picnics in the park, fishing, boating, hiking and camping all in compliance with social distancing, travel restrictions and the 10-person rule, and
• Several other exemption itemised here by Premier Mark McGowan.

If a single household has more than 10 people, that household remains exempt from this new 10 person-rule. I remind you that WA is in a State of Emergency and various restrictions are enforceable by fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for businesses such as clubs.

But there are three conditions that apply linked to the above:

• Social distancing (+1.5m) and hygiene must be maintained
• You must stay within your region, and
• Equipment must not be shared.

All other rules including gatherings are in place during this time.

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

• Recreational sailing and sailing for exercise continues to remain a permitted activity;
• Access to marinas is permitted
• Access to fuel sales is permitted

• Non take away food and beverage facilities are not permitted
• Gatherings of greater than 10 must be avoided.

What vessels can we sail?

• Yachts – Yes, provided you remain within your regional boundaries; social distancing and hygiene is maintained, the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Dinghies - Yes, provided you remain within your regional boundaries; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Windsurfing- Yes, provided you remain within your regional boundaries; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Kiteboarding- Yes, provided you remain within your regional boundaries; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.

• Powerboats - Yes, provided you remain within your regional boundaries; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.

How many people can I have on board?

You must observe the ten-person rule, be satisfied you have observed appropriate social distancing requirements and equipment is not shared.

Can clubs deliver racing and organised club events, i.e. Sport?

Yes, if the sporting activity is non-contact, and involves 10 people or less then you can participate. Social distancing, gatherings and shared equipment rules must be observed. Please refer to further information from the Government of Western Australia  here.

Can clubs deliver face to face courses?

As the rules on gatherings and use of shared equipment remain in place, courses and programs are not permitted due to the practicable nature of delivering these courses whilst observing social distancing and use of shared equipment. This includes, but is not limited to;

• Accredited Australian Sailing programs, including all activities within the Dinghy, Tackers, Keelboat, Powerboat and Windsurfing programs
• Discover Sailing Days
• Club organised learn to sail, windsurf or powerboat courses (non-Australian Sailing accredited courses)
• Instructor  officials courses.

Is coaching permitted?

Yes, provided you remain within your regional boundaries; social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment, including coach boats, is not shared.

Can Curriculum and Non-Curriculum Schools programs return?

The individual club and school will require consultation and ensure observance of the ten-person rule, be satisfied that appropriate social distancing and hygiene requirements are observed, comply with all Department of Education guidelines and equipment is not shared.

Can Clubs promote, encourage, and facilitate sailing?

Yes. Clubs can promote, encourage, and facilitate sailing for recreation and exercise. Clubs must ensure they are communicating the requirements itemised.

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 comply with Australian Sailing’s recommendations, wait until these measures are lifted before allowing activities on your club’s premises. Liability remains with clubs.

Clubs are encouraged to check with their insurer regarding the use of any of its own equipment.

Can Recreational Skippers Tickets be issued?

We continue to service our 56 assessors and are advising them of appropriate restrictions.

Further guidance for Sport

The return to ‘normal’ club activities and the re-start of sport nationally is under consideration.

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison on 24 April  2020 said health experts will release guidance on how to make professional and community sport safe.

“That is such an important part of our way of life here in Australia,” Mr Morrison said of sport. “And the principles that can help guide decisions by states and territories in the future.”

The guidelines are divided into three levels:

• • Elite/professional athletes and codes
  • Community competitive sport
  • Individual passive sport (surfing, hiking etc)

Australian Sailing continues to work with Sport Australia, the Federal Minister for Sport and our state authority, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, as well as attending all relevant briefings from Federal and State departments. We expect further guidance to be released over the next few weeks and we will inform the sailing community of the impacts of any decisions and return to play measures.

If you have any questions, please contact your Club Services Officer or Regional Manager Andy Fethers on 0404 420 885 or email andy.fethers@sailing.org.au.

Links to resources:

• Government of Western Australia Media Statement (26 April 2020) - Here  
• Australian Sailing COVID-19 Information Hub - Here
• Cautious Easing of Restrictions – FAQ’s - Here
• Department of Transport recreational boating advice - Here
• Government of Western Australia COVID-19 information – Here
• Australian Government COVID-19 information - Here
• The Canberra Times – National framework for return of sport – Here