See current Australian Sailing advice here

Australian Sailing has received updated guidance regarding the impact of easing restrictions on sailing in Tasmania.

Relaxation of Restrictions Stage One – Tasmania

Premier Peter Gutwein recently outlined Tasmania’s ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ detailing 3 main stages in easing restrictions. The Stage One changes will mean gatherings will be relaxed for up to 10 persons, lifted from two persons, in similar alignment with other states. 

11th May 2020 saw the opening of green spaces including National Parks, reserves and beaches for residents to use for exercise within 30km of their home. Other preliminary relaxations are detailed here. 

Stage One set to commence 18th May 2020 (subject to public health advice) restrictions are:

• Gatherings increase to 10 people (except visitors to households for any purpose which is capped at 5 people) for indoor and outdoor, including real estate, small religious gatherings and weddings. Funerals can extend to 30 people outdoors;
• Restaurants and cafes in all settings (including restaurants in pubs, clubs, hotels and RSLs) open and seat patrons of up to 10 people at a time. Seated table service only with social distancing;
• Border controls will remain in place, except Tasmanian residents can quarantine in their principal residence if it is suitable;
• Community and local government facilities and libraries will be allowed to open for up to 10 people; and
• Park exercise equipment and playgrounds, pools and boot camps open for up to 10 people.

Everyone should continue to practise appropriate social distancing, good hygiene and to stay at home except for exercise, groceries and medical supplies. 

What does this now mean for sailing and our sailing clubs during Stage One?

• Recreational sailing and sailing for exercise is permitted
• Access to marinas is permitted
• Access to fuel sales is permitted
• Non take away food and beverage facilities are permitted to seat 10 patrons only
• Gatherings of greater than 10 must be avoided

What vessels can we sail during Stage One?

• Yachts – Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home;, maintain 1.5m distancing and hygiene is maintained, the ten-person rule is observed except for members of the same household.
• Dinghies –
  • Single handed - Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home.
  • Double handed - Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home,  hygiene is maintained and 1.5m distancing is observed except for members of the same household.
• Windsurfing – Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home, maintain 1.5m distancing and hygiene is maintained.
• Kiteboarding – Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home, maintain 1.5m distancing and hygiene is maintained.
• Powerboats – Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home;, maintain 1.5m distancing and hygiene is maintained, the ten-person rule is observed except for members of the same household.

How many people can I have on board?

You must observe the ten-person rule. You must also satisfy social distancing requirements and whatever capacity restrictions apply to the boat unless members of the same household.

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

No. Competition is not yet permitted., Tasmanian Government guidelines suggest outdoor community sport to may resume in Stage Two of the Roadmap to Recovery pending the sport’s ability to satisfy safety requirements. 

Can clubs deliver face to face courses?

No. As the rules on gatherings remain in place, courses and programs are not permitted due to the practicable nature of delivering these courses whilst observing social distancing. 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 and officiatingls courses

Is coaching permitted during Stage One?

Yes, provided you remain within 30km of your home, social distancing restrictions are upheld, hygiene is maintained and the ten-person rule is observed. This is only achievable in single handed boats or double hand boats if crew are members of the same household. Considerations may be:

• What sporting equipment will participants be sharing? 
• What are the shared facilities?
• Suggested Government resources for environmental cleaning and disinfection principles 
  • In a healthcare setting
  • Routine household cleaning Handwashing facilities 

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 and  comply with all Department of Education guidelines.

Can Clubs promote, encourage, and facilitate sailing Stage One?

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. Measurers might include:

• No access to change rooms, sailors/coaches must arrive dressed and ready 
• No access to training rooms and social areas
• No face to face briefings

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.

Stage Two 

Australian Sailing has drafted a ‘Return to Sport Plan’ as required by the frameworks listed below. The AS plan will provide clear guidance and actions that clubs can take to ensure the safety of the sailing community during the return to normal. The AS plan will be made available soon allowing clubs time to prepare for Stage Two and beyond in the easing of restrictions. The AS plan draft is currently with Community, Sport & Recreation Tasmania to gain feedback and to ensure the plan satisfies the following frameworks: 

• Australian Institute of Sport Framework for Rebooting Sport in a Covid-19 Environment
• Covid-19 Safe Workplaces Framework
• Tasmanian Government’s ‘Roadmap to Recovery’

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further please contact your Regional Manager Chris Jones chris.jones@sailing.org.au or phone 0400364053.

Links to resources:

• Government of Tasmania statement on the Road to Recovery
• Australian Sailing COVID-19 Information Hub
• MAST Covid-19 Update 8th May
• Government of Tasmania Covid-19 Information Hub
• Australian Government COVID-19 information
• The Canberra Times – National framework for return of sport