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

As of the 12th of May 2020, some Victorian Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

It is important to note however, that Victoria is still in a State of Emergency and Premier Daniel Andrews is telling Victorians there are only 5 reasons to be out:

• Shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies
• Medical, care or compassionate needs
• Exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
• Work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely
• Visiting friends and family - if you really need to

Under the relaxed restrictions announced on the 11th of May, Victorians 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 and recreational boating will now be allowed.

Everyone should continue to practise appropriate social distancing and stay at home wherever possible.  However, sport and exercise can resume if:
 

• You can keep your distance (at least 1.5 metres apart), you are not doing your activities indoors and they are not competitive; and 
• You can do them with a maximum of 10 people. 
• Non-contact sports and exercise are allowed but you need to maintain physical distancing 
• Your outdoor sport or exercise activity can be part of a club, but you cannot use club facilities, except toilets. 
• If your sport has a team that is more than ten people, the whole team cannot play or train together at one time. 
• Use of shared sporting equipment should be minimised and there should be no sharing of equipment that touches the face or head (e.g. helmets, goggles or masks). 

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

• Recreational sailing and sailing for exercise is now a permitted activity;
• Access to marinas is permitted to go sailing
• Gatherings of greater than 10 must be avoided.
• Rigging space and marina / dock separation should be maintained while ashore 
• You can use toilet facilities connected to a permitted sport location. However, clubhouses, bars, eating areas, indoor sitting areas, showers and change facilities must remain closed. You should not drink from public drinking fountains. 
• Bars and restaurants can only remain open if it offers takeaway or delivery services – no sit-down meals or drinks are permitted. 

What vessels can we sail?

• Yachts – Yes, provided you adhere to social distancing and hygiene is maintained, the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Dinghy (Single Handed) - Yes, provided you adhere to social distancing and hygiene is maintained, the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Dinghy (Double Handed) – No, unless you live together in the same home and adhere to social distancing and hygiene is maintained, the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Windsurfing – Yes, provided you adhere to social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Kiteboarding – Yes, provided you adhere to social distancing and hygiene is maintained; the ten-person rule is observed, and equipment is not shared.
• Powerboats – Yes, provided you adhere to 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?

No, competition is not yet permitted. Sailing is only allowed as a recreational activity or for training purposes. Please refer to further information from the Victorian Government here.

Can clubs deliver face to face courses?

No. 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 adhere to 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.

Further guidance for Sport

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

Australian Sailing continues to work with Sport Australia, the Federal Minister for Sport and our state authority, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Better Boating Victoria, Marine Safety Victoria, as well as attending all relevant briefings from Federal and State departments. We expect further guidance to be released at the end of May and we will inform the sailing community of the impacts of any decisions and return to play measures as they come to hand. 

Please ensure you review the Chief Health Officer’s Directions  to understand how they apply to you and how you can be consistent with the rules. The website also has helpful FAQs for organisations and participants.

If you have any questions, please contact your Club Services Officer or Regional Manager Gavin Wall on 0425 854799 or gavin.wall@sailing.org.au.

Links to resources:

• Department of Health and Human Services
• Australian Sailing COVID-19 Information Hub
• Sport and Recreation Victoria FAQs
• Sport and Recreation Victoria
• Australian Government COVID-19 information