Sunday the 21^st of June saw key restrictions eased and others continued. Australian Sailing continues to work with the Victorian Government to gain clarity on the interpretation of these restrictions and to put sailing at the fore front of their mind.

The key changes for sailing in Victoria as of the 22^nd of June are:

• For adults, indoor and outdoor sport and exercise activities are allowed if participants can keep 1.5 metres between them.

• Organised non-contact competitions are allowed for all age groups if participants can keep 1.5 metres between them. Gathering limits will not apply to participants and those reasonably necessary to conduct the training or competition (e.g. umpires, coaches)

• For people aged 18 years and under, full-contact training and competition may resume. Gathering limits will not apply to participants and those reasonably necessary to conduct the training or competition (e.g. umpires, coaches)

• Spectators for training and competitions must abide by gathering restrictions – spectators should be in groups of no more than 20 and spread out around the ground or venue.
• Change rooms and showers can open, and clubrooms at sport venues can have up to 20 people per indoor space if the 4m2 rule can be adhered to. This applies to all participants whether they are under or over 18 years old.
• 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).

Can I use sports club facilities?

• Change rooms and showers can open, and clubrooms at sport venues can have up to 20 people per indoor space if the 4m2 rule can be adhered to. This applies to all participants whether they are under or over 18 years old.
• Restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses can continue dine-in service with the following restrictions:

• Up to 20 seated patrons per enclosed space.
• Groups of up to 10 people can dine or drink together. They can be seated at the same table.
• Alcohol can be served without a meal when seated
• All venues must abide by physical distancing requirements. Limits will be placed on entry to comply with the density requirements allowed within a single space – one customer per four square metres.
• Tables should be spaced at least 1.5m apart.
• Venues are required to request contact details, first name and phone number, of every customer to assist in rapid contact tracing other safety precautions will also be required, including extra cleaning. Staff should not work when unwell.

Sailing Specific Summary:

Australian Sailing’s interpretation of these new restrictions is that from 11.59pm on 21 June:

• Club organised racing and training for sailors 18 years old or under can resume with no limit on the number of participants (this includes double handed dinghies). Coaches and officials over 18 years old must adhere to the 1.5m distancing requirements. Gathering limits will not apply to participants and those reasonably necessary to conduct the training or competition (e.g. umpires, coaches)

• Organised club racing and training for Adults 18 years and older can resume if 1.5m social distancing can be adhered to (Hiking/sitting shoulder to shoulder on the rail/ in the cockpit is NOT acceptable). Gathering limits will not apply to participants and those reasonably necessary to conduct the training or competition (e.g. umpires, coaches)

• You can go sailing recreationally in a keel boat as long as you keep the 1.5m distancing if your crew does not live with you
• Rigging space and marina / dock separation should be maintained while ashore
• Sign on/off recommended to be done electronically via phone, VHF or online
• Change rooms and showers can open with a maximum of 20 people per indoor space if the 4m2 rule can be adhered to. This applies to all participants whether they are under or over 18 years old.
• Participants are encouraged to get the flu shot
• Participants are encouraged to download the COVIDsafe app
• Participants regularly reminded not to take part if unwell
• Participants who suddenly feel unwell to be sent home and to follow govt Health Guidelines
• Clubs are encouraged to maintain a register of people entering the premises to allow contact tracing
• Clubs are encouraged to maintain a register of participants/ competitors to allow contact tracing
• Cleaning of all equipment to take place before and after activity including participants own equipment and boats

From 11.59pm on 12 July (dependant on government confirmation):

• Adults over 18 years old may resume training without adhering to the 1.5m social distancing requirements. Gathering limits will not apply to participants and those reasonably required to conduct the training (i.e race officials, coaches etc)

From 11.59pm 19 July (dependant on government confirmation):

• Adults over 18 years old may resume racing without adhering to the 1.5m social distancing requirements. Gathering limits will not apply to participants and those reasonably required to conduct the training or competition (i.e race officials, coaches etc)

Please be assured AS is working hard to get as much information to you as we can and as quickly as we can. However, we do need to ensure we give you accurate advice. We will continue to communicate with you as further information comes to hand, in the meantime more information can be found at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19