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

PHASE 1
Further to our communication on the 27th of April regarding WA Phase 1, easing of COVID -19 restrictions.

PHASE 2
On Sunday the WA Government released the COVID-19 WA Roadmap to provide guidance to Western Australians. On the 18th of May, Phase 2 will commence.

Restrictions to community sport are still broadly referenced, and we have worked to develop further clarity surrounding the new restrictions with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries specifically for sailing.

Find the Australian Sailing for WA “Return to Sailing in a Covid 19 Safe Environment” document here. 

This will be a valuable document to reference as you make your own club plans to return to limited and modified community sailing during the phase 2 period.

It is clear that common sense must be applied and that key considerations are to remain within the roadmap guidelines of; 1 person per 4sqm and 1.5m socially distanced.

At a high level;

• “Get in, sail and get out”
• Ensure changerooms are closed
• Single handed off the beach boats may train and compete in groups of not greater than 20 as part of one activity
• Double handed off the beach classes, yachts and powerboats should;
  • Determine participation onboard by applying the 1 person per 4sqm continually maintaining 1.5m of social distancing at all times
  • Ensure minimal sharing of equipment, i.e. a sheet or a halyard etc
  • Operate not greater than 20 participants as part of one activity 
  • Modify training, handling of craft and competition to ensure the parameters are met, such as; 4 keelboats on a start, no points awarded, jib and main only, earlier weather cut offs etc

All sports have been reminded through a conference meeting with SportWest that individuals and clubs will be liable for fines if any restrictions are deemed to be breached.

Please refer to the following additional resources for information.

• Phase 2 - Easing of restrictions - frequently asked questions
• WA Government – Information and Advice
• Department of Transport – COVID-19 FAQs
• Australian Government
• WA Government - COVID Safety Plan and Guidelines for sport and recreation venues
  • Download the WA Government's Sport and Recreation Safety Plan
  • Download the WA Government's Safety Guidelines - Sport and Recreation

Encouragingly a return to community-based contact sport is muted in the WA Government Phase 3 plans, which could herald a positive step toward ordinary racing returning in the future. Please respect the phase 2 restrictions to ensure this happens. Should you have any further questions, please direct a representative of your club to Australian Sailing Regional Manager Andy Fethers on 0404420885 or andy.fethers@sailing.org.au.