Sailing is healthy exercise and good for our mental and physical well-being. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is very much still with us, and we need to be extremely careful. The club compound is now open to sailors and their families.

A normal racing schedule, as set out in the February Ripple, restarted on 23 May.

Most COVID-19 restrictions ended in England on 19 July. Please be aware that our plans will change if infection rates or new variants cause the regulations to be revised, and observe the following conditions:

• Do not come to the club if you or anyone in your household is unwell or has received a positive result in a lateral flow or PCR test.

• Sanitise hands before and after touching any common surfaces, eg the lock on the gate. Please carry your own hand sanitiser.

• We are asked to assist with the nationwide ’test and trace’ system by keeping a record of who comes to the club. A signing-in book is kept in the clubhouse. Please sign in and out (legibly), giving your full name and the date and times that you arrive and leave. A QR code for the NHS Track and Trace app is prominently displayed.

• Please leave both front and back doors open when the clubhouse is occupied.

• Please wash your hands after using the toilets and leave the basin clean.

As always, SAILING IS AT HELM’S RISK; members must understand and accept this. Please do not go out in conditions that you think might be beyond your abilities.

Members found to be flouting these instructions risk having their membership status reviewed as with any other rule breaches.

The current position will be regularly reviewed.