Dear Club Member,


With further signs of normality appearing across society and at your club its appropriate to get back on the water in a responsible manner.
 
Our annual 12th July “Sail to the Islands”’ is this coming Sunday.  The forecast is good and I’d urge you to take this opportunity to get out on the water for what should be, for most of you, your first sail of the season.
 
We aim to set sail about 2.00pm.  Club boats will be available on a first come first served basis, so please submit any request to honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com and do remember to observe current guidelines on social distancing.
 
 
 
Michael Cox
 
Commodore

Thursday of this week was glorious, and the conditions were just perfect for the launch of our new club boat. Since receiving it a few months back, and as COVID restrictions have allowed, our members have been busy getting it ready for the water again. So it's great to finally get it moored out in front of the clubhouse, and we think it looks tremendous. Hopefully it won't be too long before we can make use of it as the committee boat for some racing!

​Dear Club Member
 
Use of Club Single Handed Pico & Laser Dinghies
 
We are now able to make the club’s single handed dinghies available in a responsible manner that is consistent with NI Executive restrictions.
 

1. Club single handed dinghies will be available for limited periods on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons
2. Use is subject to presence & oversight of a nominated committee member.
3. Please email honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com in advance if you wish to make use of a single handed dinghy.  It is essential to do so in order to ensure appropriate steps are taken to treat shared hard surfaces before and after use.
4. Social distancing must be adhered to at all times. Please be aware of the risks with shared hard surfaces – this includes taps, buckets, boat hulls and dagger boards etc. Please use the sanitiser provided at marked locations around the dinghy park.

 
Please note safety boat cover will not be available. Accordingly, you must realistically (and honestly) assess your ability to sail in the conditions. It is imperative that you remain well within your comfort zone and do not take unnecessary risks.

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding this notice, please email honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com
 
 
Michael Cox
 
Commodore

The NI Executive has relaxed some of the current restrictions as it moves into Step 1 of its recovery plan https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-recovery-plan
 
With effect from Wednesday 20th May the club grounds will be open for permitted activity including the inspection and maintenance of equipment. Further guidance regarding on the water activity will follow as soon as possible. At this point in time access to club buildings is to be restricted to the windsurfing store, the green shed and the male and female toilet areas on a limited basis. The rest of the clubhouse remains closed until further notice and the showers should not be used. Members should follow strictly the protocols in the attached document and at all times exercise the 2 metre social distancing requirements and gather only in groups of no more than 6. Please respect others.
 
On a  personal note I am delighted to see what appears to be the beginning of an end and trust the restrictions continue to be tolerable.  Your Trustees and Committee continue to monitor the advice from Government, RYA and ISA and will keep you updated.

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding this notice, please email honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com
 
 
Michael Cox
 
Commodore

CLUB PROTOCOLS IN EFFECT
Following the easing of lockdown announced by the executive yesterday, here are our protocols for the partial re-opening of the club
 

1. The club premises will be open to members for permitted activity from Wednesday 20th May
2. If you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 please do not enter club grounds.
3. Access to club buildings is limited to

• Male and female toilet areas
• Green shed
• Windsurfing store

1. Male and female toilet areas/ green shed

• Only one person at a time in each area
• If door is closed it is safe to enter and please leave the outer door open until you exit
• If door is open assume that the area is already occupied and do not enter
• Wait outside behind the marked line and respect the 2 metre zone when others are exiting
• When exiting if nobody is waiting please close the door after you exit
• Please use the sanitizing gel provided outside before entering and on exiting

1. Windsurfing store

• Only one person at a time
• Do not enter if someone else has already opened the roller door and is inside
• If occupied please wait outside behind the marked line and respect the 2 metre zone when others are exiting.
• Please use the sanitizing gel provided outside before entering and on exiting
• As previously the last person to leave should close and secure the roller door

1. General

• At each area there will be 2 bottles of pump action sanitizing gel. Please exhaust the first before using the second to ensure a constant supply. If you notice an empty bottle please advise any committee member
• Notices will be posted in each area as a reminder of these protocols
• The showers are not to be used under any circumstances
• The rest of the clubhouse remains closed (except for essential maintenance by committee)
• Club equipment (dinghys/windsurfing boards) are not to be used at this point in time until further notice
• Please respect the personal space of others and at all times adhere to the 2 metre social distancing requirements
• Do not gather in groups of more than 6

 
Further guidance regarding on the water activity will follow in due course

Newtownards Sailing Club are now proudly flying a NHS flag from our mast, in gratitude to all those putting themselves on the front line at this time. Hopefully it will give a boost to any NHS staff travelling up and down the peninsula. 

​Congratulations to Stuart Wilson for being recognised at the 2020 RYA Awards. Well deserved after a life time of volunteering and dedication to our club!