Dear CYC Community,
 
The CYC Executive wanted to follow up on our March 18th COVID-19 Update. The challenges we’re all facing continue to evolve and the safety of our community continues to be our key driver.
 
The Executive attended a meeting earlier this week organized by Sail Nova Scotia. The purpose was to share ideas and experiences of the yacht clubs across the province and to seek guidance on policies going forward. A statement from Sail NS has been circulated today. What’s interesting is that all clubs are slightly different, and ours was highlighted as particularly challenged given the long planning needs of Chester Race Week and the Opti Nationals.
 
While this is not what we expected our club operations to look like for the 2020 season, our decision making process has been fully instructed by the Government of Nova Scotia guidelines and laws regarding COVID-19. Sail NS has as well consulted with the appropriate channels in constructing their guidelines to which they have communicated to all sailing clubs in the province.

To be clear, at this time,  Sail NS advises that the club, including premises, wharves, floating docks and mooring fields will remain closed until further notice.

Within these constraints, it is still our intention to launch the floats and moorings as usual. We’ll advise you when and to what extent usage will be allowed for the floats, moorings, yard and clubhouse.
 
With regards to the Learn to Sail program, registration continues and if cancellations are necessary, full refunds will be provided. We will be offering further guidance on this as we approach the sailing season.
 
As for club racing and our August regattas, the team continues to work towards their implementation and we’ll be monitoring the situation week by week.
 
None of us can imagine how this pandemic will play out and how long it will keep us from participating in the sport we love. We send out our wishes for a speedy recovery to those in our community who may already have been struck by the virus.
 
Stay safe and stay healthy,
 
On behalf of the CYC Executive
David Creighton, Commodore