Welcome to the Chester Yacht Club

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

CYC Membership:

The staff and executive over the past week has fielded a number of questions with respect to concerns centered on the growing spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada and beyond. 

I am sure you have all been inundated with the news and guidance provided on keeping healthy, safe, and reducing the risk of both exposure as well as transmission.  While currently there are no official cases (at this time) registered in Nova Scotia we all acknowledge that we will not go without impact over the coming weeks. 

March break is just ahead; many are making, or have just taken, their yearly winter vacations to other areas in Canada, the US, and abroad; many of these areas representing areas of significant impact.

We expect that those traveling are following the guidance of Nova Scotia’s Public Health Authorities to self-quarantine on return; regardless of symptoms given symptoms often take up to a week or more to become symptomatic during which time virus transmission to others is possible.

A number of local organizations are now canceling group events and gatherings to further prevent the potential spread of undiagnosed infections. 

CYC; in the best interest of our membership and the community at large, will also be canceling our off-season potluck schedule until further notice. 

This was not an easy decision as I am sure many of you, including myself, look forward to the opportunity for the occasional evening out socially during this off-season period. However; this is the prudent choice to take at this time.

We ask our membership to follow the guidance of Nova Scotia’s Public Health Authorities to reduce your risk of infection:

• Clean hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow
• Avoid close contact (1 metre or 3 feet) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you feel that you might be exhibiting symptoms reach out to (Nova Scotia residents) 8-1-1 for further guidance and screening advice before heading directly to a clinic

Everyone please take care!

On behalf of the CYC Executive and Staff

Jennifer Chandler, CYC Vice Commodore