We are delighted to confirm that, in line with the government’s recent “Covid-19 response: Spring 2021 document,” we will be able to resume sailing, wind surfing and SUPing at Bough Beech from 29 March. This will include organised Club dinghy racing on Sunday mornings. We still need to operate under Covid-19 regulations, and we will be re-posting the relevant details on the website, but broadly speaking we will be following the same rules as we had last summer.
We will not be able to re-open the clubhouse and galley until later in the year, possibly in May or June, but we hope to have two changing marquees in place in time for the resumption of sailing. The Fisherman’s toilet (recently redecorated) will be available as before.
In summary, and provided there is no change in government advice, the sailing plans going forward are as follows:
From Monday 29 March. Private sailing/windsurfing/SUPing possible observing the Buddy Sailing rules. There will be no safety cover on Saturdays due to a (hopefully temporary) shortage of rescue crews.
Sunday 4 April. Sutton & East Surrey Waterboard Cup. Two race am series, using Committee Boat starts if possible. A good way to start the new season! NoR to be posted on the website soon.
Sunday 11 April Belated start of Spring series am Races 1 and 2
Saturday 17 April Finn Open Meeting
Sunday 18 April Spring series am Races 3 and 4
Sunday 25 April Spring series am Races 5 and 6; Supernova Open Meeting running concurrently (TBC)
Sunday 2 May Start of am Early Summer Series.
Further dates will appear in the club calendar on the website shortly.
Boat Hire
Club boats will be available to hire on Sundays only until we can reinstate Saturday safety cover.
Informal Racing
The Sailing Committee has decided, as a trial, to introduce some informal racing on Sunday afternoons in place of the formal and not always well-supported pm series. We hope this will encourage “improvers” and junior sailors to take part in some competitive sailing.
Schools
Members will want to be aware that Tonbridge and Sevenoaks schools will be using the club several days a week but will be totally self-sufficient. We have asked then to restrict the number of students coming to the reservoir on Saturdays.
Pirates and Buccaneers
We will inform members separately of plans for club training, but we regret that Pirates and Buccaneers will not resume until we can have access to the clubhouse.
