WCA Sailing in 2021

2020 was certainly a challenging year for everyone, and, despite starting in similar fashion, 2021 at least holds out the hope of being somewhat better. Several members have asked what our plans are, and have emailed to say how keen they are to return to sailing, so an update here seems to be appropriate.

At the moment we can't run racing because organised activity is prohibited, and, for the RRS to apply, sailing races require an "organising authority." We're therefore waiting to see what the PM will announce on 22 Feb. Our expectaction is that the RYA will take a day or two to process this, and so we've arranged a committee meeting for the 25th Feb, and will provide an update here on the 26th. If organised activity is permitted then we will organise racing, most likely along the same lines as last year initially.

If activity is permitted in March we will hold some pre-season racing. Then in April we plan to move as much as possible to a 'normal' Summer schedule; hopefully with an Easter Regatta, and possibly an outdoor season opener (though that is perhaps more optimistic - if not then we can at least have a socially distanced opener on the water!).

Our esteemed membership secretary has polished and rejuvenated some of the Association's silverware and our plans are to have more but shorter series of races. We will retain CYCA as the baseline rating, but continue to develop the "no spinnaker" and "short handed" allowances we trialled last year. One series will be straight forward CYCA to provide for purists though!

We're currently planning the calendar with other clubs for Interclub Regattas. Hopefully it will be clearer what will be possible in the near term after the 22nd. Let's hope it is not overly optimistic to expect that these should be possible towards mid or late summer if not sooner.

Our plan is to run the Winter Series in 2021 but here we are completely dependent on decisions made by SLDC who control access to Ferry Nab car park and ramp. At present SLDC have issued a moratorium on organised activity on their property until the end of March.

Hopefully this gives everyone a sense of where things stand. We appreciate that nothing here is firm, but we will move as quickly as we can as the law and "guidance" changes. Don't hesitate to email or call if you have any questions or suggestions.