COVID-19 causes cancellation of Cheddar Ales Chase

by Andy Rice 19 Mar 2020 03:17 AEDT 4-5 April 2020

Cheddar Sunset © BCYC

The Cheddar Ales Chase has been cancelled, putting on hold the start of the summer season of the Great British Sailing Challenge.

Here is the statement from Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club....

With regard to the latest advice from the government and the RYA, BCYC has decided upon the following approach. However, please be mindful that guidance will inevitably change over the weeks to come, and we will keep you updated via email, club website, Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

BCYC will remain open and members are able to use the water seven days a week under the buddy system. This is because watersports are generally non-close contact, and getting out into the fresh air and taking exercise is recommended.
All external organised events and RYA-led activities prior to 1st May (eg Great British Sailing Challenge, Open Meetings, Training events) will be postponed/cancelled.
It is your own personal responsibility to self-isolate depending on your age, risk factors, if you have been in contact with anyone showing symptoms, or have any symptoms.
BCYC would like the current duty rota maintained but we cannot enforce this and it is every member's personal decision whether you are willing and able to be at the club. If you cannot attend, you will not be required to arrange a duty swop, but please email to inform him. If you can't do your duty date, we kindly ask that you pick a duty date later in the year.
Club racing on Sundays (ongoing) and Wednesday nights (due to start 1st April) may need to be self-managed.
The clubhouse can be opened using the keys which are now kept on site (please log onto the website for new location and access details). The club cleaning routine will continue, and there will be hand washing facilities provided. Members should take personal responsibility for self-policing in terms of avoiding close contact in areas such as the club rooms and changing rooms.
There will NOT be any catering provided at the club and the bar will be closed. We suggest members bring their own food and mugs/flasks etc if they want to use the urn for hot drinks.
Please could all members use the club official Facebook page (BCYC @ Cheddar Watersports) to communicate if you are planning to go on the water and want to find buddies. Additionally, the club has two What's App groups - one for windsurfing and one for general watersports - please email with your name, mobile number and which groups you want to join, and we will add you to these.
We want all our members to stay safe and healthy and we appreciate that fresh air and exercise is very important both physically and mentally. Please make the most of being out on the water, or to walk, run or cycle round the reservoir. Please use the stand-up paddle boards, club windsurf kit and club boats - if you need any help or info, email or and we will assist you.
Whilst adhering to the latest government advice on social distancing, we want all our members to be healthy and well, and to be able to get out on the water whenever possible. We are following the RYA guidance and that of Alistair Dickson, Director of Sport Development at the RYA, who says: "While we have brought these measures in to adhere to government advice on limiting the spread of coronavirus, it doesn't mean that people can't go sailing at all. In fact, getting out on the water can be a great way to look after your physical and mental health in these challenging times."