It has been a very long time since our Optimists have not touched the water! It has been a very long time since the VIODA community have not gathered! Since the very successful States at SSCBC!
Finally, the long-awaited news: Optimist sailors can get out on the water! Very exciting!
Early this week, we saw the announcement of the easing of restrictions in Victoria. Australian Sailing and clubs have been working with the Victorian Government to gain clarity on the interpretation of this announcement.
VIODA is ready to kick off its traditional winter coaching series at Albert Sailing Club but, due to the government limitation, we will have to be a bit more patient.
Before rushing into it, we need to ensure we follow the regulation and more importantly we provide a safe environment for sailors and their families.
The main question, valid for many clubs, is how does groups of up to 10 people apply for sailing on and off the water?
VIODA has been exchanging ideas with ASC such as rostering parent marshals to keep the activities moving smoothly and to remind other parents and kids to keep apart and avoid bottlenecks, possible staggered session times and days, no access to change rooms and restricted numbers in toilets, spread the boat rigging and launching as much as possible, run sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, temperature tests, digital pre and post briefings, etc…
Before we can proceed, ASC needs to develop a comprehensive plan to be signed off by Parks Victoria. We will keep you posted on a regular basis.
In the meantime, we recommend kids sail at their yacht clubs. We do know that MYC will resume their Optimistic Winter Training on May 23, RBYC is starting Opti coaching next week, SYC is finalising a training program and SSCBC are not planning any coaching at this stage.
As it evolves daily, we suggest you contact your clubs to better understand the sailing arrangements.
The VIODA Committee.
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