Hi All,

I have just received further information regarding COVID restrictions and sailing. Australian Sailing has been in touch with both NSW Health and the NSW Maritime Marine Command in order to clear up some of the confusion regarding going sailing. The changes that came into effect on Monday, regarding 5 fully vaccinated people able to gather in an outdoor public place, does not apply to sailing as a boat, as it is not considered a public place, thus the previous restrictions for sailing still apply.

These restrictions have also been clarified now and in simple terms mean that:

a) You can sail with multiple members from the same household on your boat or

b) You may sail with one other person from a different household but in this case the boat must have no more than 2 people in total onboard.

These restrictions are currently in place until 30 September, as Lake Macquarie is still considered a “stay at home area”. The Wangi Sailing Club as previously advised, is not able to run any racing at this stage, however those wishing to go cruising are still able to do so, however please be mindful of the COVID restrictions.

The following is a copy of the email from Australian Sailing which includes links to the relevant NSW Health Orders.

Stay Safe, Tony

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Emma Humphries <emma.humphries@sailing.org.au>
Date: Tue, Sep 14, 2021 at 11:42 AM
Subject: COVID UPDATE: New Advice from NSW Police Marine Area Command
To: NSW <nsw@sailing.org.au>
Cc: Gemma Burns <gemma.burns@sailing.org.au>, Craig Ferris <craig.ferris@sailing.org.au>

Hello Club  Members,

Marine Area Command have issued the statement below clarifying that the new gathering rules of 5 people outdoors DO NOT apply to any kind of boat.
I have spoken to them to confirm this includes sailing boats whether open or with a cabin.

Marine Area Command Published the following on 14 September:

The easing of restrictions within the Greater Sydney 'stay at home' area effective yesterday, 13 September, whereby;

you can attend an outdoor gathering in a public space of up to 5 people for exercise or outdoor recreation (aged 16 years or over and fully vaccinated) DOES NOT relate to boating.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/greater-sydney

Boating is still limited to the same household members or if from different households a maximum of 2 people. Vessels are considered a 'premise' therefore this outdoor easing does not relate to vessels.

I have updated the NSW COVID page - https://www.sailingresources.org.au/covid-19/nsw/

Kind regards,
Emma