Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork Harbour has expressed disappointment that there has not been more clarity on when sailing can see a full return to the water following yesterday's Government announcement on the easing of lockdown restrictions.
RCYC Admiral Colin Morehead told Afloat “I was disappointed that we did not receive clarity on when we can see a full return to our sport".
Morehead said sailing, powerboating and windsurfing are recognised as inherently low-risk activities with regard to infection or transmission of Covid-19 as they are carried out in an open and unsheltered environment.
As Afloat reported earlier, there was a little of concrete in the easing of restrictions to allow regatta organisers to make decisions for summer events.
The Government has announced the phased easing of some Covid-19 restrictions during the month of April.
RCYC Admiral Colin Morehead
Royal Cork Yacht Club was forced to cancel a range of events in 2020 as part of its tricentenary celebrations, including its internationally famous Cork Week Regatta in Crosshaven.
"We continue to plan for a full schedule of events across the summer albeit yesterday’s lack of clarity is creating significant challenges from a planning perspective", Morehead said.
"I am delighted to see the return of sail training for our Junior Sailors in pods from April 26th and will, of course, continue to promote the support of, and compliance with, whatever Covid19 restrictions are outlined by the Government, Health Authorities and Irish Sailing to ensure we return to full on the water activities for all our members, young and old as quickly as possible.”
The Government says it plans to continue this cautious approach, gradually easing restrictions, while a substantial level of the population is vaccinated during April, May and June, after which, it should be safe to reopen society more widely.
