Page 9 - Kwasind June 2020 issue

JUNE 2020
SAILING • 9
statement. I said, “It seems to me that RCYC has lost its swagger”. I was wrong. RCYC very much has its swagger back. Enough to ‘soft launch’ on what would have been Sailpast weekend and get people over to the Island to start prepping boats. Enough to see people book online launch times on a system created in days to get over to the Island and do what every sailor likes to do (well most) – work on their boats! Enough to overcome the fact that our majestic launches Hiawatha and Kwasind are temporarily on hold due to Transport Canada regulations and we still adapt
to have a series of three boats zipping back and forth
daily from City Station to the Island. All the while everyone following COVID-19 guidelines, wearing PPE, signing waivers, checking in and out, all with smiles on their faces. There
was not a handshake in sight, but people were doing every other version of it, that’s for sure.
Apologies about the lengthy introduction to what should be just a Sailing Office update. These times do require more in depth introductions though. A strong sense of reflection too. I strongly feel that we will look back at the spring of 2020 and the summer to come as “one for the ages”. A summer to remember. To be a part of it is extremely special.
Everyone reading this column is probably wanting some deep insight and specific information on what the sailing season will look like for 2020. Dates of regattas, the start of Midweek Racing, specific details on Adult Learn to Sail or our fantastic RCYC Youth Programming. Unfortunately, I do not want to put to print (digital print) information that is not completely accurate. We have no shortage of ideas that is for sure. Our Membership is extremely connected and over this time frame there has been a lot of great sharing of information. Our recently completed Sailor Outreach Survey will also be an excellent source of insight and feedback. We are expecting to have a Fleet Forum very shortly after the upcoming Annual General Meeting (as I write this mid-May). This will be a great opportunity to hear even more creative feedback. Ontario Sailing specifically and Sail Canada as well have been excellent resources
as it relates to legal interpretations of the different phases from “recreational boating” to “organized boating”. All
of these links are available at the bottom of this message. During the time of writing this update nothing is 100% firm yet in terms of precise timelines. What is for certain? We will be sailing this season! We will be on the water and seeing boats being sailed in different ways then we normally would perhaps for a lengthy period of time. Whether this
is single-handed, White Sail only, or one household only to start. Boats may become marked up to identify two metres physical distancing. All of this is still being discussed as we go to print here. What can also be said for certain? The RCYC Sailing Office will do everything in its power to get people on the water and sailing in a safe environment while also strictly adhering to the rules laid out by our Provincial and National bodies, and the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, and Federal Government.
I think that three key things need to be prioritized as we all work collectively to do our part and increase the ability to get to “back to normal” programming. To me these three elements are expectations, education, and compliance. As we exit lockdown mode and the green light to recreational boating has occurred, the true healing power of sailing I
Getting ready for sailing – first boat set up on a dolly, Angus McTavish. Photo credit: Mark Turuk
think will be felt by all. Let’s all do our part, respect each other, and have patience as these guidelines and timelines become fully established. Exciting times ahead. To the great summer of 2020!
I can’t wait to see everyone on the Island soon.
UPDATE: 2020 JUNIOR CLUB / YOUTH RACING PROGRAMMING
Click here for the update from May 12th, 2020
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE LIST:
Sail Canada announcement from May 13th:
https://www.sailing.ca/uploads/2020/05/Return-to-Sailing- and-COVID-19-Public-Health-and-Safety-Measures-for- Sailing-Clubs-and-Members-May-13-2020-Final-v3.pdf
Our partners at Ontario Sailing:
https://ontariosailing.ca/covid-19-links/
From Canadian Sport Institute Ontario:
https://csiontario.ca/news/update-16-advisory-covid-19
City of Toronto:
https://www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/news-releases- media-advisories/?nrkey=F88502F0ECBB07DD85258569006 CC003