May 11, 2020 Letter to Junior Programs

My understanding of best practices at this time include the following for each yacht club to consider:

1. Determine if your club and its sailing component are considered a marina or a camp--or both. A mooring field may have different rules for use than a sailing program. Check with the town about the appropriate classification.

2. Clubs should develop a timeline for opening and develop a method of communicating adopted policies.

3. Clubhouses are at risk of availability, so outdoor classes may be necessary. If so, the suggestion of class sizes suggest a minimum of two with one instructor to a maximum of six with two instructors.

4. Double- or triple-handed may be unavailable for program use, so clubs may be restricted to optis, sunfish. etc.

5. Suggested necessary capital improvements include outdoor sinks for washing and a boat washing station that may be required for all sailboats after each use. Disinfectants to consider are boatsoap and water or a 60% clorox solution in a garden sprayer followed by a hosing down. Instructor boats may also need daily cleanings.

6. US Sailing has already posted the SafeSport curriculum on-line, and the 2-day Level 1 on-line should be up soon. The 2-day on water Level 1 instruction will resume when boats are allowed on the water. 

Obviously, I hope there are very few restrictions by July 1, but I listed the above for planning purposes.

Ted Sherman
May 11, 2020