MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Merlins and social distancing

Just thinking - in a maximum beam Merlin we should be able to return to sailing now whilst maintaining social distancing if the crew is not from your household.   I just have to figure out some techniques for tacking and gybing - hiking may be slightly tricky but there is a bit of space north of the shroud   < 2m > 
  


Posted: 12/05/2020 10:28:28
By:
Has anyone dared to think about going sailing tomorrow? Well don’t because the bean counters are already out there with their risk assessments and other measures designed to drain the fun out of life.
At my club, the commodore has said that while the RYA has said we can, the government doesn’t specifically mention boats, so we can’t.
I was looking forward to sailing, tennis and unlimited cycling tomorrow, but now I just think I’ll stay in and watch the radio instead!


Posted: 12/05/2020 23:15:04
By: Richard
Getting back on the water is possible so long as done in line with local regs and guidelines and observing social distancing.  However, from a club point of view the devil is in the detail.  Working through the new risk assessment and ensuring that club management enables members to take advantage of new freedoms while also exercising the necessary duty of care will take a little time (and paperwork so that everyone has an aligned understanding of how to operate).
 
Give it a while.
 
On Andrew's point, could tacking/gybing be achieved in a socially distanced manner by adopting the approach used on International Canoes where the helm runs round the back of the boom?


Posted: 13/05/2020 08:05:25
By: Tim M
Tim, I like your thinking!  I await some Go-Pro footage of you & Rebecca attempting this.


Posted: 13/05/2020 13:31:44
By: Andrew Mills

Surely the crew can go infront of the mast on a tack, to increase the seperation.  Can't be putting the Helm out!


Posted: 13/05/2020 19:03:41
By: Stuart Bates
See guidance from the British Marine at https://britishmarine.co.uk/Services/Representation-and-Promotion/Industry-Campaigns/Coronavirus/Corona-FAQ 


Posted: 14/05/2020 09:18:24
By: Keith_Callaghan
There is specific guidance to what sports are now allowed on one of the government departments websites, I think DEFRA, and it has a section on water sports and lists which are now allowed and dinghy sailing is specifically listed.
The only problem with the Merlin is you can only sail with a member of your household, so I won't be sailing any time soon.
If I can find it I will post a link to the relevant guidance. 


Posted: 14/05/2020 17:33:13
By: Dan H

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