Sailing races and waterski events at RSWSC

A Message from the Commodore:

Further to a telephone conversation with the Harbour Master this morning, and with Vice Commodore Sailing late last night, I wish to make it clear the Club’s stance on sailing and waterski activity at the current time.

The Management Committee of RSWSC made a difficult but considered decision during lockdown that we would be unable to offer any Club organised sailing races or waterski events or activities due to the logistics of using rescue boats, rescue boat staffing, sanitisation etc. The decision was made unanimously, and we stand by this decision.

I wish to make it absolutely clear, that until advised otherwise by me, no sailing or waterski events will take place under the name of Rock Sailing & Waterski Club.Club equipment such as Club boats, lifejackets, radios and sailing marks or buoys will not be used. In doing so, it may be easily misconstrued that activity is supported by RSWSC, which it cannot be at this time.

The only RSWSC boat that is in use this year is ‘Ski Patrol’ which is in use ONLY to patrol the ski area. This is at the request of the Harbour Master and with the agreement of the Management Committee. Our staff member operating the boat is in direct contact with the Harbour Office and Harbour Patrol. Ski Patrol is NOT on the water to act as a rescue boat.

I am aware that informal and impromptu activities have been taking place. Yesterday, it ended up that there were some forty boats ‘racing’ at the same time. This led to a series of complaints from other vessels including commercial operators using the estuary, and the day culminated in a crash between a Blaze dinghy and a Cornish Shrimper. Fortunately, on this occasion, no one was injured, although some boat damage was sustained.

In normal circumstances, races are thoroughly planned and risk assessed by our Race Officers, proposed courses are shared in advance with the Harbour Master and his input taken into consideration before details are finalised. Notices are put out and shared with other vessels. Marks are laid, radios and safety boats prepared and crewed before and during the race and until the last boat has returned safely.

Whilst it is great to see people on the water and enjoying the estuary, I urge you to do so safely.

We all look forward to returning to racing and events with the usual support in place. Until then, please take care.

With all good wishes,

 

Stuart Robertson

Commodore, Rock Sailing & Waterski Club.

 

19th August 2020