Guidelines for Dinghy Sailing at LSC from 17th May 2020

Maintain social distancing at all times.

Independent sailing only, no LSC planned events at this stage.

If you are not 100% confident that you are capable of self-rescue, please do not go afloat.

No safety boats will be available.

Consider sailing with a 'buddy dinghy' for safety.

Stay within sight of the Club.

Sail with those from your household only, as per government guidelines.

Single handers, or 2-handed dinghies with helm and crew from same household, can sail.

Sail within your limitations, do not sail if the weather may cause you an issue for example too little or too much wind.

Use a mast float to avoid the possibility of turtling / your mast getting stuck in the mud.

Take a paddle or some form of propulsion in case the wind dies. If the wind is light sail in Chichester Harbour as the tide flows to the West and getting back through the blocks will not present a problem.

Take some means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag and have a contact ashore that you can call if there is an issue.

Consider installing the RYA SafeTrx app on your mobile phone.

Inform someone ashore of your plans, where you intend to sail, the time at which you expect to return and what time they should report you missing if you do not come back.

Double check your boat to ensure that it is completely seaworthy before setting sail. Check the following as a minimum:

1.Bungs and hatches are in place.

2.Hull is sound with no splits / cracks.

3.Mast is securely stepped and stays are secure at top and bottom.

4.Halyards are in good condition and running correctly.

5.All split pins are in place

6.Rudder and tiller are operating correctly, gudgeon and pintle are secure on transom.

7.Boom is connected to gooseneck securely.

Suggested wind speeds for independent sailing in the current circumstances are:

Beginners No Sailing

Intermediate sailors 2 to 10 knots (F3) Max

Advanced sailors 2 to 15 knots (F4) Max

Last updated 13:42 on 19 April 2024