Covid-19 and Sail Training – Update

Royal Melbourne Sail Training Academy – 17 September, 2020.

As Melbournians would be aware, we are still in Stage 4 lockdown conditions in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Royal Melbourne Sail Training Academy is planning for the resumption of sail training and other courses as soon as we are permitted.

We are receiving many enquiries and bookings for courses in the remainder of 2020 (and beyond) and thank you for your interest. As we are a “non – essential” business we are working from home outside of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron at the present time.

At the moment we await further advice from the Victorian Government as to when we can travel outside of 5 km, go boating and have gatherings allowing for sail training would be permitted. As a Discover Sailing Centre we also require endorsement from our training scheme principal Australian Sailing in Victoria that sail training can resume.

Based on the previous easing of Health restrictions say in May & June 2020 the following criteria is likely before we can resume sail training:

• Gatherings allowed for up to five people outside – comparable with personal training or sport
• Boating being permitted
• Use of masks as directed
• Physical distancing of 1.5 metres and density limits observed
• Use of hand sanitising stations, temperature checks and session registration
• A Covid safe plan being in place
• The endorsement of sail training to resume in the Melbourne area by Australian Sailing

The Victorian Government advised in its Covid roadmap on 6 Sept 2020 that Melbourne may be able to move out of Stage 4 restrictions (and curfew) by 28 October 2020, subject to infection health targets being met. A further easing of Stage 3 or lesser restrictions will be needed beyond this date for the above criteria to be met, leading to the resumption of many community sport like activities including sail training. These decisions are for the Chief Health Officer and the Victorian Government. We remain optimistic and keen to resume training as soon as permitted to do so.

What can I do if I’m interested in sail training (or other courses) now!

Please register your interest with us via an email or complete a booking form. By registering your interest we will prioritise your participation in the earliest possible training course. When we do get permission to resume, it’s likely to be closer to Xmas and may be rushed. We will prioritise contact with students who have booked or sent email with contact details such as their mobile phone number.

We are not requiring any payment at this stage. Payment is normally required once a specific course place has been organised for you and you have confirmed your participation, often in the few days prior to the start of your course.

If you have any questions, please consider ringing me on 0412 196301 first. In many cases it’s far easier for me to answer your specific questions about sailing and boating on the phone vs a long email response. It’s also an opportunity for me to suggest a pathway for your skills development, eg. you’re wanting to get the family into sailing or train for a yacht charter. Either way I’m always up for a chat.

Remember there’s also 2021 if you can’t get started this side of Xmas.

Leigh Brennan-Smith, Chief Instructor, 17 September 2020.

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RMSTA offers a wide variety of training courses to suit everyone. Whether you are a sailor looking to broaden your horizons, a powerboat fan who is keen to learn more, or you simply want to feel safer operating your craft, we can help you to develop your skills.