Dear Members,
 
I hope that you are well and managing okay in these strange times.
 
This message is just to keep you updated with what is happening at the Club and the situation with boating activities allowed at the moment. As I am sure that you can appreciate this advice is good at the time of writing, but is subject to change.
 
Our Clubhouse remains closed during the Northern Beaches, Northern Zone lock down period until midnight on 9 January 2021. At this stage we hope to have Halyards Bar & Bistro back trading on Sunday 10 January.
 
Our ‘takeaway’ service opened again yesterday (Monday 28 December). Takeaway food and drink is available between 9am and 3pm daily, apart from New Year’s Day. Following directives from NSW Health we will be using the Service NSW QR code sign-in process in the takeaway area.
 
Our New Year’s Eve function was recently cancelled and certainly the night will look very different for many of us this year. Given the restrictions that are in place, particularly in the Northern Zone of the Northern Beaches, I would please ask that you do not gather on Club grounds and marina on New Year’s Eve. Police have advised that they will be patrolling on both land and water on the night.
 
Boating for the purpose of recreation and exercise is permitted, however there are restrictions on the size of the group and also limitations on accessing vessels if you are from outside the ‘Northern Zone’. Current rules for the Northern Zone, as updated this afternoon, are as follow: –
 

• Boating restrictions during the New Year’s Eve period mean that
  • commercial boat tours are not permitted
  • you can go out on a boat for recreation purposes, but no more than 5 people from the same zone are permitted on the boat
  • you are advised to stay out on deck
  • you must stay in your zone.

 
For full details please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/northern-beaches
 
The marina, hardstands and centreboard area remain accessible, however organised boating events, including racing, cruising and training, at RPAYC are suspended for the moment. Should you be accessing your vessel for the purpose of recreation and exercise I would ask that you do not gather with others at the Club and that for the time being we go back to Australian Sailing’s directive of “Come ready to Sail, Sail, Go Home”. It is important that we follow these requirements so that boating can continue without greater restrictions being imposed and so that we can get back to normal boating activities as soon as possible.
 
If you are unable to get to the Club to check on your vessel and would like us to keep an eye on it please do not hesitate to contact reception. Reception is open every day from 8am until 5pm and can be contacted on 02 9998 3700 or reception@rpayc.com.au
 
The Club’s Tender continues to run each day and our Waterfront team are here if you require any assistance.
 
Our Boatyard is scheduled to recommence working from Monday 4 January 2021
 
Thanks again for your continuing support of the Club. I wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you back at the Club in 2021.
 
Please look after yourself and those around you.
 
Kind regards

Craig Evans

General Manager