General Manager’s Message – 10 October 2021

10 October 2021

Dear Members,
 
I hope that you are keeping safe and well.
 
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Club and will swing open the doors tomorrow morning for members who have been double vaccinated.
 
‘Freedom Day’ still comes with a number of limitations, however after 107 days of lockdown it is great to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. This lockdown has been a difficult one for many and the return to ‘freedom’ will not be the same for everyone. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, if we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
The ‘roadmap’ back to re-opening NSW has taken a few twists and turns over the past couple of weeks and remains very fluid at the moment. So, without trying to get too far ahead of ourselves, I would like to provide you with our check-in requirements, operational hours and what is now allowed as far as boating is concerned for the next week or so.
 
Checking into the Club will require proof of double vaccination or a medical exemption. Proof is required with the use of the COVID-19 Digital Certificate, Immunisation History Statement or the Apple Wallet & Google Pay Certificates. Medical exemption will require presentation of a COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Contraindication Certificate from NSW Health. In addition, members and guests will also be required to sign in via the ServiceNSW QR Code and the Club’s regular sign-in procedure. Staff will greet you at the entrance to reception to check proof of vaccination and QR Code sign in prior to entry.

Please note that any person who is under 16 years of age and who is not fully vaccinated must be accompanied within the Clubhouse by a person who is a member of their household that is fully vaccinated.
 
Reception will be open from 8am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm Friday and Saturday.
 
The tender service will operate between 8am to 5pm daily.
 
Halyard’s bistro will be open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm and the bar will remain open until 5pm on those days. The bistro lunch menu will be available on Wednesday and Thursday, however only toasted sandwiches will be available in phase one of reopening on Monday and Tuesday. The bistro will be open from 9am to 8pm on Friday for Lunch and Dinner, 8am to 8pm Saturday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Sunday from 8am to 4pm for Breakfast and Lunch. The bar will remain open until 5pm on Sunday.
 
Bookings are essential as we will be trading under the limited capacity requirements of 1 person per 4 square metres inside and 1 person per 2 square metres outside. Mask wearing remains mandatory while in inside areas of the club. Patrons are required to be seated inside while drinking, while standing and having a drink is permitted in outside areas.
 
The Edinburgh Bar will be open on Friday evening from 5pm to 7pm.
 
Takeaway food remains available from Halyards between 9am and 3pm. Please access the ‘Grab & Go’ area via the gate at the southern end of the clubhouse (near ‘A’ Arm). Please ensure you use the QR code at the takeaway window to sign-in. NOTE: Proof of vaccination and club sign in is not required for the use of ‘Grab & Go’.
 
Sailfit Gym will have a staged re-opening with PT and classes with Tana between 6am-9am Monday to Saturday and open to gym members for general use between 9am-5pm every day. Club sign in requirements apply. For more details please contact reception.
 
Boating – rules were changed yesterday and come into force tomorrow (Monday 11 October 2021)
 
Can I Go Sailing?
Yes! But all participants aged 16+ must be fully vaccinated
 
What if I am not fully vaccinated?
Non-vaccinated adults are limited to one person or more if ALL are from the same household
 
How many people can go sailing together?
The only limit to the number of fully vaccinated people on a vessel is the allowable capacity on the vessels’ Australian Builders Plate
 
How far can I sail?
There are no distance rules other than you must have a reasonable excuse to leave or enter Greater Sydney (including Central Coast, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Blue Mountains) boating is not a reasonable excuse until we reach the 80% vaccination mark.
 
Can I get my boat serviced?
There will be no restrictions around servicing and maintenance other than what’s required in the COVID safety plans at the marinas or place of work.
 
Can Clubs run sailing racing and training?
Training and coaching activities, including learn to sail, are allowed to take place in compliance with the Public Health Order. No community sport competition is permitted until we reach 80% vaccinated.
 
Public Health Orders will change again in the next couple of weeks when we have reached the 80% double vaccination rate and the above information will be reviewed and updated with increased trading hours and a return to racing.
 
Now more than ever, please look after yourself and those around you.
 
After such a long period of being closed, RPAYC staff are looking forward to welcoming our members and guests back to the Club. See you soon.

Kind regards,

Craig Evans
General Manager