Yacht clubs all over the country are reviewing their current practices with racing, large regattas, and educational opportunities for sailors. The Arizona Yacht Club is no different. Last month, the fleet captains held their preseason meeting facilitated by Jeff Coulter and it was decided to continue with the Fall Racing schedule at both lakes. The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Tempe approved our permits to race at both locations. To continue safe participation in these events, the fleet captains have also agreed to adhere to the following:
a) Participants will comply with all local requirements and the Arizona Covid-19 related Executive Orders.
b) Participants are required to wear a mask on the docks, launch ramps, and whenever social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained ashore.
c) Skippers may, at their sole discretion, require the crew to take additional precautions such as wearing masks afloat.
In addition to these requirements posted in the NOR’s, the club had to provide these Covid-19 safety guidelines to the Maricopa County Parks Department.
In the past, following the end of the race day on Saturday at Lake Pleasant, the fleet responsible for Race Committee would host a social event at Spinnaker Point. Unfortunately for now, such gatherings will not be sponsored by the AYC to reduce the risk of Covid-19 exposure and transmission.
Skippers can sign up for the Fall Racing Season now! Events such as the Governor’s Cup, Ruth Beals Cup, and the Birthday Regatta will continue as planned; however, they may look different than previous years, due to Covid-19.
Bob Naylor continues to provide the club with monthly guest speakers through the use of Zoom. Our general monthly meetings and happy hours will continue virtually – providing members and guests the opportunity to connect during these times of recommended social distancing. I encourage you to participate in one or both of the monthly events, as I’m confident you will see the value of connecting with our fellow sailors.
These times are indeed unprecedented and it continues to be the goal of the board to provide you with some normalcy until it is safe to get back to our in-person meetings.
Fair Winds,
Marc Danner, Commodore