Cruising Association is pleased to confirm that watersports can go ahead in England
by Peta Stuart-Hunt 14 May 2020 09:01 UTC
Sea Rover II at anchor off Paso Quesahuen after a day of squalls © Karina McQueen & Gary Peacock
The Cruising Association is pleased to confirm that, from today and subject to local regulations, all forms of watersports, including the use of privately-owned motorised craft, can go ahead in England.
In guidance issued this morning (13 May 2020), the Government has confirmed that: 'All forms of water sports practised on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed.'
The re-opening of marinas (like golf courses), for leisure boating customers, is now permissible subject to the strict compliance to social distancing and hygiene guidelines provided by government.
Although government restrictions on outdoor activities have been lifted, many of our members' facilities have not had the time to implement the measures set out by government to safely manage the gathering of people on their sites. There are variations in the relaxation of the rules and we therefore recommend that CA members check with their individual port or harbour authority, marina or inland or other navigation authority prior to taking any further action.
It has been confirmed that the Canal & River Trust and the Broads is able to welcome boaters back from today. On the Canal & River Trust waterways short boating trips can take place - avoiding use of locks and any staff-operated structures if possible - providing, as per current government guidance, boaters do not stay away from home overnight and return to home moorings (where possible).
Guidance for the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differs and therefore marinas that operate in the UK outside of England should remain closed to leisure customers until they are permitted by their government to open.
See official information at www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces
For up-to-date information on Covid-19 Cruising Restrictions please visit: www.theca.org.uk/public/covid_19_cruising_restrictions