News

  • 08 Oct 2021 10:33 AM | Matthew Burpee

    From Head Rat Norm Lamb

    AGM and Board Positions:

    "The AGM is Nov 21st at 2pm to 4pm. Please register.

    We do need a quorum to hold this meeting, so our participation is important.    

    This will be a Zoom meeting and the connection information will be sent to you closer to Nov 21st along with the pertinent material. 

    We encourage everyone to take a leadership role in the operation of the club. New faces and ideas are always welcome. If you are at all interested in helping, please reach out to us. As the phrase goes “Many hands make light work”. 

    The following list is of those directors who will be transitioning out. If there is a name beside a current director’s name it is the name of a member willing to step up and take on that position. This candidate will need to be voted in at the AGM.   

    Please note, this list may grow as not all directors have determined if they are going to stay or transition out.   

    If the list does grow, I will let you know. If you are willing to fill a vacancy or contest any of the candidates below please let me know. 

    Descriptions of Executive Roles

    Position and current member

    Candidate

    Head Rat – Norm Lamb

    Jeff Gerritts

    Race Rat – Randy McMeekin

    Open, no candidate

    Membership Rat – Jeff Gerritts

    Michael Williamson

    Social Rat – Monika Roschlaub

    Willing to transition out if there is an interested member

    Communications/Web Rat – Matthew Burpee

    Willing to transition out if there is a super interested member


    Volunteer Hours:

    Covid has made the pursuit of volunteer hours that much more interesting this year and last.  In an effort to remind you that we do need volunteers to run this club we are asking the following of you.   Please go to the website and fill in the Volunteer Hour Sheet for 2021.   If you did not do Volunteer Hours due to covid, that is okay.  We understand.  This exercise is not meant to be punitive but to get an idea of the number of volunteer hours that were done this year.  

    Volunteers Needed: 

    Barb is looking for volunteers on Oct 16th and 17th (Saturday and Sunday) to assist with moving Hanlan’s  back to Hanlan. If you can assist either of those two days, please contact Barb directly. Barb's email

    Filming:

    A film company will be using TMCC (last club at the end of Regatta Rd) on October 12th and 13th (Tuesday and Wednesday of next week).   The film company will be occupying much of Regatta Rd.   There may be a delay to access the club if they are shooting a scene.   Parking should not be impacted as we have parking inside our club.  As well, during those two days they may restrict access going around the spit.  I would suggest launching from the west ramp on those days.   Please note the film company is paying a ‘users’ fee to TMCC along with a fee to the other clubs of the OHSF, so there is a benefit for our inconvenience for those two days.   See the attachment below for more details. 

    Clean Up Day:

    No Fall Clean Up Day.  We hope to return to them in 2021, covid permitting

    Holiday / Christmas Party:

    There will be no Holiday/Christmas party this year. Extra restrictions and policing around indoor gatherings due to covid is the key reason. We hope to have one next season. There was a suggestion made to hold the party in January as it is easier to find a facility and easier to find spaces on people’s calendars. 

    WRSC Vaccination Policy:

    The board last night debated and approved a Vaccination Policy for our location at 4 Regatta.  Effective immediately, only persons with double vaccinations or medical exemptions will be able to use the facilities.  When using the clubhouse masks must be worn too.  All regattas will require participants to be masked or practice social distancing when on land.   I am in the process of putting the final touches on the policy itself and will circulate it when complete.   As it is the end of the sailing season, this should not impact us significantly but will come into play in 2022.   Stay tuned for further details. 

    Restricted Area – No Sailing:

    A friendly reminder, not to sail within the mooring area of the TMCC boats.  That area of the harbour (east end) is out of bounds as it is difficult to navigate and quite easy to hit one of their boats or a mooring line.    

    2021 10 08 MDGS2 - Notiification Letter - TMCC - 16 Regatta Rd.pdf

    Norm

    Head Rat 


  • 05 Oct 2021 6:39 PM | Matthew Burpee


    Save the date.

    Last year we had 60 people join us for or AGM online. We're hoping for the same or more this year.

    Check your email for details.

  • 29 Sep 2021 12:27 PM | Matthew Burpee


    The Fall War Laser Regatta at the Water Rat Sailing Club was held September 25-26, 2021. The race was with ILCA/Laser Standard, ILCA/Laser Radial boats. "There was plenty of breeze, lots of dumps and death rolls, one broken mast step and few breakdowns." Thanks Randy McMeekin for organizing and all those whom volunteered. 

    Congratulations to the Champions!


    1st: Gord Welsh.  2nd: Chris van Rossem.  3rd: Nigel Heath





  • 31 Aug 2021 10:55 AM | Matthew Burpee


    Sailing Instructions (PDF)

    Event registration

    Volunteer positions (Doc)

    Facebook Event Page


    Main Contact:
    Beata Sejane
    416 886 7277 (cell)
    bgintere@gmail.com

  • 24 May 2021 1:29 PM | Matthew Burpee

    I know the first thing you want to do is get out on the water!  But of course the second is to start on your volunteer hours. We’re continuing small work groups.  Choose a project, up to 5 pals (ok from different households), and a date/time.  Tell me when so I can start you off with the right tools & plants.  Anna Hoad - text (416)778-0054, or email annahoad01@icloud.com.


    1.  Want to kill phragmites? This is a one person surgical strike operation (1/2 hour) but must be done each month. Do you have what it takes for a sustained kill operation? I have a sharpened spade for you. Bring gloves.


    2. Come and get your lumberjack (and jill) on!  Ever felt like ripping a tree out? There's buckthorn below the club house and we now have a weed wrench to pull them out. Bigger ones need to be sawn down. This is a one time job of up to 5 people, probably 3-4 hours. Bring a saw or chainsaw, clippers and gloves. 


    3. As a kid did you want to dig through the earth to China?  Digging knotweed out of the sand by the western ramp is just like that!  You need gloves and a trowel, and endless determination. We’ll be clipping back the ones in the western bank twice.  Bring clippers or kitchen scissors.


    4. Last year everyone did an amazing job of clipping back the dog strangling vine (stage 1), then we buried it in mulch (stage 2). This year we overplant with assertive native plants  (violets, solomon’s seal, wood anenomes) to discourage it from coming back (stage 3) and clip back any stragglers (stage 4). Bring on the gardeners; we will overcome!  Gloves, trowels, clippers or scissors needed. 


    5. Last year we turned the sod in a 2’ strip by the eastern fence, mulched it, and planted vines and flowers.  This year we turn the sod of the western fence.  Spades, clippers and gloves needed. 


    6. We need weekly watering of the little trees planted last year on the eastern bank.  It’s a good workout, and only shoes needed. But, please, no watering of the two new big trees. We have a schedule, folks designated, and too much water is as bad as too little for them!


    7.  Jobs for kids: pickup fallen branches from around the grounds to make it easier for Marvin to mow; pick up plastic from the sand; 1 kid job to apply moss to lumps of concrete (kid will get covered in dirt and need to swim to clean off!).


    Anna


  • 21 May 2021 11:22 AM | Matthew Burpee


    Huzzah!

    We're reopening on Saturday, May 22.

    - No more than 5 people together at a time

    - Minimum of 2 m distance between

    - Only members of the same household can sail or paddle together

    - If you live alone, only one other non-cohabiting person can sail or paddle with you

    - No entry to clubhouse

    See you on the water!


    News: Province Safely Reopening Outdoor Recreational Amenities Prior to End of Stay-at-Home Order


  • 17 Apr 2021 11:58 AM | Matthew Burpee

    Effective immediately, the Water Rat Sailing Club is closed due to the province-wide stay-at-home order. The locks will be changed. The board will re-evaluate as the situation warrants.

    Please do your part and help keep our community safe. "The Stay-at-Home order currently in effect requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely."

    Let's look forward to a healthy and more open summer on the water. Breathing near groups of people inside without properly wearing one or two masks is how Covid spreads. Don't go indoors for long with others outside your household. Keep distance from others and get the vaccine as soon as you can. The tragedy of our time may end faster than we think if everyone does these. 

    Statement from the Government of Ontario:

    April 16, 2021 - Office of the Premier: Ontario strengthens enforcement of province-wide stay-at-home order


  • 08 Apr 2021 4:52 PM | Matthew Burpee

    Yesterday, the Ontario Government announced a state of emergency and month-long stay-at-home order, which came into effect this morning. As of Wednesday, schools in Toronto closed under an order by our Medical Officer of Health

    The reality right now is that COVID-19 variants, which are more transmissible and more dangerous, have changed the game. Case rates, hospitalizations, and ICU occupancy are increasing rapidly, and we need to stop a devastating third wave. 

    Ontario Sailing has reviewed Ontario's Stay-at-Home Order.


    Ontario's Stay-at-Home Order

    Yesterday Premier Ford announced that Ontario would be in a State of Emergency and the province issued a Stay-at-Home Order (Regulation 265/21). Under this provincial Regulation, individuals are only permitted to leave their homes for purposes deemed essential. Within that order, exercising and physical activity are acceptable reasons for individuals to leave their homes. Individuals are also permitted to leave their homes for work or volunteering when the nature of the work (paid or volunteer) requires it to be done outside of the household as deemed by the employer. (Reminder that any volunteer role should be officially documented and specific to required tasks.)

    Provincial Regulation 82/20 (as updated to reflect changes made for April 8th, 2021), governs which businesses and organizations are allowed to be open and what conditions they are required to meet to provide anyone coming to their facility. Yesterday’s updates to the Regulations regarding organizations do not impact Boating clubs; there were no changes to that portion of that Regulation. As such, boating clubs may be open to provide opportunities for individuals who are allowed to leave their houses such as for recreational sailing and launch (see Regulations Overview document previously sent and attached below).

    Under the Regulations, the fundamental practices of physical distancing, wearing masks and keeping groups to under 5 people must continue to be followed and enforced. The facility can determine how many can reasonably be on site while still maintaining the distancing requirements but note that you may not host any organized activity with more than 5 people. There should be no identifiable group gathering socially of more than 5 people on the property. Failure to meet this, or any other requirement, may result in the organization, the Directors and/or the individuals possibly facing fines.

    It is extremely important to note that all the requirements for facilities and organizations that have been previously laid out under the Shutdown portion of the Regulations Overview that Ontario Sailing has provided are met under the responsibility of the Directors of each organization. To highlight some of those include:

    • Building only open to participants for washrooms, first aid areas or access to those areas

    • Boat owners doing activity with their boats should only be with household members

    • Safety Plan must be completed, posted for staff and accessible if requested

    • Signage about screening and other expectations posted

    • Staff and Volunteers are required to screen for COVID symptoms before attending the facility and that should be documented.

    (Please review the full document carefully to ensure you are meeting all requirements).

    We appreciate that the provincial government recognizes the importance of physical activity and mental well-being and the role organizations like yours play in supporting their communities. Being able to participate in safe outdoor recreation is key to helping people through these times. To continue to be recognized for our ability to provide these experiences, it is critical we all do everything we can to continue to be safe in all areas of our operations and activities. Each organization’s Board of Directors needs to carefully assess their risk and make decisions that work for their facility, organization and community. These decisions need to be made within the confines of your insurance coverage (recommend you check with your insurance providers) and local authorities.

    We appreciate your patience as we worked with legal counsel last night and today to understand how the two different Regulations impact the different situations our member organizations may be facing across the province. We know these are challenging times and appreciate all your efforts to support sailing.

    Please do your part and help keep our sailing community safe and work towards a safer and more open summer on the water!

    Questions about COVID Regulations

    We have provided as much clarity as possible based on the Regulations themselves. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Roddie (lisa@ontariosailing.ca) or Glenn Lethbridge (execdir@ontariosailing.ca).

    ****************

    Regulations Overview – UPDATED April 3rd, 2021 (referenced above)

    Below is an overview of the Regulations currently in place, broken down by different activities common to our member organizations. Please consider reading all areas to fully understand how you may be impacted. Each organization has to use the broadly written Regulations as the starting point for decisions about the risks they are willing to undertake as an organization, recognizing their own unique situations. We recognize that each of our member organizations face distinctive items impacting their risk assessment. For example, consideration needs to be given to items such as size and space, both indoor and outdoor, and what type of activities they are undertaking, also the number and variety of activities. Each organization’s Board will have to consider all the factors in their situation to determine their potential risks and how to address those risks.

    All Activities & All Zone Classifications

    • All staff & volunteers need to complete the workplace screening before attending each day and confirmation should be documented and securely saved.

    • Signage is to be conspicuously posted for others about self-screening prior to entering the relevant premises.

    • You need to track the attendance of anyone coming inside the facility. (While this is not required in green, it is strongly recommended to maintain in green for consistency). This information is to be stored for a month and released, if requested, to Public Health.

    • Each organization needs a written safety plan that covers the procedures you have in place around COVID including screening, distancing, masks or face coverings and cleaning. This plan is to be posted conspicuously and available upon request.

    • Masks or face coverings are required inside facilities and recommended whenever within 2m of others.

    • 2m distancing must be maintained except in special situations in specific colour zones highlighted below.

    Overall Clubhouse Activity

    • All Zone Classifications – can attend to check on property; staff and specified volunteers can get ready for opening.

    • Inside access is limited as follows:

    • Grey & Shutdown – allowed to access washrooms, first aid & food take-out / pick-up areas and the path to access those areas.

    • Red - allowed to access storage, washrooms, first aid & food take-out / pick-up areas and the path to access those areas.

    • Green/Orange/Yellow – limited to 50 people inside of building (as size permits).

    (Note: if running different types of operations such as meeting space or Food & Beverage, there are different regulations specific to those activities to be aware of).

    Launch

    • Allowed to be open in all classifications to launch but need to follow all workplace guidelines and consider recommendations based on classification.

    • Staff (including volunteers with specific job descriptions) are permitted to work under rules for marinas/boating clubs.

    • Ensure all workplace related rules are followed from regular health and safety to the screening requirements.

    • Maintain physical distancing as much as possible and masks or face coverings following Public Health Guidelines.

    Recreational Sailing

    • Boating clubs are currently permitted to be open in all zone classifications.

    • In Shutdown, Grey & Red, only household members or caregivers are permitted within 2m of each other.

    • Recommend following public health guidelines for your zone classification in relation to activities permitted and protocols required.

    Racing

    • Shutdown – no sport allowed - this would include any organized sailing activities such as practicing, training, racing or instruction.

    • Grey - Individuals are allowed to practice/train singlehanded – no competition (racing) or teams (no doublehanded or crewed boats). Participants are limited to 10 people at any time, and they must pre-book a time slot and have been actively screened. Collecting and saving information for contact tracing is required. Individuals are required to stay 3m apart and shouting/loud talking is not encouraged.

    • Red – Same as Grey, except individuals to stay 2m apart.

    • Green/Yellow/Orange

    1. Can come within 2m of each other only while engaged in sport.

    2. Masks or face coverings required except when exercising or playing sports.

    3. Stand-alone racing regattas are allowed – to a maximum of 100 people.

    4. “Leagues” – any organized series of regular races, such as club race nights (registered/awards etc.), is limited to a maximum of 50 people per group. (You could have 2 groups run in one evening as long as groups are separated). The Regulations indicate that each “team”, or in sailing a boat crew, is not permitted to compete against teams outside of their group or against teams outside their league.

    5. Given the evolving nature of colour designations, Notice of Races should include a note that due to COVID-related restrictions, there may be changes without advance notice.

    Club Events

    Organized club events with protocols including cleaning, physical distancing and masks or face coverings are subject to the following number maximums:

    Sailing Schools – Day Camps

    (For programs offered to youth in a Monday to Friday full or almost full day design that could provide care while parents are at work)

    • Permitted in all colour classifications, however not permitted in Shutdown

    • Need to follow Ministry of Health Guidelines for Day Camps.

    • Last updated Version 3 - August 13th, 2020, watch for an updated document.

    • Major change in Version 3 – Cohort size a maximum of 15, not including staff.

    • Screening of participants must be more actively done than with other patrons.

    • Cohorts cannot mix.

    • Check with local public health for local interpretations of their guidelines.

    All Other Sailing Instruction – Cruising & Dinghy

    (This includes all adult instruction and any once or twice/week or weekend program design).

    • Grey & Shutdown – no programs permitted.

    • Red – Recreational based programs permitted ONLY if 2m distancing can be maintained throughout for participants and instructors (Emergencies exempt). Indoor group size in whole facility limited to 10 participants, outside to 25 participants.

    • Green/Yellow/Orange – programs permitted to run; maintain 2m distance unless needed for specific instruction; masks or face coverings are required except when exercising or playing sports.

    Please Note: Ontario Sailing does not set any COVID-related regulations or restrictions regarding your activities. We are sharing publicly available information regarding Provincial laws. Each organization’s board or owner is responsible for understanding your legal situation, managing your risk, making decisions on how to proceed, and managing any consequences; Ontario Sailing takes no responsibility for your reliance on the information we provide in our COVID-related communications.

    https://ontariosailing.ca


  • 03 Apr 2021 1:38 PM | Matthew Burpee


    From Norm, Head Rat

    The weather is getting warm (well, it was last week!) and people’s thoughts are turning to sailing and The Water Rat Sailing Club. As the season is starting up, I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on what is going on at the club along with a couple of requests for assistance. 

    Covid Update

    Just when we thought we were in the clear Doug Ford shuts the province down again… probably a good idea but it is tough to swallow… again.

    Having said that the Ontario Sailing Association (OSA) has launched a Covid Task Force. Randy, our Race Rat and Laser sailor, is part of that committee. Part of their mandate is to “Interpret the Legal requirements that the Province imposes on our sport and recreational activities of Sailing including training.” 

    We will use the guidance from the OSA/Covid Task Force and the City of Toronto to determine if we are open and what extra steps or activities might be required.     

    To see the latest OSA Covid Updates check their website link above, our Facebook page, and the OHSF website.

    At the moment, we are open!

    Clean Up Day

    Once again, we will not have a formal Clean Up Day. Volunteer Requests will be posted via email and Facebook for individual projects.  

    New Keys, Locks, Insurance and Transom Stickers

    Please be aware that this year we will be changing the locks.  This means you will need to give us your old key and we will provide you a new key for the new lock. Your old key will not work. 

    Insurance – we will need to see your insurance. For liability purposes you need to have insurance coverage for your boats. 

    May 8th and May 12th are the days the membership committee has set up for you to get your new key and to show your insurance.  Try to make yourself available for one of those days. Covid regulations may require that we change things up… so stay tuned and pencil in May 8 and May 12th in your calendar.

    We will not be changing the lock until after May 12th.

    At that time, we will also be handing out Transom stickers.  We want to make sure our membership system is up to date with the inventory of boats sitting at our club. Note that we have decided not to issue annual stickers (i.e. 2021).

    Water Safety Meeting

    Because of Covid 2020 the Outer Harbour was very congested. As a result, we had several collisions and near misses. A committee of OHSF clubs, along with Kite Boarders and Swimmers has been struck. They have had one or two meetings so far. Their goal is to make the Outer Harbour a safer place for all participants. Stay tuned for more information.

    Shade

    The board has decided to replace the willow we lost last year with two trees instead of a built structure. The two trees are big (20 -40 ft) and should be planted in the next month. 

    Chairs

    The board has approved the purchase of new picnic tables, muskoka chairs and a new swing. If you have the time and are interested in helping me out with this project let me know... norm.lamb@ymail.com 

    If you have any questions let me know

    Norm

    Head Rat

  • 03 Apr 2021 12:00 AM | Matthew Burpee

    Less an issue at our club as we are often boat solo but important to note.

    From Ontario Sailing: "Under Recreational Sailing and Boating, boating clubs are currently permitted to be open in all zone classifications.

    Please remember that in Shutdown, Grey & Red, members of the same household are permitted to sail and boat together and do not have to adhere to the minimum 2m requirement.

    We encourage them to follow public health guidelines for their zone classification in relation to the protocols required.

    For a detailed outline of ways to keep safe when you are preparing to go boating during the pandemic, we encourage to you get "A Guide to Responsible Social Distancing for All Boaters".

    Close contact is the highest risk. Limiting these risks is critical to keeping Ontario open and safe. So, no:

    - close contact

    - closed spaces

    - crowded places

    - forceful exhalation

    Related Link:

    Ontario Implements Emergency Brake 



    OSA update from Race Rat Randy

    Ontario Sailing

    COVID Regulations Updated

    (UPDATED: Current as of March 29, 2021)

    Last week, Ontario Sailing shared with the leaders of all our member organizations an update on sailing for the summer of 2021 including an overview of the current COVID Regulations. On Friday, the province announced changes to the COVID Regulations that came into effect today, Monday March 29th, 2021. To allow you to have one current document outlining all the relevant pieces of Regulations, we have simply updated the Regulations Overview portion of last week’s communication. (Changes in Regulations are in bold).

    Some highlights of the changes that may impact some of our member organizations include:

    In Grey, individual sport training/fitness is permitted as long as individuals stay 3m apart (under Racing).

    Several requirements for individual sport activities are listed below that apply to Grey and Red (under Racing).

    Day camp programs are now permitted in all zones including Shutdown areas (under Sailing Schools).

    Additionally, while we do not address all the food & beverage related Regulations, we would like to highlight that one other change is that outdoor dining is now permitted for boating clubs located in grey zones.

    Also, with our sincere apologies, the last version of the COVID Regulations had the incorrect use of the term Lockdown. Lockdown is the equivalent to Grey, the term Shutdown, in the overview below, refers to the stricter set of Regulations introduced during the Stay-at-home order. It has been updated to the correct terminology below.

    The Province’s COVID Response Framework documents clearly state:

    There are several risk factors that help drive transmission of COVID-19, including:

    close contact

    closed spaces

    crowded places

    forceful exhalation

    Close contact is the highest risk. Limiting these risks is critical to keeping Ontario open and safe.

    (https://www.ontario.ca/.../covid-19-response-framework...)

    Double handed and multi handed sailing can result in a combination of the risk factors listed above, particularly close contact and forceful exhalation during periods of exertion during rapid sailing maneuvers. These key risk factors should always be considered in the context of the activities you are contemplating offering. Each situation is unique and needs to be decided individually.

    Regulations Overview – UPDATED March 29th, 2021

    Below is an overview of the Regulations currently in place, broken down by different activities common to our member organizations. Please consider reading all areas to fully understand how you may be impacted. Each organization has to use the broadly written Regulations as the starting point for decisions about the risks they are willing to undertake as an organization recognizing their own unique situations. We recognize that each of our member organizations face distinctive items impacting their risk assessment. For example, consideration needs to be given to items such as size and space, both indoor and outdoor, and what type of activities they are undertaking, also the number and variety of activities. Each organization’s Board will have to consider all the factors in their situation to determine their potential risks and how to address those risks.

    All Activities & All Colour Zones

    All staff & volunteers need to complete the workplace screening before attending each day and confirmation should be documented and securely saved.

    Signage is to be conspicuously posted for others about self-screening prior to entering the relevant premises.

    You need to track the attendance of anyone coming inside the facility. (While this is not required in green, it is strongly recommended to maintain in green for consistency). This information is to be stored for a month and released, if requested, to Public Health.

    Each organization needs a written safety plan that covers the procedures you have in place around COVID including screening, distancing, masks or face coverings and cleaning. This plan is to be posted conspicuously and available upon request.

    Masks or face coverings are required inside facilities and recommended whenever within 2m of others.

    2m distancing must be maintained except in special situations in specific colour zones highlighted below.

    Overall Clubhouse Activity

    All colour zones and Statuses – can attend to check on property; staff and specified volunteers can get ready for opening.

    Inside access is limited as follows:

    Grey & Shutdown – allowed to access washrooms, first aid & food take-out / pick-up areas and the path to access those areas.

    Red - allowed to access storage, washrooms, first aid & food take-out / pick-up areas and the path to access those areas.

    Green/Orange/Yellow – limited to 50 people inside of building (as size permits).

    (Note: if running different types of operations such as meeting space or Food & Beverage, there are different regulations specific to those activities to be aware of).

    Launch

    Allowed to be open in all colours to launch but need to follow all workplace guidelines and consider recommendations based on colour zone.

    Staff (including volunteers with specific job descriptions) are permitted to work under rules for marinas/boating clubs.

    Ensure all workplace related rules are followed from regular health and safety to the screening requirements.

    Maintain physical distancing as much as possible and masks or face coverings following Public Health Guidelines.

    Recreational Sailing

    Boating clubs are currently permitted to be open in all colour zones (subject to applicable restrictions in each colour zone).

    Recommend following public health guidelines for your colour zone when sailing with others and maintain proper physical distancing and mask or face coverings.

    Racing

    Shutdown – no sport allowed - this would include any organized sailing activities such as practicing, training, racing or instruction.

    Grey - Individuals are allowed to practice/train singlehanded – no competition (racing) or teams (no doublehanded or crewed boats). Participants are limited to 10 people at any time, and they must pre book a time slot and have been actively screened. Collecting and saving information for contact tracing is required. Individuals are required to stay 3m apart and shouting/loud talking is not encouraged.

    Red – Same as Grey, except individuals to stay 2m apart.

    Green/Yellow/Orange

    Can come within 2m of each other only while engaged in sport.

    Masks or face coverings required except when exercising or playing sports.

    Stand-alone racing regattas are allowed – to a maximum of 100 people.

    “Leagues” – any organized series of regular races, such as club race nights (registered/awards etc.), is limited to a maximum of 50 people per group. (You could have 2 groups run in one evening as long as groups are separated). The Regulations indicate that each “team”, or in sailing a boat crew, is not permitted to compete against teams outside of their group or against teams outside their league.

    Given the evolving nature of colour designations, Notice of Races should include a note that due to COVID related restrictions there may be changes without advance notice.

    Club Events

    Organized club events with protocols including cleaning, physical distancing and masks or face coverings are subject to the following number maximums:

    Sailing Schools – Day Camps

    (For programs offered to youth in a Monday to Friday full or almost full day design that could provide care while parents are at work)

    Permitted in all colours including Grey AND Shutdown.

    Need to follow Ministry of Health Guidelines for Day Camps.

    Last updated Version 3 - August 13th, 2020, watch for an updated document.

    Major change in Version 3 – Cohort size a maximum of 15, not including staff.

    Screening of participants must be more actively done than with other patrons.

    Cohorts cannot mix.

    Check with local public health for local interpretations of their guidelines.

    All Other Sailing Instruction – Cruising & Dinghy

    (This includes all adult instruction and any once or twice/week or weekend program design).

    Grey & Shutdown – no programs permitted.

    Red – Recreational based programs permitted ONLY if 2m distancing can be maintained throughout for participants and instructors (Emergencies exempt). Indoor group size in whole facility limited to 10 participants, outside to 25 participants.

    Green/Yellow/Orange – programs permitted to run; maintain 2m distance unless needed for specific instruction; masks or face coverings are required except when exercising or playing sports.

    Questions about COVID Regulations

    We have provided as much clarity as possible based on the Regulations themselves. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Roddie at lisa@ontariosailing.ca or Glenn Lethbridge at execdir@ontariosailing.ca.

    Please Note: Ontario Sailing does not set any COVID-related regulations or restrictions regarding your activities. We are sharing publicly available information regarding Provincial laws. Each organization’s board or owner is responsible for understanding your legal situation, managing your risk, making decisions on how to proceed, and managing any consequences; Ontario Sailing takes no responsibility for your reliance on the information we provide in our COVID-related communications.


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