COVID 19

The current COVID 19 situation impacts all our members and the wider Chichester Harbour community. The Federation plays many roles in representing the interests of both harbour Clubs and harbour users.

At this time, many of our Officers and members are engaged in working directly for their Clubs or businesses and other community organisations. In particular, our role on the Conservancy Advisory Committee carries on, albeit in a new ‘virtual’ way. Almost certainly we will play a part in how the harbour opens up again when the Government decide that the time is right to relax or amend the current rules.

There are many mixed (and often negative) messages coming from the press and social media about the long-term implications of the Virus and, in due course, the Country’s ‘exit strategy’. So, we feel it is important to highlight that our Harbour Clubs and marine business have already shown impressive resolve in responding responsibly to the situation. No-one could have imagined a scenario where all clubs and marinas were forced to close, let alone that recreational boating would essentially be stopped.

We have always believed that our Clubs and organisations were a core part of our harbour community, whether that be for sailing or, as the Friends of Chichester Harbour, looking after our beautiful harbour environment.  So, if one thing positive comes from this, it is that community spirit is everything – and long may it continue.

It is likely that the way in we take our sports and recreation, on and off the water, will take time to get back to normal and there will be challenges ahead. Until now, it has been all too easy to take for granted the unique lifestyle that Chichester harbour and its ANOB offers.  Perhaps it is time for us to appreciate and thank all those who, often behind the scenes, run our clubs. Your support and membership in these difficult times makes their efforts worthwhile and greatly enhances each Club’s and the harbour’s ability to recover from this situation.

It is difficult to know with any certainty the timeline to take us beyond the current lockdown, but following government advice is likely to be the quickest route to navigating our way out of this.

With this in mind, our Harbour Master and the RYA have published advice on their websites so there should be no confusion as to everyone’s responsibilities. Importantly, the RYA have created a dedicated COVID 19 Resource Hub for the sport (see link below).  Whether you are Sailing Club, Training Centre, Marine Business or just a sailor, it contains a wealth of information and legal guidance to try and help organisations mitigate and survive the effects of the current crisis. Updated regularly, we recommend it as an invaluable go-to resource for Clubs and their officers.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.conservancy.co.uk

https://www.rya.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Until we are all able to go back onto the water, please stay safe.