Needs Ore

Needs Ore – we can sail at Needs Ore
With immediate effect, we can sail at Needs Ore, but only in a very controlled and sensible way. It is my hope that we can do this informally, with members using common sense to avoid any difficult situations. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you feel that this is not happening…..everyone’s safety has to be the absolute priority.
1. Everything must be done in self-sufficient household groups. Launching, sailing and recovery all without any help from other households. Social distancing of 2 metres with members of other households needs to be rigorously respected.
2. Give the boats more space in the boat park to allow access without touching other boats – leave at least 2 clear metres between boats and obviously respect the 2 metre rule with other sailors.
3. Please do not use the Clubhouse. We have no way of ensuring that it is safe. That extends to the sail locker. If you need to retrieve your sail, then don’t touch anything else, clean your hands and the door handle, and don’t return it to the locker afterwards – either keep it on the boat or take it home.
4. The Estate are keen for us to allow access to the loo (the bushes are full of nesting birds). This is problematic as we have no way of ensuring that the surfaces are safe. If you do use the loo, please clean the lock, handles and all surfaces before and after…..and of course, your hands. The Club will endeavour to have materials there but you would be wise to bring your own.
5. There will be no safety cover at all so please be completely confident that you can launch, sail and retrieve without help. If you are in any doubt at all about the conditions, then do not sail. In the interest of safety, you may wish to coordinate with a ‘buddy’ so that you are not the only one down there. This works well for windsurfers.
6. Only one boat on the slipway at any one time – please queue with sensible gaps far enough back to allow people to get back off the slipway. Rig before approaching the slipway if wind speed and direction allow.
7. I would ask that you drive through Needs Ore Cottages at walking pace, which is about 5mph at most. Every year we have several members who don’t bother to slow right down and it is inconsiderate to the residents and embarrassing for the Club.
8. The Estate have asked that we refrain from taking dogs to Needs Ore. It seems that the wildlife has quite enjoyed lack of activity and is thriving. If you absolutely have to take your dog, then keep it on the lead all the time.
9. The Harbourmaster has advised that there is no access to Bucklers Hard for any river users other than mooring holders.