01/10/2020
Update Thursday 1 October 2020
Clear information from Irish Sailing
No exemptions for sailing under Level 3
Whilst Dublin and Donegal are currently under Level 3 restrictions, it is likely that other counties will be faced with further Covid restrictions and move from Level 2 to Level 3. Since the Government’s announcement two weeks ago, we have made a number of representations to Sport Ireland and the Expert Group in respect of the relative low risk activities within sailing and the restrictions imposed, but their advice is clear – they are not in a position to give exemptions for any sports outside the NPHET advice. The aim of Level 3 restrictions is to keep people apart in order to reverse the spread of the virus, so that the return to Level 2 can be made as quickly as possible. Sport Ireland are working with all sporting bodies to clarify any confusion and ensure consistency across the sporting sector is maintained within the Government’s Five Level plan.
Under Level 3 there are two areas for sailing which are of particular importance:
Pods and Social Distancing
There is some confusion over the use of the term “pods” which differs from the earlier Phases. Under Level 3, Sport Ireland uses the term “non contact pods” to counteract the risk of people being close contacts, and that people within a pod must not “spend more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of someone either indoors or outdoors. Where sports can’t achieve this, they should modify activity appropriately.” For sailing this means we can only do single handed or same household sailing unless social distancing can be maintained while aboard
Competition
Under the definitions articulated for the exemptions by Sport Ireland, there is effectively no domestic sailing competition (Local, Regional or National) permitted under the Level 3 guidelines.
