Given the current RYA Covid-19 recommendations, we as a club have decided to implement the following changes to how we expect our courses to be run.  These are monitored and are subject to change in line with RYA guidance. 

 Student Ratios  

Practical courses will have a reduced ratio of 3-1 

Course Start Time  

8am on Monday 

Day Sailing  

All practical courses will no longer be residential on board the boat and will return to Mercury on completion of each day sail. Night sailing is permitted, but you must return to base on completion. Students are not allowed to sleep on board the boat. 

Social Distancing  

Where possible social distancing rules must be adhered to, this will fall into two parts, 2-metre distance and 1-metre distance.  

• All students to provide their own face coverings / masks. 
• Where possible we must try to keep 2 metres apart, at this distance we do not require you to wear a face covering. 
• At a 1-metre distance face coverings are a strong recommendation and should be used.  
• Huddling around an engine, chart, or chart plotter should be avoided if possible. Individual one to one sessions are permitted whilst wearing face coverings. Please note group discussions and lessons held in the cockpit are permitted.  
• Only 1 person to go below deck at any time, unless it is for instruction then 2 persons maximum are allowed i.e. The instructor and 1 student. 

Training aids 

Students completing the Day Skipper course will need to provide their own equipment as listed below, available from most chandlers.  

• An exercise book in which to make personal notes etc 
• RYA Yachtmaster scheme Logbook (available from the RYA and online) 

• Portland plotter, dividers, 2b pencil, rubber and sharpener. Not to be shared between students. 
• You may also wish to purchase the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course Notes (available from most chandlers) 

 Catering  

The preparation of food onboard is not recommended, we will supply refreshments and snacks for the boat (Tea, Coffee, water, squash and a selection of crisps, chocolate bars etc) but will ask you to bring your own pre prepared lunch (sandwiches, fruit or similar) in addition lease bring your own reusable water bottle. 

 Cleaning of the Yacht and its Equipment  

Every effort must be taken to ensure that the yacht and its equipment are kept as sterile as possible. Hand sanitiser will be available to use. Cleaning equipment will be supplied and will include disinfectant spray. The yacht will be fully sanitised before the course. The yacht must be cleaned down on completion of each day sail, this is to include a wipe down of all hard surfaces and door handles with disinfectant. The deck and cockpit will also need to be washed down. Between courses the yachts will also be disinfected by members of the ops team. Where possible the heads should not be used, if the heads are used they must have a full clean down by the user after use. When alongside please use marina facilities whenever possible. 

Whilst hand sanitiser will be available, it is recommended that in addition each student brings their own pocket-sized bottle of hand sanitiser. Students should also bring their own hand towel.  

 Student Health Declarations  

If you have any Covid-19 symptoms (High temperature, persistent cough, a loss of smell or taste) in the week before your course start date you must inform the club and do not attend the base. You must inform the club if they have returned from any overseas country in the 2 weeks before your course start date. 

At the commencement of the course you will be asked if they have to the best of your knowledge any Covid-19 symptoms (High temperature, persistent cough, a loss of smell or taste) or if you believe they have been in contact with anyone who has.  

If you or any one on board display any signs of Covid-19 throughout the course they must notify the instructor immediately.  

If you have any Covid-19 symptoms within 14 days of the course ending you must inform the club as soon as possible to assist with track and trace. 

Personal Safety Equipment and wet weather gear 

At the start of the course each student will be provided with a lifejacket, safety line and wet weather gear, please take note of the number inside the jacket and salopettes. It is important that you keep these and do not mix them with other students. At the end of the course these should be left in the saloon ready to be cleaned and sanitised by a member of the ops team. 

 The safety of the vessel and its crew is paramount. With this in mind and for safety reasons only the instructor may, if the circumstance dictates, deviate from the rules laid out above.  

Thank you for bearing with us at these difficult times and helping us to implement these extra safety measures, If you have any concerns about the adjustments that we have put in place please let us know before the course start date, any feedback is welcomed. 

We are confident that they will help to keep you all safe and they will not get in the way of you having an enjoyable and informative course.