There has been a lot happening since the last update five days ago. On Friday we received written approval from the City of Ottawa to open NSC yard and launch facilities to our members. However, before doing so, we need to put in place mechanisms to ensure everyone’s safety. Since Friday, your Board has been working hard to put in place detailed plans and procedures to get our season underway, while keeping the safety of members, staff and service providers top of mind. Here’s what’s planned.
The re-opening of the club will happen in phases according to this Plan and Procedure document. This plan was approved by the Board at a special meeting last night. The first phases will allow members access to the yard for boat prep, launch, dock access, and boat use. We expect that you will be able to get to your boat later this week. However, the exact date will be announced by our Rear Commodore once all necessary safety measures are in place. All other areas of the Club such as Sailing School, Bar and Galley, sailing/boating programs and social programs remain closed until further notice. Prior to opening any of these other areas, the Plan and Procedure document will be updated and approved by the Board.
It is very important to note that members are not obliged to come to NSC if they do not feel safe for any reason.
As you know, unraveling the yard is a challenge at the best of times – this photo shows our yard earlier this month. This year we have the added challenge of doing so while respecting the physical distancing practices that we have all become accustomed to. Because every member has a role to play in keeping the Club safe, the Board has approved, and will require you to sign or acknowledge electronically, this Code of Conduct before being permitted to access the Club. The Code of Conduct sets out our expectation of you while at NSC during these Covid-19 times. This document will also be made available for you to sign digitally on-line shortly.
Our anticipated timeline is to allow members access to their boats this week, and the club commercial launch by the middle of June. This would have boats in the water about the same time as last year. Further details will be communicated by the Rear Commodore, so please watch your inbox and the NSC website. If you have decided not to launch your boat, please contact the office (admin@nsc.ca / 613-829-6462) to let them know.
This will help planning the yard activities.
This is the first big step to getting the 2020 season underway, which will be a season very different than we are accustomed to. Please help by doing your part.
Stay safe and well,
Michael Hoffman, NSC Commodore