Sailing
MEMBERS of Teesdale Sailing and Watersports Club are hoping to cast off and head back onto Grassholme Reservoir following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Recreational watersports were among the activities given the green light by the government last week.
Club development officer Tony Merry said: “We need to prepare risk assessments and modified procedures and rules to cover social distancing and the spread of the virus generally.
“It all takes time and checking against RYA guidance and other information sources.
“However, we are hoping to restart sailing in the next week or so.”
The water level at Grassholme has been reduced by four metres to allow work to be done on the reservoir spillways.
While not ideal for the dale’s sailors, they will still be able to use the reservoir.
Mr Merry added: “The key impact on the club (and community) will be having to restrict activities to members only so that we are in a position to tightly control what is happening. It is highly unlikely that we will be able to run any training courses in 2020, or any open sessions, as social distancing rules makes this virtually impossible.
“We hope to get the go ahead from Northumbrian Water next week or shortly after, but our approach will be to proceed with caution and care.
“Ironically the water reduction has made things easier for us because we now have a vast expanse of mud to launch from, instead of our small slipway and beach – having boats two metres apart should not be a problem.
