September 2020 Scottish Club Chat
So what are the key things that have been going on over the past month and what is planned for the future?
It feels like we have been talking about 'guidance' forever and that with every new re-iteration it just gets more complicated!
The Scottish Government announcement on 24th August meant a whole new update on guidance around organised adult activity, 'fields of play' for organised activity on the water (for everyone), and 'bubbles' so that people can interact more and reduce the need for physically distancing if necessary. It is by no means a return to normal however it does give more scope for things to happen such as mixed crews on safety boats, double-handers, keelboats and yachts, more formal racing can take place and generally more activity can take place. As always, if you have any questions about the guidance or want to run any scenarios or plans past us then do not hesitate to get in touch with any of the three of us.
This week's formal review of lockdown on Thursday 10th September by the Scottish Government has revised the social gathering rules to 6 people from up to 2 households can meet socially from the 14th of September. Under 12s from those 2 households are not counted within this limit. This applies in all locations for example at home, in hospitality or outdoors in a park or garden. Limited exemptions apply. We are also aware of more local restrictions that have been brought in recently around local authorities in the West of Scotland.
We have also seen the launch of the new Protect Scotland App available here.
As always, we will keep you informed and updated of changes.
What else has been going on?
Podcasts - Off the Water
As you will know, we launched our very own Podcast over lockdown? Have you had a listen yet? Episode 8 'Gone Cruising' is now available so search for 'Off The Water' across a range of platforms including Podbean, Apple and Spotify.
We are looking for a bit of feedback from you about what you want to listen to and what you enjoy about Podcasts. We know that podcasts aren't for everyone but there are lots of people who have loved listening in whilst out for a walk or getting a break from the screen. We have extended the closing date of our survey until 30th September. It is really short so will only take you a few minutes but it will really help us with our planning for the future of our Podcast.e screen. We have extended the closing date of our survey until 30th September. It is really short so will only take you a few minutes but it will really help us with our planning for the future of our Podcast.
There is also an option at the end of the survey to leave your name and number to go into a draw to win a fantastic Overboard rucksack!It is really short so will only take you a few minutes but it will really help us with our planning for the future of our Podcast.
Connect Sessions
Since April we have had Connect sessions regularly with clubs and centres from throughout Scotland. The sessions range from 3-4 clubs/centres up to over 20 and it has been great to hear what has been going on in clubs, what the challenges are, and to see clubs/centres asking questions and providing help to each other. There's been loads of sharing of best practice as well as honesty about things that haven't been going so well. If you've not booked onto a session yet then please don't hesitate to do so, they are running every second Wednesday (from 9th Sept) until the end of the year. We are also looking for your ideas around topics and conversations that may be useful obviously updates in guidance are always popular and our recent re-opening your facilities was very well received. If you have any thoughts then please do not hesitate to get in touch!
RYA and Yachts & Yachting 'Club of the Year Award' supported by Gallagher
Although things have been a little bit different this year, we are still looking to celebrate the outstanding achievement and promote the hard work of sailing clubs in the UK.
It would be great to see a number of Scottish Clubs apply to this year's award and to follow in the footsteps of Prestwick Sailing Club who were the Scottish Club of the Year and our representative in the final at the Dinghy Show in 2021.
As always, the competitions is open to all RYA affiliated clubs across the UK and the Awards Panel will select a finalist for each of the 10 RYA Regions as well as two 'wild card' entries. The panel will also look to recognise achievements in the following five areas:
- Heart of the community- new for 2021, a recognition for a club that has worked tirelessly to support their local community.
- Modern, innovative and forward thinking- recognition for a club that makes a break from traditional ways of running a club or delivering boating activity.
- Sustainability- Another new category with recognition for a club that has embraced sustainability and demonstrably reduced its own and/or its members impact on the environment through education, action or improved facilities.
- Inclusive and open to all- recognition for a club or project which has been impactful in developing participation amongst people with disabilities or from other under-represented or disadvantaged groups.
- Boosting membership- recognition for a club that has delivered the most impactful participation project, the outcomes of which are, attracting and retaining new participants and growing their membership.
All finalists will go through to a public vote with the overall winner selected by RYA members, Yachts & Yachting readers and the Panel. The overall winner of the 2021 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year will be announced at the RYA Dinghy Show in February.
Further details and how to apply can be found here.
RYA Census
Thank you to the 35 clubs who have completed this year's census this year, however we are still quite far away from our target for an 85% return rate. We know that due to current challenges, that your attention may be drawn elsewhere, however, we are confident the results of the census will help you (and us) better understand the impact of Covid-19 on your club's membership going forward. You can use this link to complete the census and we'd encourage you to do so ASAP.
Affiliated Club Conference - Saturday 21st November 2020
In last month's Scottish Club news, we asked you to put this date in your diary. Clubroom has full details of what is happening this year, with the main part of this UK-wide event taking place on Saturday morning, finishing around lunchtime. The RYA Scotland team will be involved in the event and the workshops that will run following the event.
We hope that all is well at your club and centre and we hope to see you soon. However in the meantime, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a chat or general check-in if we can help!
Take care and stay safe!
The Development Team, aka Robin, Jack & Liza