Sailing during the COVID-19 Crisis

We hope you are staying safe & healthy during these extraordinary times

Here at the YRA we have been fielding 2 main questions: What’s going to happen with the 2020 Racing Season and Is it Ok to Still go Sailing?

What about the 2020 Racing Season?

First and foremost, the health and safety of the sailing community is our first priority. As Shelter in Place orders begin to lift we will absolutely be working towards getting everyone back out on the water and at the starting line. Our hope is to be able to piece together as much of a season as possible. For now, all YRA races through the middle of May are cancelled, as are most Club sponsored regattas. You can get weekly updates on the status of Regattas from our COVID-19 Master Calendar Updates Page and you can look at regatta statuses on a more long term basis on the YRA Master Calendar. We will make decisions on future races, like the OYRA Duxship on May 30th as we get closer to the event. The Great Vallejo Race has been rescheduled for October 10th & 11th. Mark your calendars and plan to come out and race. Let’s make this the biggest Vallejo Race in recent memory!

Can I Still go Sailing?

We are all missing the incredible sailing we are so lucky to enjoy year round here in San Francisco Bay and we know everyone is looking for any opportunity to get outside. We’ve reached out to the Coast Guard and to the Bay Area County Health Departments to specifically ask about sailing and if it is an acceptable outdoor activity under the current Shelter in Place orders.

Here is the USCG’s response:
Thank you so much for this question and encouraging members to remember the intent of the county/state orders during this variable time. While there is no federal rule or law that prohibits boating activity, please consult your local public health office and/or local sheriff’s office for the State of California’s and your local city/county’s perspective on this question. For your convenience, a link to the State’s executive order is included below as well as many county websites which include Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) information relating to the shelter-in-place orders.
Thank you!

We also reached out to the various county health departments. Most just directed us back to the orders that are linked above. Marin County did reply with a helpful response:
Thank you for your email and concern. Per the Order, it looks like yachting is ok. Here’s the language from the Recreation section:

• You are only allowed to engage in sports or activities that use shared equipment with members of your own household.

General maintenance is also ok for the safety and sanitation of the vessels as long as everyone is protected and practices social distancing.

Stay safe.
–COVID-19 Response Team

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Sailing during the COVID-19 Crisis

We hope you are staying safe & healthy during these extraordinary times

Here at the YRA we have been fielding 2 main questions: What’s going to happen with the 2020 Racing Season and Is it Ok to Still go Sailing?

What about the 2020 Racing Season?

Can I Still go Sailing?