RUYC

The big news is that Bangor Marina opened at noon on Tuesday 19 May following strict safety protocols. There will be a different feel to the experience as the staff and customers still have to conform with social distancing rules. The full conditions are the subject of Notice to Mariners No. 4 of 2020, all Skippers/berth-holders will have been informed of the rules but for the army of winch grinders, galley slaves, foredeck expendables, stainless steel polishers and head unblockers the full text of the notice can be read here. Boatfolk has also produced a very informative  COVID-19 leaflet. Please respect the guidance and stay safe.

Further to Monday night's Government statement and the subsequent curbs imposed, we have no choice other than to close the club, with immediate effect, until further notice.
 
The General committee will continue to review any further instructions from the Government and take whatever action is appropriate to comply.
 
While the office will now be closed to members, Nicole will still be working from home and will be contactable via email at nicole@ruyc.uk, or in the case of something urgent, the club office office phone has been redirected to her mobile.
 
The health and wellbeing of all our members and staff is paramount and we thank you for your support and understanding during this very challenging time.
 

The scheduled Saint Patrick celebrations and the Quiz on Thursday are the first social events to fall victim to COVID - 19.

Upcoming events are:

• Mothers Day next Sunday. Please note in the interests of hygiene it will be table service, not a Buffet/Carvery as previously announced.
• Club night talk on Wednesday 1st April, Hal Sisk "Back to - the future - Dublin Bay 21's."
• Ladies Lunch Saturday 4th April.
• Easter weekend and monthly Sunday Carvery 10th - 12th April.
• Easter cruise in a company on Belfast Lough.
• VE day 75th Anniversary Ball on Friday 8th May.

Given the current crisis, it would be impossible to predict the outcome of some or all of these events. Be assured the Officers will be meeting regularly and monitoring Government advice to make the best decisions possible.

 No doubt in some cases prudence will prevail so if members decide to cancel a booking please inform Catering sooner rather than later.  
 02891465002 or email michael.mcginn@ruyc.uk.

Please find below the latest information from RYA Northern Ireland.

"The NI Health Minister last night (19th May) signed the amendment to Coronavirus Restrictions permitting Outdoor Activity from today.
 
We continue to seek clarification from the Government Approach to Decision Making announcement, specifically with terms of ‘some water activity’.   In the absence of any further guidance from Government Departments, our current interpretation is that this does permit all forms of boating activity (sailing, windsurfing, powerboating etc) but only when safely:

• undertaken by individuals or members of the same household;
• there is no sharing of hard surfaces (including all types of boat);
• public health guidance is followed at all times;
• strict social distancing can be undertaken.

Girls' Night In

The showing of Mama Mia was very popular, as were the Prosecco and boxes of popcorn.  The Front Bar was filled with happy chattering ladies, indeed, as can be seen from the photograph, there was scarcely room for our two fantastic barmen, AJ and Daniel, to weave their way amongst the tables.  The donation for the ticket for the event included an entry in the raffle and all monies raised (nearly £600) went to the charity CancerFocus NI.  There were numerous requests for a repeat of the format which we hope to do early in the New Year.  Many thanks to all who supported the event.

A summary of the recent Belfast Lough Cruising Muster.