We are delighted to announce that the times for dining in the club will be extended from Wednesday 5th August, to not only re-introduce our ever-popular Saturday Brunch and Lunch service but opening on a Wednesday to allow our members to take advantage of the "Eat Out to Help Out Scheme"

The sailing Committee is happy to announce that we are going to offer some limited sailing on Thursday nights between the 13th August and 3rd September.

Due to the tight timescales, racing will be held on a windward/leeward course off the club house.  It is hoped to hold 2 quick races each night, although this will be weather dependent.

There will be 2 classes, restricted sail and unrestricted and the first gun will be at 18:55.

Sailing instructions are available here

Hope to see you all there.

With the ever changing Government Covid-19 guidelines we appreciate that it has been difficult to keep up with the rules as we continue to relax them where possible.

To help members stay informed please find a simple list of the current Club guidelines.

The Back to Business Committee is continuing to meet regularly in an effort to get the club running as normally, but also as safely as possible.

Royal Ulster Yacht Club members John and Sally McKee were recently involved in the resuce of a cruiser on the River Shannon 

The newly updated sailing programme for the remainder of the 2020 season & the sailing instructions for the Round the Lough and Copeland Islands races are now avialable at the links below.

Updated Sailing Programme

Sailing Instructions for the Round the Lough Races and the Copeland Island Race.

Members will note that we haven't included August Thursday evening sailing in the new programme.  This is under review and should restrictions ease will be added at a later date.

Members’ Guidance on the Re-opening of the Club
 
As members will be aware from previous announcements, we are hoping to reopen the Club bar and dining room on 3^rd July. 

New dates announced announced for Bangor Town Regatta

Great article by Betty Armstrong about the return of eXcession to the Reound Ireland Race

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.

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.

The RYA have now outlined the 'guiding principals' that will shape its detailed response to the Governments plans for easing restrictions.

A huge congratulations and happy birthday to Michael McKee who turned 90 yesterday and was treated to a socially distanced chorus of “Happy Birthday” by some of our members! Many Happy Returns Michael!

In compliance with Government legislation, due to the ongoing Covid 19 situation, the clubhouse is currently closed to all members and visitors.

Our Club Manager is still available and can be contacted by email.

The situation is under constant review and we will be in contact with all members as soon as there is any change to the situation..  

To keep up with Club news, please make sure you have signed up to our Telltales newsletter.  If you are not currently receiving this and you wish to, please contact Nicole.

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 Club Officers and General Committee have over the last few weeks been actively considering what steps should be taken in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions being generally imposed.

Regretfully the decision has now been taken that the Club’s catering and bar facilities have to be closed with immediate effect from tonight the 18th of March.

The Club itself will still be open between 0900 and 1630 daily for those who want access to the Office or Snooker Room.

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.

A new lunch menu is now available from 26 February 2020.