All, there are reports that the Governor’s office plans to put Montgomery and Bucks counties into green phase this coming Friday. NSC’s Fleet Council has been following these announcements closely, waiting for stay at home orders to be lifted, and for the Park to approve our racing permits. As of today, we are waiting for the Park to approve the permits.

I would like to remind everyone that moving the area to a “green phase” of business restrictions does not mean the virus is no longer a threat. It means that with proper social distancing and mask wearing in public places, we can begin to resume activities in a careful manner. Recent studies are concluding that the main way to transmit the virus is through airborne means, and that mask wearing significantly reduces the airborne transmission of the virus to other people. Masks are not intended to protect the wearer, but if everyone wears masks, virus transmission to everyone is significantly reduced.

Due to the threat of the virus to our membership, Fleet Council has formed a Virus Task Force to review recommendations from the CDC, PA Department of Health, and US Sailing, among other organizations. Fleet Council has approved a plan to address concerns about the virus, and provide procedures to operate events while also reducing virus risks. All members should read and understand our COVID-19 Response Plan, and these procedures shall be followed when we resume activities and events. Keep in mind that this plan is subject to change depending on public health conditions. There will also be a document regarding procedures for using the Sunfish fleet.

Our next scheduled event was to be the Up the Lake, Down and Back regatta and picnic this coming Saturday, June 27. The picnic is obviously cancelled, and the regatta is as well. Our next scheduled club event is a full moon raft-up for July 4th. Our Rear Commodore of Cruising is looking at this event to see if we can run it safely with our virus protocols. Racing is next scheduled for July 11. Keep a lookout for announcements of our events beginning soon.

Thanks,

Commodore Brian