A Winter's Tale

After a summer cruelly curtailed by the global pandemic, racing sailors eager to extend their season are looking to winter series to fill the gap. So, whether you are organising or competing, Y&Y has a round-up of advice and opinion from experts, including Ian Walker

- Ian Walker

The summer season has been blighted by cancellations, making it fair to assume that, despite the onset of the chilly British winter, this year more sailors than ever before would want to delay hanging up their sailing kit in favour of maximising time on the water. But is there evidence for this? Y&Y put the question to the RYA’s director of racing, Ian Walker, who has been leading the sport through these unprecedented times. Together with his team, Ian has been working hard to lobby government, interpret legislation, and create guidelines for safe sailing.

While generalisations are difficult due to regional variations in the impact that Covid-19 is now having, Ian is optimistic that a high level of racing activity will be able to continue this winter. “I think that where activity has been allowed there has been a real appetite to get on the water,” he says. “The events that have managed to take place have generally been very well attended despite all the challenges.

“I think people realise that the risk of transmission of Covid-19 out on the water is very low and people want to get out and enjoy themselves. We have seen plenty of pent-up demand. Home working and the reduction of international travel have both meant that some people have a lot more time than they used to.”

Since the initial lockdown was lifted, the RYA’s priority has been to encourage people back onto the water, while urging caution and emphasising the importance of following government guidance. It’s been a fine line to tread, as Ian explains: “Whilst it is important to protect the NHS and people’s health, we also cannot afford reputational damage to our sport, especially with government who have the power to make us reduce our activity.