Let’s go Sailing …

July 11, 2020 Off By Oban Sailing Club

Dear Members
I very much hope that we can get sailing as a club this coming week. This will be for dinghies only and we’ll have safety boat cover on the water.

As you can imagine, we can’t do things in the way we are normally used to. We’ve been doing some work behind the scenes – taking into account Government guidance and support from RYA Scotland – and we have a plan which we expect will allow you to participate in fun sailing whilst keeping members and volunteers safe.


We have a full plan, with associated risk assessment which I will make available on the club website [click here to view] but we have also reduced that plan to a 1-page version which I attach to this email [click here to view]. It outlines how the sailing sessions will be organised, what we ask you to do, and some of the control measures.

So – let’s get sailing! It won’t be a formal sailing event, just fun sailing in the bay. We ask that you stagger your arrival at the dinghy park so not everyone is trying to rig boats at the same time. A few key points to remember- There will be no changing facilities so please be prepared to change in a car or in some other discrete manner. A toilet will be open for use.


– Under 16s must have an adult helper from their family group present all the time (either ashore or on the water)

– Club equipment will be available (wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets (for under 12s) and boats)

Clearly we can only do this with the financial support of the club that we get through membership subscriptions. If you are in a position to pay your membership, please consider doing so, many members have done and we’re grateful for that: https://www.obansailingclub.org/membership-benefits/


However, I’m very aware that we are well into the season, the opportunities for sailing will be somewhat limited and that for some there are considerable financial pressures. We don’t want this to be a barrier and we will be providing an alternative means to participate and contribute to club income through a ‘Pay to Sail’ model of membership. Full details will be available on Sunday, but it will be an extension of our current Temporary Membership arrangements.

So, do come down to Dungallan Park. If the weather is marginal we will have to cancel to minimise risk to everyone concerned.  However, if it all goes well we intend to have Weekend (afternoon) and Mid-Week (evening) sailing over the next few months.


Next is to initiate activity for the keelboats. You’re absolutely not forgotten – we’re just taking things steadily.


Remember that we’re a community club and we must do things the right way for our community.


Finlo