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Yachting New Zealand have been working hard on behalf of members keen to return to sailing and boating as lockdown restrictions are eased.
There has been some confusion and frustration at the messages emerging from government about what is allowed under the various alert levels.
"We can assure our sailing and boating communities that we feel their frustration," Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie said. "To allow windsurfing and surfing and not recreational dinghy sailing might appear to many somewhat contradictory."
The Government announced on Thursday that under alert level 3 "hunting, boating and any team sports or training are not allowed".
There has been some clarification since then with swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing,
windsurfing and paddle boarding allowed, as long as people stay close to shore. Boating, sailing and jet skis are still listed as "not allowed" (see PDF below).
"We are working closely with government departments and Sport New Zealand to develop a safe and credible plan for the return to sailing and boating while remaining committed to following government guidelines," Abercrombie said. "Our primary concern is the safety, health and wellbeing of our members and volunteers and, as many will appreciate, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to what members are asking for. These decisions are health related and not necessarily to the benefit of sport.
"The safety and wellbeing of all New Zealanders must be taken into consideration and we must all be patient as the Government works through the difficult task of guiding the country back to health. There are many variables involved when it comes to making these critical decision relating to the return to sport and active recreation and we appreciate the efforts being made on our behalf.
"We all want to get back out on the water as soon as we can and we will update further as we learn more."
Yachting New Zealand have developed their own set of guidelines, outlining what they are doing as an organisation under the various alert levels and a list of recommendations for clubs. This is constantly being updated as more information comes to hand.
- Photo: Adam Mustill Photography.
