Rock Hall Sailing School Summer 2020 update

At RHYCSS, we have been continuously monitoring the nationwide and local situation as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Our goal for Summer 2020 is to provide the best on-the-water sailing educational experience while keeping our students, staff, volunteers, and their families safe and minimizing risk.

The RHYCSS has decided that we will focus this season on Private Sailing Lessons, Family Sailing, and Sailing Classes for independent sailors. All sailing instruction will be done in accordance with Maryland State and Kent County Local directives, US Sailing-provided guidance, and we will follow national CDC Guidelines and Maryland Department of Health recommendations for staying healthy.

If school rescheduling impacts your family’s attendance, or if classes are cancelled, or if you are unable to attend due to the COVID-19 situation, then your paid registration fees will be 100% refunded.

Thank you for your support as we continue to evaluate our options and adapt our programming. We will continue to update our website and our Facebook page with any changes.

RHYCSS Program Changes for 2020:
1. Classes can be held when Maryland reaches Phase 2 of the MD Roadmap to Recovery Plan – this is the current interpretation. As of 5/20/2020 we are in Phase 1.
2. Any RHYCSS activity can be cancelled at the discretion of the Director at any time.
3. Single handed sailing only, unless siblings/same household.
4. All programs will be held outside and held exclusively at the RHYC beach (no use of pavilion, restrooms, pool, or clubhouse).
5. No classes will be held in inclement weather. Notice will be given to current class participants and staff via email and posted on our Facebook site by 9pm the day before based on weather forecast.
6. We will focus on Private Lessons, Family Sail, and classes for independent sailors.
7. All classes will be capped at 7 students (plus 3 instructors/volunteers) = 10 max.
8. Intermediate / Advanced classes will be held as planned – students must be completely independent at rigging, launching, and de-rigging/stowing their boat. We plan to start Intermediate and Advanced classes on June 22 if MD allows.
9. Beginning sailing classes will remain scheduled for the second half of the summer. We will start Beginning Sailing July 20 if MD allows and we determine that we can safely hold classes with Beginners.
10. There will be no Pee-Wee sessions offered this summer. Refunds will be given.
11. There will be no Racing Team this summer – there is a very small likelihood of regattas being held around the Chesapeake Bay this summer. Refunds will be given.
12. We will try to arrange community / group sailing this season, as conditions allow.
13. All participants, students, staff, and volunteers will sign an additional COVID-19 Waiver before any activity, employment, or class begins.
14. We have and will share with our students and their families established policies and procedures in response to COVID-19 to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
15. We will have a handwashing station and a boat washing station at the beach.
16. Masks (Neck Gaiter, Buff, Balaclava, or Bandana nose and mouth Cover) will be required from all staff and participants when on shore and we’ll stay 6′ apart / physical distance as is safely possible.
17. No sharing equipment, every student must have their own PFD and gear and keep it clean.
18. Participant and Staff temperatures will be taken by IR thermometer and recorded before any activity begins each day.

This is a big change for all of us this summer. Let’s stay positive and optimistic while also putting the health and safety of our students, families, staff, and volunteers first. Please expect change and help us be as successful as possible getting out on the water this summer.
We wish you safety and good health,

RHYCSS Board of Directors