After considering all available guidance from the Ministry of Health and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the Owners Association have announced that the event will go ahead with format changes owing to the COVID-19 world-wide pandemic.

This decision was made after serious consideration towards the health and well-being of the sailors and the volunteers who make such events possible. Class President, Mike Leyland outlined measures that will be taken in the interests of minimising risks to sailors and volunteers. This includes the cancellation of all onshore/social activities including, Saturday Crew Party and Sunday Prize giving Dinner, and a review of all sailor’s travel history and health. The skippers briefing will be via video conference only.

All on-water activities will continue as planned at this stage.

The organisers are seeking information from skippers and will exclude any competitor whom they understand to be a health risk to other competitors or volunteers. The Organising Committee will be reviewing the status of the regatta on a daily basis and monitor new information as it becomes available.

Updated schedule of events is available online here https://www.young88.org.nz/events/43611/

For any questions or enquires please contact the class association via info@young88.org.nz

Important Information for all Skippers and Crews

Taken from the Ministry of Health web site:

The following people will not be able to compete in the national championships

• anyone who is unwell
• anyone arriving in New Zealand who has returned from any country except those listed in Category 2 (excluding airport transit) in the last 14 days. Or has been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days and has been asked to self-isolate. Please also register your details with Healthline 0800 358 5453 if you have not already.

How to minimise the risk of getting sick during the event

The most important thing to do is practice good hygiene. This means:

• covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or coughing/sneezing into your elbow
• disposing of used tissues appropriately in a bin
• washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and drying them thoroughly, or using hand sanitiser:
  • before eating or handling food
  • after using the toilet
  • after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children’s noses
  • after touching public surfaces
• trying to keep two metres away from people who are unwell
• limiting alcohol and drug use (as this may affect your ability to adequately follow the advice above).
• Skipper/owners should confirm all their crew are happy to sail under the current circumstances and comply with the above requirements.

The measures above are especially important for people who have existing health conditions, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease or who are immunocompromised.