Ahoy, Sailors. So EYC is closed. Allow me to describe the timing of this. The Board of Trustees meets on the second Tuesday of each month. In March this was on the 10th. The Bulletin got written on the 11th, edited on the 12th and mailed on Friday the 13th. Back then, we were happy and optimistic and looking forward to a wonderful season. But on March 12, the NBA cancelled all its games for the foreseeable future and that—at least in my mind—was the first domino in the effort to stop the transmission of the novel corona virus. Also on March 12 Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown prohibited large gatherings. On March 17, Governor Brown prohibited gatherings of 25 or more, and then on March 23, the Governor prohibited non-essential social and recreational gatherings as well as requiring people to maintain social distances of six feet or more in non-prohibited activities. And so EYC closed down.
So what does this mean? We have been cancelling events on our calendar on a rolling basis, usually about four weeks out. We are cancelled up to May 15, and last night the Board decided to cancel the Memorial Day Regatta. We will try to keep everyone informed about what is (or isn't) going on via the Monday emailings. We keep the calendar on our website up-to-date so you can go there for the latest.
We have had a few calls from members who want to go out and check on their boats or trailers or even just check on the water (this information is also online). While we are not stopping this, we do discourage it. If you must go out, do not use the clubhouse or the restrooms and maintain your social distance. Because EYC closed, the Board will not be enforcing some of the usual ground rules, the most immediate of which is the requirement that you mow around your boat and trailer. But when we open back up….
The waters are not closed. The rule here is that if one can drive out, access the water with a boat, and do so locally rather than driving a long distance, the State Marine Board is allowing people to get on the water, as long as they maintain social distances and as long as it isn't an organized gathering.
The other constraint we are all facing right now is the water level is quite low. Fern Ridge Reservoir is supposed to be full today and it doesn’t really look like it will fill this year. I expect a short season for everyone but the Lasers.
But let’s keep in mind that things could be worse. We pray for those on the front lines in the battle against the corona virus and those that are fighting the virus to get well. In a couple of months we will be praying for the wildland firefighters. Be careful, everybody. Be safe and stay healthy.