Dear Customer,
Further to my email earlier this week, now that the Government advice on permissible activities includes “all forms of water sports practiced on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed.”, I thought it would be good to communicate what is currently happening at Mylor Yacht Harbour.
Clearly, the most important issue for us all at this time is to maintain social distancing. The safety of our staff and customers is very important and we have put in place various social distancing measures to protect all concerned. If you come to the Harbour, we would request that you observe and respect any procedures in place on site in addition to the general measures as set out in Government guidance and do not approach any member of staff closer than 2 metres. If staff do ask anyone to keep back, please be aware that they are not being rude, they are just doing what they have been asked to do to keep themselves and others safe.
In summary:
- We have commenced a phased return to operations and have only brought the amount of staff back that can enable us to safely operate a relaunch and berthing service whilst maintaining social distancing. As a result, not all services are available at the moment but we will bring more on line as restrictions ease further.
- Boat launching has recommenced in nearly the same order as it was originally booked. However, this is varying a lot as people may not be ready or may have changed their requirements so the launch schedule is changing on a daily basis. Our Yard Administrator is contacting all customers who have a launch booked to try to rearrange things to get everyone in the water as soon as possible. However, please bear with us if we can’t be completely precise as to the time frame at this point. We would also request that the yard team are not contacted whilst they are launching boats as it’s often difficult to hear customers over the machinery without being too close.
- No maintenance or repair services have started at this point other than a couple of staff who are working on getting boats ready for launching. This is due to the amount of staff that we can safely accommodate on site and in the workshops. We will advise when these other services resume.
- Whilst current advice permits travel for use of boats, it also states that leaving your home – the place you live – to stay elsewhere overnight is not allowed, so as a result, overnight stays on boats are not permitted.
- The offices and parts outlet remain closed to the public but the team can be contacted by calling 01326 372121 or emailing enquiries@mylor.com. Parts can be ordered on ‘click & collect’ by calling the same number or emailing parts@mylor.com
- The showers and toilets are currently closed as this is one area where social distancing is difficult to maintain. The code has been changed and is available on request if people are desperate but we would request that customers plan their visits carefully and only use the toilets if absolutely necessary.
- The water taxi service will resume at some point next week but in order to maintain social distancing, there will be a new access point at the stern and only members of the same household will be carried to one boat at a time. As such, the process will be a lot slower than normal and in order to assist this and improve social distancing, we would encourage all customers where possible to use their own dinghies or tenders and only use the taxi if there is no other option. We will send further information on this to relevant customers separately.
- Fuel supplies will also start on Monday next week but again, this will be limited and will be slower than normal due to the additional steps involved in maintaining social distancing. Customers are requested to contact the marina on VHF 37/80 or telephone the office on 01326 372121 to request fuel but for safety reasons staff will be unable to catch lines or assist with berthing. Only one boat on the fuel berth at any time will be allowed.
- The marina and moorings also remain closed to visiting boats until further notice.
We realise that these are not normal times and that services may not be as timely or as comprehensive as usual but we would ask customers to bear with us whilst we try to get back to normal whilst providing a bit of a stripped down service. Our key focus is to try and get boats launched so customers can start their boating season but at the same time keep everyone safe by maintaining social distancing.
We also fully endorse the statement below by the RYA and would urge all customers to be cautious when going boating and observe all social distancing measures at all times.
“As we start to get back on the water, we advise boaters to take a considerate and conservative approach when planning to go afloat; be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services. Finally, proper preparation will prevent accidents and is a vital step to getting back on the water safely.”
Lastly, If there is a hint of any member of staff becoming unwell or inadvertently coming into contact with anyone who may be at risk, to protect other staff and customers, all operations may be stopped at very short notice and I’m sure that everyone will understand how important that this will be to prevent a further flare up of infection. This will also be the case should there also be any sign of a ‘second wave’ elsewhere in the country which could lead to further lock down situations.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these times, it is appreciated by all of us at Mylor Yacht Harbour and we do look forward to seeing everyone back on site with all services operating as soon as possible.
Best regards
Neil Salter
Managing Director