Ahoy WSC Members and Prospective Members,
Despite the current easing of some restrictions pertaining to the Covid-19 threat, many uncertainties remain and a return to a normal Wildwood sailing season seems a long way off. Much of what I communicated several weeks ago about our "iffy" season remains unchanged as of today, May 11. The following, however, is an update on where we're at. CHEQUE RETURNS In fairness to our early-bird paid-up members, our WSC Board has decided to shred -- or return if requested -- all cheques so far submitted to treasurer John Cuerden. Club refund cheques will be issued to those members who have paid in cash. A revised and reduced fee structure that will likely leave the purchase of boat and parking passes to individuals will be forthcoming when a clearer picture emerges from Wildwood Conservation Area about public access to the park and waterway. Meanwhile, anyone wanting their registration fee cheque returned rather than shredded is asked to inform John Cuerden at j.cuerden@wightman.ca by May 31. This adjustment recognizes the unpredictability of club activities this summer and that boaters may opt for widely varying levels of participation in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. That said, our sailing club is entirely member driven and we are hoping that sailors -- including those who may be holding off on membership because of the compromised season -- will rally in support of the fee structure that's under consideration by our Board. Please remember that your club membership includes the right to store your boat at the marina site through to next spring and confers the right to participate in how the club operates. BUDGET DEFERRED At a virtual WSC Executive Committee meeting held May 9, this past Saturday, our Board deferred all budget issues -- including a proposal for a substantially reduced basic membership fee -- to the end of this month. We expect that by that time to have firmer information about seasonal boating prospects. Wildwood Conservation Area remains closed to the end of May under Provincial Order and is not expected to open for general public use until well into June, at best. Boating is just not on until boat passes are issued. BOAT MAINTENANCE That said, sailors will no doubt want to check on their boats at the marina and perhaps attend to some maintenance with the arrival of warmer days. While group activities remain suspended and our club is closed under the Provincial Emergency, members may check on their boats while continuing to respect public health directives that include social distancing. The “No Trespassing” sign on the club gate is not aimed at WSC members. I would be remiss, however, in not reminding everyone that there's no running water or readily available soap or hand sanitizer at our club site and there's no staff on sanitizing duty attending to locks, door latches, club tools, machinery or seating. Travelling with your own personal hand sanitizer is probably a good idea. I hope the foregoing has answered at least some questions that may be keeping a few of us awake at night as we long for a return to something like normal. Please stay tuned for updates. Stay Safe, Donal O'Connor Commodore |
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