Allow recreational boating activities

Spending time on your own boat with members of the same household should be one of the first activities to be allowed. Social distancing would not be an issue so this relaxation could be introduced without relaxing any other social distancing rules. It would also bring mental health improvements.

Why the contribution is important

It is important to spend time outside in fresh air. This activity eases anxiety and stress and poses very little risk with regards to transmitting infection.
A lot of boat owners are also continuing to pay mooring/marina/slip fees and are currently not experiencing the benefits of boat ownership.

by Sandman77 on May 06, 2020 at 05:08PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.3
Based on: 13 votes

Comments

  • Posted by PGlen May 06, 2020 at 18:36

    Completely agree. Boat owners can travel to their boats without meeting anyone, take all their supplies and sail and anchor in empty bays without any human contact.

  • Posted by waterstein May 06, 2020 at 19:36

    Similar to 'Allow Sailing and Boatyards and Marinas to open' but totally agree.

  • Posted by Jules101 May 06, 2020 at 19:47

    And if all boat owners travel to marinas then what impact then on social distancing.

    Many boats seem to be out of water over winter, and need someone to rock up with crane to move them into water.

  • Posted by wulliemcauley May 06, 2020 at 21:23

    I totally agree with the comments from Sandman77 and think this should be the first to be passed when the relaxation of rules come into force. All private owners and their partner would pose no risk as you would just drive to the marina and go straight to your boat posing no problem with social distancing.

  • Posted by Goose May 06, 2020 at 23:19

    Let sailing happen please no need for social distancing with family and boats are 2 m apart in a marina , also you can easily social distance on a pontoon, and anchor of isolated bays , no need to meet a soul

  • Posted by colinbro99 May 07, 2020 at 10:27

    In this context "boating" is not "sailing" : these boats are as if motor-homes re Covid19 risks
    If physical distancing can be sorted by marinas, harbours etc, then all "sailing" could be OK.

  • Posted by TimWright May 11, 2020 at 17:05

    Recreational boating is an important contributor to the Scottish economy, and is enjoyed by many Scots throughout the country. It is a very low-risk activity where social-distancing is very easy to apply, and is most often done by family groups. Access to boatyards, marinas and slipways should be granted immediately with the proviso that social-distancing is applied. This will benefit individuals in terms of their well-being/mental-health, the Scottish economy and to enable boat-owners to ensure that their boats are satisfactorily maintained (as required by insurers).

  • Posted by DougalT May 11, 2020 at 20:15

    While sailing and other leisure boating can be a single household activity it should be remembered that often boating involves a destination.
    Currently The Small Isles ferry service is for essential travel only, and that for residents only. The reason being that there isnt the medical capacity here to deal with an outbreak. Even a normal medevac was made very difficult for us due to the current problems.
    Free reign for boating would provide a route for infection that is currently blocked.
    If boating is permitted then I think there should be a clear mandate that it is not acceptable to visit places.

    Especial notice should be taken if other regions lift that ban.
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