Informal Usage "Poll" - Covid Related

[kerrydeare]

I have time on my hands so I began wondering how often folks are actually getting out sailing, and how many are refraining somewhat, under the virus problem. One way to answer this is to compare what one does normally in season, versus what one does under this virus. If folks have time and are interested, I'd like to hear a few comments.

[tjr818]

Allow me to be first. Sailing is the one thing that we do that is not affected by Covid. We are fortunate in that we can drive to the harbor and right infant of our slip without haven contact with anyone. We can wave to dock mates , carry on a brief conversation at a distance and then be out sailing. We usually sail during the week while most sailors are at work. Often we have our full range of the Mississippi River to ourselves, maybe an occasional towboat with barges, but covid seems to have slowed the shipping business too, that might change when the harvest season starts and the grain starts shipping again. This week we were out on Tuesday and Wednesday each day we saw one other sailboat, no barges, and only two motor yachts. our harbor tries to throw a lot of events through out the year, but this year, one by one, each party has been cancelled. The biggest difference that I have noticed is that we no longer gather at the local bar/restaurant to talk over the day's sail and just socialize. We have become hermits, still sailors, but hermits.

[Jim Walsh]

I’ve been out sailing three days a week on average. I normally avoid bars and busy restaurants so no change there. I wear a mask only where necessary and social distance as needed. I’ve been to Block for several days so far and will head east toward the Vinyard in a couple days. There are lots of nice spots to visit in southern New England.
I miss not running down to Bermuda this spring but plan on going back in 2021. Hopefully there is a vaccine by then.

[Ben Miller]

I've been sailing less than normal, but that's only partially COVID-related--we had a new baby in May that's been sucking up a lot of my boat time.

It did affect the Wednesday night beer-can racing here, though. Our season started late due to the stay-at-home order and there are definitely fewer boats competing. Being outdoors in the wind it feels pretty safe on the boat, but still slightly risky, all things considered. Some boats are wearing masks, although we don't on the boat I'm on. The case rate is low here in Grand Traverse county, but if they picked up I wouldn't feel comfortable showing up.

[Mike Davis]

I haven't sailed that much this season, mainly because I am taking care of my elderly parents. I usually go to Montauk and Block in the summer, but my sailing partner can't make it this year. I do hang out on my boat very often though and plan on sailing for a few more months at least twice a week.

[sloopjohnl]

I get out as much as possible (twice a week on average) during the week as I am retired. this is my next to last year on Lake Nockamixon, PA as we plan to move permanently to our house in Fla in 2022 so i am getting in as much as possible this year and next. at this point i have no idea whether the typhoon will go with me; where i will sail it north of Sebastian or south of Ft. Pierce on the east coast if it does; or will i move up to something a bit larger. whatever, the Typhoon will be with me for at least til then.

[fmueller]

Hasn't changed much of anything for me ... since I mostly sail solo ... I wear a mask when I get to the club and walk out to my slip. 1-3 days a week. Did 72 miles in 11.5 hours on a Saturday in July. Top of the Bay, down thru Newport, out past Bretton reef, back up the west side of the Bay past Dutch Harbor. On the way down hove-to right off Ft Adams to put in a reef.

One thing is - I increasingly find the mid summer heat and sun just too overpowering - heat more than wind will keep me from going out. Especially heat and no wind. I'm scheming how to put a little bimini on my 27 ...

I've also done some evening sailing like I used to do in Boston Harbor and find it to be really fun. I have a big old fashion halogen spot. There's just generally nobody out at night.

I was all set to crew on a Dufour 34 and I called the skipper in April and just said I would not risk it. He's still racing and masks are optional in his boat. I think that's irresponsible. 5-7 unrelated people, even on a fairly large boat, is reckless IMHO.

[jbenagh]

Hasn't changed much. Christine C didn't go in until really late due to repair work from last fall's damage delayed by COVID and then some electrical issues. We're on a brief break from our Maine cruise for my daughter's graduation ceremony but otherwise a pretty normal sailing season. We do use the dingy more than the launch to help keep distant.
Jeff

[mgphl52]

I'm not sailing as much as I use to... but it's not a china-virus thing
I'm just spending more time on my motorcycle!

[wikakaru]

For me COVID isn't the issue, it's the weather. Here are my recent numbers:

--Jim

2020-08-01 Days sailing per month.jpg

[fmueller]

Jim,

That's a lot of sailing !!!

[sloopjohnl]

i know your problem Michael. I solved a bit of it by taking various routes on the forty minute ride to the boat.

[wikakaru]

Jim,

That's a lot of sailing !!!

It's never enough...

--Jim

[Paul D.]

We are sailing about as normal. We normally do it as a family and anchor out remotely anyway. There are no Marina fest get togethers. Luckily the Trans Superior Race is run only every two years in odd years. Many of us are walking and cleaning beaches this year instead.

[Neil Gordon]

With virtually no in person meetings, and few in person social engagements, there are hardly any conflicts on the calendar. We've been out more than ever.