Safe, social …and good for you! Summer 2021 is likely to see even more people enjoying watersports as we seek to spend our money and free time wisely
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he pandemic may have sunk most people’s plans for travel and family time over the past year, but as we’ve all come to terms with finding a ‘new normal’, it has created new levels of interest and investment in watersports… and a fresh understanding that they’re an ideal way to be outdoors, exercise and meet up – in a sociallydistanced way, when required – with others. In spring 2020, as the first lockdown was beginning to bite, sales of boats, boards and other watercraft slowed. The mood changed, however, once the lockdown restrictions eased: people began to look for new hobbies, holiday ideas and safe ways to be outdoors, and buying something just because it looked like ‘fun’ became both an investment and reward… after so much time following government guidelines, we all felt we ‘deserved’ a treat or two. Fast forward to 2021 (because who wants to remember the last winter?) and with travel for sport and recreation, plus sailing events and
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shore-side activities permitted from March 29, then club changing rooms open from April 12, everyone’s out on the water. That mid-April date was also when overnight stays in ‘self-contained accommodation’ were allowed again, meaning that sailing yacht and motor boat owners could – within a household group – make more than a day trip to their vessels, and start to support the marinas, chandleries, bars and restaurants that bring such vibrancy to our coastal areas. Coronavirus-wise, we’re not out of the water yet, of course, and caution is still advised in so many of the things we once did without a second thought. The advice, then, to everyone taking to the water – even the most experienced – is to know your limits, have a plan, consider the potential impact you could have on others and ensure that you do not place any unnecessary strain on the RNLI, Independent Lifeboats or other emergency services. All this is even more essential if you’re dipping
