COVID 19 Update- Roadmap

Posted on by Alison Wakelin

We have had some updated guidance from British Marine & The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) who have been in discussions with relevant government departments following the announcement of the recovery roadmap last week.

We are delighted to be able to tell you that recreational boating is allowed from 8th March with the following conditions:

  • The boat you are using is ‘open air’.
  • You are boating on waterways accessible to the public.
  • Single household / bubble per boat.
  • You stay ‘local’ and minimise time spent away from home.
  • If relevant you must comply with the restrictions around water sport facilities which remain closed.
  • You must not stay overnight onboard.

From the 29th March:

  • Water sports venues can reopen and organised sporting activity can restart.
  • You will be able to take out ‘indoor boats’ with one household only.
  • ‘Open air’ boats can have 2 households on board, up to 6 people.
  • No overnight stays.

No earlier than 12th April:

  • Overnight stays allowed (one household only).

No earlier than 17th May:

  • Up to six people / 2 households allowed on board for ‘indoor boats’.
  • Up to 30 people allowed on ‘open air’ boats.

No earlier than 21st June:

  • No restrictions (subject to review).

What has not been made clear from the guidance is the issue of boat maintenance.


TYHA’s position is-

‘Boat Maintenance

  • If a boat owner needs to work on their boat to ensure that it is safe to use (seaworthy) then this is permitted from 8th March
  • Other general maintenance on boats is not permitted until 12th April at the earliest’

With all of this taken into consideration we are therefore open (subject to ongoing restrictions described above) from 8th of March.

Our view remains that it is up to each individual to decide how the guidance affects them and each individual will need to define terms such as ‘local’, ‘open air’ and ‘seaworthy’ for themselves.

We will keep you updated should the guidance change or new information is made available to us. We look forward to welcoming you back to the marina as soon as you are able to visit.