March 20, 2020

Dear Fishing Bay Yacht Club Members-

The Club leadership wants you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers as we all navigate the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Without exception we are all experiencing very turbulent times. Your safety and that of your family is of our utmost concern and we are making some changes in our planning for activities and use of the Club’s facilities.

1. Effective immediately, to ensure we promote social distancing and the safety of all of our members and guests, all FBYC sponsored events are postponed thru April 30, 2020. This schedule update applies to all fleets and social events on the FBYC grounds.  The Flag Officers and the Fleet Commanders will monitor recommendations from the CDC and federal and local governments to determine when safety for all members allows us to return to more normal usage of our Club facilities and activities.  We will work diligently to reschedule events as best we can when restrictions are lifted. 

1. We urge you to heed all safety recommendations regarding social distancing to allow for us all to weather this pandemic with the best possible outcomes.

1. To ensure safety while adhering to recommendations to limit gatherings, social distancing and appropriate cleaning of common areas we are asking that members restrict use of certain club areas. These restrictions are effectively immediately and for a minimum of the next two weeks until April 3.  The Flag Officers and Division Commanders will provide status updates if we need to extend this timeframe.

Specifically:

• The East Bathhouse and Main Clubhouse/Members Kitchen will be closed to reduce large gatherings and limit the volume of cleaning for safety.

• Daily cleaning of open buildings will include disinfectant cleaning of doors, counters, sinks, toilets etc.

• Club owned boats are not to be used (sail, junior boats and power).

1. Additionally, the County of Middlesex has requested all of us to refrain from discretionary travel to the County for at the next 15 days. “Avoid discretionary travel” is exactly the language used in the President’s Corona Virus Guidelines. The Board of Supervisors of Middlesex is seriously concerned about the susceptibility of the County’s elderly population and lack of healthcare facilities in our area. Our tourist-based economy is, of course, highly impacted by any travel restrictions, but we consider this a modest request compared to steps that we sincerely hope do not become necessary - such as this week’s complete shutdown of visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The FBYC website and our social media outlets will be updated periodically to keep you abreast of ongoing developments.

If you have questions or concerns please reach out to the Flag Officers and Division Commanders.  If we all pull together (with a 6-foot distance) we will weather this storm more successfully.

FBYC Flag Officers and Sailing Division Commanders