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Post by NZL50505 on Mar 26, 2020 23:06:24 GMT
Just wondering how people are coping with cruising (and liveaboard) in a Covid world with rapidly changing rules & restrictions around the globe?
Here in NZ we’re 2 days into a 4 week national lockdown with only essential services & travel permitted. We were given clear instructions not to do any recreational boating or move aboard for self-isolation - the exception being existing liveaboards or anyone caught out there by the 48hr notice who must stay in the same anchorage unless unsafe to do so. Maritime support and rescue services are reduced hence they want to reduce risk of people afloat needing help either for mechanical or medical reasons. In reality, a lot of kiwi sailors sadly broke this rule and departed on the day before the lockdown. I suspect a bunch of them will become symptomatic with Covid sometime over the next 1-2 weeks whilst at anchor, simply because they didn’t self-isolate before leaving and because we clearly had community transmission happening before lockdown started, with daily cases still rising.
What is happening on the water in other Covid cruising grounds around the world?
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Post by MalcolmP on Mar 26, 2020 23:23:07 GMT
Our boat is on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, although we are currently in UK. The marina has been closed by the authorities, although not quite sure precisely what that means as there are some live aboards. They advised that boats leaving the marina could not return. The boatyard and travellift can only be used in emergencies.
Of greater concern is for a Sun Odyssey 47 currently sailing up the Red Sea off the coast of Sudan and nearing the Egyptian border in partial contact with several other yachts that are also heading for Suez. They are reporting that Port Sudan is closed and are having issues obtaining diesel. They are uncertain what reception they will receive in Egypt.
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Post by alenka on Mar 27, 2020 15:01:33 GMT
Greece is in lockdown until 30th April at least.
All bars, tavernas & shops closed except for take-aways, supermarkets and pharmacies.
Boats from Italy and Albania are banned from entering Greece, others have to go into 14 days of quarantine.
Although people were originally allowed to go out out sailing from their home port they were not allowed to dock or go ashore by tender elsewhere... I believe this has now been stopped and no leisure sailing may take place at all.
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Mar 27, 2020 17:49:15 GMT
North Wales UK is on shut down, marina padlocked and no access to boats is allowed, which is a pity as the sun is shining and a gentle breeze blowing, ( unusual for North Wales ) would have been great for dolphin spotting. Wondering if the berth fee might be reduced due to forced lack of access ..... but not holding my breath, it's a marina.
Guess we need to stop the pesky virus before the season here really gets going, so mustn't grumble.
CB
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Post by fakinx on Mar 28, 2020 8:06:33 GMT
My honey got trapped in marina on an island of Murter (Croatia) which is an epicenter of corona outbreak on Dalmatian coast in Adriatic. Police put stingers on all roads so no entry or exit possible. Marina abandoned with only some security in place. Just waiting for this to pass hopping I’ll get to her sometime in June (hopefully). I also hope there won’t be too many things missing...
Stay healthy and away from each other.
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Post by jy51 on Mar 28, 2020 8:08:48 GMT
My boat is also in a Spanish Mediterranean marina, while I am currently in France, which today announced they are extending their lock down until April 15.
Personally, I believe most European lock downs will need to be extended for at least one month in total to achieve the desired effect of bringing this pandemic to manageable levels.
I also believe that borders will stay closed for a further period to stop recontamination from other European neighbours. We are living through unprecedented times we will just have to wait and see what happens next. In the mean time, everyone stay safe!
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Post by zaphod on Mar 28, 2020 19:58:06 GMT
On the west coast of Canada we have social distancing rules in place, many businesses are shut down and many people working from home. No gatherings over 5 people permitted, but we are still being encouraged to get out for exercise as long as we keep our distance from each other. We are not under "lock down" or "shelter in place" orders, and our government has just said that the measures we are taking are having a positive effect on our infection rate, so as long as we keep doing what we are doing I don't anticipate stricter rules.
From a cruising perspective our options are limited as all the island communities in our local cruising areas have asked boaters to stay away, and our big yacht club has closed all our outstations.
Fortunately the small yacht club where our boat lives is easily accessible without travelling far or breaking distancing rules, so I can still go down to the boat to work on it, or just relax and enjoy a beer, and even go for a daysail. The club has a small, isolated outstation that is only 11nm away that we can still go to, and we likely will if we get a nice stretch of good weather. Right now it is pretty rainy so we arent feeling inspired to go away yet.
Certainly there will be no extended cruising happening for a while.
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Apr 2, 2020 16:53:32 GMT
A small silver lining in these virus ridden times, our marina has decided not to charge whilst the crisis is bad, and whilst no access to the boats is permitted, would prefer to pay and sail, but at least I'm not paying summer prices with no boat use, I was evidently wrong in my above post, ...... holding breath etc.
Hope others get similar treatment.
CB
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Post by NZL50505 on Apr 2, 2020 18:42:10 GMT
A small silver lining in these virus ridden times, our marina has decided not to charge whilst the crisis is bad, and whilst no access to the boats is permitted, would prefer to pay and sail, but at least I'm not paying summer prices with no boat use, I was evidently wrong in my above post, ...... holding breath etc. Hope others get similar treatment. CB That’s astonishing - a marina volunteering to not charge customers!!! 😳 Is it a ‘normal’ marina business with berthholders making up its primary revenue or is it unusual in some way? Down this side of the world boaties are joking that our marinas are likely to charge us more not less - probably with some excuse like increased security costs and lack of fuel revenue etc! |
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Post by fakinx on Apr 2, 2020 20:21:23 GMT
We’ve just got new yearly contract with 8% increase from last year.
Congrats CB to you & your “landlords”... 👏👍
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Post by davidfreedomsong on Apr 2, 2020 23:58:17 GMT
Here in San Diego California....
We live aboard in a nice marina about 7 miles from the Mexico boarder. We are basically shut down, no services left except bathrooms and mail. In town most business's are closed. Take out food only, drive thru mostly. Freeways are clear, its spooky. I am still working, I am lucky I can work from home, it is kind of a pain but I am glad to still be working. I do know a lot of people who are out of work either for good or for an unknown time frames. Over all you can move about, lots of advice to keep at least 6 feet from other people. No large gatherings are allowed, there are 2 large parks very close to me, they are open to foot traffic only for locals who are close enough to walk. Beaches are closed though I see people on them, not many. We can sail all we want, most marina's are open for day tie ups if we want to sail downtown and get food (only to go now!) but we could if we wanted too. There is still fuel, pump out guy still comes and pumps us out. Of course here most of the live aboards are older, so lots of mild fear is in the air. We talk about it from a slight distance on the docks. Gas, food and pharmacy are all open with slight restrictions on how much you can buy, (no hording)
My best to all, be safe my friends.
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Apr 3, 2020 7:47:20 GMT
Yep, Pwllheli is a standard 400 berth marina, pontoons with elec and water, showers and laundry, but no bar .... except for a sand bar but can get in and out LW + - 11/2 hours, 24 hour security, best bit for us is it is twenty mins from the front door to standing on deck.
They will probably make up for lost revenue next year ......
CB
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Post by alex1949 on Apr 4, 2020 16:25:14 GMT
Hi folks,
Here in Israel we are all in a lockdown enforced by the police and army.You are not allowed to leave home but for
some essential activities like food health etc. We the boaters take advantage of "Allowed crucial maintenance activity"
and using that narrow corner allow us some sporade visits onboard our boats.No one sail,sea is empty although weather is fine.
In 10 days their will be a certain release so part of us will be allowed back to normal life. Being part of the
older segment they will most probably keep us locked. We all hope this nightmare will be soon behind us.
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Post by MalcolmP on Apr 4, 2020 17:03:16 GMT
I am closely following the inspiring and stoic progress of Kevin and Susie on their Sun Odyssey 47, Temptress of Down. Despite some major challenges and uncertainties they are continuing to make impressive progress up the Red Sea. Now in Egypt there are also a surprising number of other yachts in the area, maybe 25, also heading north too. Excellent blog currently being updated daily : gbr195t.com/2020/04/04/red-sea-passage-11-friday-3rd-april/ |
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Post by mikebz on Apr 7, 2020 13:42:41 GMT
Our boat is at the back of a locked yard (UK) - can't even do any work on it even though it is only a 5 minute walk from the house (regardless of whether the yard is locked, it's against the lockdown rules). Quite likely we won't get in the water this year - even if lockdown eases in June/July if some boats decide to skip the season then we may not be able to be extricated. I have 7 days to decide whether to pay for the pontoon berth or risk going on to the waiting list for next year - which would mean I don't find out until some time after April 14 2021 whether we have a berth for that year.
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Post by davidfreedomsong on Apr 9, 2020 17:14:28 GMT
They have locked us down here in San Diego now. No gathering, no sailing, no driving unless you are on a mission, and have paperwork to show what your doing. I have a piece of paper that allows me to drive around for work, I am lucky to be considered "essential services" in this area. Most people are no longer working around here. The marina (Chula Vista Marina) have let go of most security guards and other non essential people, which is almost all of them. All basic services are shut down except one set of bathrooms and showers, they are still picking up the garbage and allowing pump outs. The restaurant just re-opened but are only selling fish and chips and booze, all to-go only. The pools and hot tubs and even the dog washing stations are all closed up. The streets are weird, not many people out at all. Some, like me are obviously working, others seem to be just messing around bored. The foot traffic, which was getting crazy here, is mostly gone now. The entire marina is locked down, you cannot even get into the parking lot unless you are a resident of the marina now. All walkways are roped off, park access is blocked and if they see you in one it is a $1000 dollar fine, they are ticketing here like crazy to keep people inside.
Welcome to the new normal people. without a cure, and they have never even gotten close to curing the flu, we are going to be like this for a long long time. I am sure it will relax some, but with so many people out of work and totally broke there is no reason to open your business again, better to play the bankruptcy game. If you are out of work the local law is they cannot kick you out of the marina, that rule ends in June at the moment but I think they will extend it. I know many people who are not paying slip fee's or other bills. We got extensions on almost all our bills, car payment has been extended 90 days moving today bills to the back end of the loan, along with credit cards and some other things like internet fee's.
The flu sucks, but the economy is in real trouble. Thankfully here in the USA we can print money all day long so the Gov is giving away money. In the long run though people are in trouble, there are no jobs, there is very little work to do and even less people doing it. Our workers in some industries are striking for more money. Places like convenience stores are down to one or two employees and have limited hours. You never know what is open until you pull into the parking lot. I don't blame them, the news has made everyone scared to death. I don't think I would keep a public facing job that pays $13 and hour right now. They are Striking for only $15 an hour, you cannot really live here unless your making $25, it is not a cheap place to live. It is a new future people, the low paying industries will either raise their wages or be without any employees soon. I don't think there is enough money to raise wages much in fast food and small stores so in truth we are about to see a lot of closures in California.
Stay safe my friends.
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Post by alenka on Apr 10, 2020 18:14:51 GMT
As you have nothing better to do right now.... Check out the situation at the Panama canal....
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Post by NZL50505 on Apr 11, 2020 10:00:43 GMT
They have locked us down here in San Diego now. No gathering, no sailing, no driving unless you are on a mission, and have paperwork to show what your doing. I have a piece of paper that allows me to drive around for work, I am lucky to be considered "essential services" in this area. Most people are no longer working around here. The marina (Chula Vista Marina) have let go of most security guards and other non essential people, which is almost all of them. All basic services are shut down except one set of bathrooms and showers, they are still picking up the garbage and allowing pump outs. The restaurant just re-opened but are only selling fish and chips and booze, all to-go only. The pools and hot tubs and even the dog washing stations are all closed up. The streets are weird, not many people out at all. Some, like me are obviously working, others seem to be just messing around bored. The foot traffic, which was getting crazy here, is mostly gone now. The entire marina is locked down, you cannot even get into the parking lot unless you are a resident of the marina now. All walkways are roped off, park access is blocked and if they see you in one it is a $1000 dollar fine, they are ticketing here like crazy to keep people inside. Welcome to the new normal people. without a cure, and they have never even gotten close to curing the flu, we are going to be like this for a long long time. I am sure it will relax some, but with so many people out of work and totally broke there is no reason to open your business again, better to play the bankruptcy game. If you are out of work the local law is they cannot kick you out of the marina, that rule ends in June at the moment but I think they will extend it. I know many people who are not paying slip fee's or other bills. We got extensions on almost all our bills, car payment has been extended 90 days moving today bills to the back end of the loan, along with credit cards and some other things like internet fee's. The flu sucks, but the economy is in real trouble. Thankfully here in the USA we can print money all day long so the Gov is giving away money. In the long run though people are in trouble, there are no jobs, there is very little work to do and even less people doing it. Our workers in some industries are striking for more money. Places like convenience stores are down to one or two employees and have limited hours. You never know what is open until you pull into the parking lot. I don't blame them, the news has made everyone scared to death. I don't think I would keep a public facing job that pays $13 and hour right now. They are Striking for only $15 an hour, you cannot really live here unless your making $25, it is not a cheap place to live. It is a new future people, the low paying industries will either raise their wages or be without any employees soon. I don't think there is enough money to raise wages much in fast food and small stores so in truth we are about to see a lot of closures in California. Stay safe my friends. That’s sobering reading. |
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Post by NZL50505 on Apr 17, 2020 21:56:08 GMT
It looks like NZ might be heading towards a slight softening of our Level 4 lockdown to Level 3 - which is really more like 3.5. Or as done one put it, L3 is L4 with KFC (as in fast food drive through and deliveries will be permitted).
But all boating and sailing remains off the agenda until we get down to Level 2 - how ever many weeks that is.
Ate things softening elsewhere? It sounds like marina activity in Spain is resuming?
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Post by MalcolmP on Apr 18, 2020 6:32:04 GMT
Below is an email I had from the boatyard at Valencia Spain with the situation from 14th April. Doesn't say if the marina itself is allowing new arrivals or refueling.
The Varadero Valencia will maintain the COVID-19 prevention protocol and the indications that the Health Authorities mark at all times.
Regarding the activity, the following procedure will be followed, as long as there are no different institutional instructions that force us to take other measures.
1. Varadero Valencia remains open only to repair companies and authorized crew. No visits are allowed.
2. Stranded yachts that can finish their works can be launched to leave the facilities or remain moored at the shipyard.
3. Moored yachts that wish to leave the facilities may do so as long as they have authorization from the Administration if necessary.
4. Yachts will not be forced to leave the facilities even if the term of their reservation has ended.
5. The new entrances-hoisting of vessels may be suspended or postponed due to occupation or entry restrictions by the Administration. As soon as the entry of new vessels is possible, you will be reported individually.
6. The different departments of Varadero Valencia remain operational. Please do not access the offices unless it is strictly necessary. Use the e-mail info@varaderovalencia.com and phone +34 963 674 484 to carry out the procedures.
7. Workers and crew members must follow the advice given by the Health Department regarding distances, personal hygiene and procedures.
"We remind you of the need to maintain a minimum distance of 2m between people during work, in addition to the hygienic measures required by the Health Authorities.
In the event that there are new measures or restrictions in the coming days, we will proceed according to what the Competent Authority dictates."
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Post by MalcolmP on Apr 18, 2020 6:41:10 GMT
Although the Panama canal is closed to vessels below 65 feet length apparently Suez is still allowing transit of all yachts as well as refuelling. Kevin and Susie on their SO47 are anchored just south of Suez after impressive battle against both winds and locked down Sudan and Egypt over past few weeks. There are quite a few yachts in Red Sea all heading for the Med. Susie's inspirational blog is at: gbr195t.comSusie is also requesting information on marina's in the Med that might allow refuelling as they will be heading straight onwards to Gibraltar |
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Post by alex1949 on Apr 18, 2020 16:52:36 GMT
Hi Malcolm,
This is Alex49 from Israel. Do you want me check weather they can enter Ashkelon (marina south Israel) just for refueling ?
I can call and ask, this will be tne nearest marina after crossing the Suetz canal.
Regards
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Post by MalcolmP on Apr 18, 2020 17:27:51 GMT
Hi Malcolm, This is Alex49 from Israel. Do you want me check weather they can enter Ashkelon (marina south Israel) just for refueling ? I can call and ask, this will be tne nearest marina after crossing the Suetz canal. Regards Hi Alex Yes indeed, please check, maybe see if there is any possibility for some minor repairs and if they can get any supplies, but they don't need to go ashore and have been self isolating for many weeks anyway, the more options they have the better. Thanks Malcolm |
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Post by johannes on Apr 20, 2020 12:55:36 GMT
I have scheduled to put the boat in the water 2nd May. We have had no lockdown in Sweden, only voluntary social distancing and a ban of events with more than 50 people. So far it seems to do the trick, deaths are going down and the number of ICU patients is stable.
The border to Denmark is closed and no yachts are allowed to cross. So we will probably have to find other cruising waters this summer.
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Post by vasko on Apr 24, 2020 14:31:43 GMT
Latest information from northern Greece ( Porto Lagos /Tsukas boat yard) boats will be put back in the water from 25th May - of course it may change but this what my friends has been told today
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