If we are going by boat (private or charter) this summer, this is what it will look like

We do not know exactly when we will be able to return to the boat for the summer. Ahead of the end of the lockdown, scheduled for early May let’s try to get an idea of what this phase might look like, point by point.

Yesterday meanwhile, after a meeting of Confindustria Nautica with the press, we also learned about a hypothetical protocol of behaviors and good rules to be followed in order to decrease the risks of contagion in the boating world as much as possible, sent by the association to the government.

Now let’s look at how, presumably, our cruises will be virus-proof, in case you are the owner or have chartered a boat.

CASE 1. CRUISING WITH YOUR BOAT

Remote planning. Let’s take it broad, starting with the organization of the cruise. For a while we will have to forget about the dinners at home among friends where the itinerary to be followed took shape, or the meetings at the docks: welcome virtual meetings with WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Duo and all the “chatting” platforms.

Cambusa

Online and plentiful galley. Since it is discouraged at best to frequent crowded spaces or those with a risk of crowding, component your galley by taking advantage of the many online shopping and “contactless” delivery services. Arrange to have the food delivered to your home the day before or the same day as boarding-you will bring it on board after sanitizing what you deem with disinfectant products. In case of a multi-day cruise, provisions (including water) should be well thought out and plentiful. Don’t take seaside restaurants and appetizers for granted! But it will be fun, just adapt.

Arrival at the Marina or Circle.

Unless you keep your boat in unguarded state-owned spaces, marinas and clubs, which have ways of regulating member entry, will provide safe boarding. That is, their staff will make sure of the health status of you and the crew by arranging to check the certificate attesting to your health status issued by the National Health System (whether it can be accessed via App or a paper copy to keep with you), then act in such a way that there are no gatherings at the dock.

However, if you do not keep the boat in a controlled facility, common sense applies: if you see that there are other people on the dock, wait your turn. You might also consider hearing from your boat neighbors by phone so that you are not side by side at the same time. An average boat is 4 meters wide, but in times of social distancing it is best to take every precaution.

“Clean” crew. If you navigate as a family, no problem. If you have decided to face surfing with your friends and acquaintances, you will need to check in advance, presumably through Apps such as the much-discussed “Immunes,” that no one has come in contact with people affected by Covid-19.

Almost ready.

Okay, here we go, you may board (we assume you have all been wearing masks up to this point): if no one has boarded the boat before you (marina staff, people you have delegated pre-departure checks to) a sanitization of the boat will be necessary. You can have it contracted from an outside company or have a small ozone sanitizer do the job in an hour or so. Once on board, you are safe. It will be like being at home! Once you let go of your moorings, you can also take off your masks and fully enjoy the sea air.

• How to virus-proof your boat (even DIY)

Navigation.

And that’s the beauty of it. The boat, at sea, is the safest place in the world, speaking of risk of contagion. Nothing will change from pre-Covid times. Clear sailing, no limits. But with a conscience: remember that breakdowns and ‘pirates’ , in addition to endangering the safety of you, the crew and the boat, may force you to call for rescue. And as help arrives, the risk of contagion will also increase. Only one recommendation: if you stop at the roadstead and want to swim, bottom at a reasonable distance from other boats!

The pleasure of the roadstead.

We take it for granted that cruising in the days of Covid-19 is about “spending most nights at anchorage”-just for that, you will need to have equipped your boat to the best of your ability. Perhaps a double anchor to deal with any critical conditions, a grippiale to ward off the risk of stranding, and a good app with which to monitor any movement of the boat at anchor. And, since you will need power for utilities, consider installing solar panels, hydro generators and wind turbines.

The return to land.

If you need to stop at a port or are returning to your berth from your cruise, you should first notify the marina, port, or facility staff well in advance so that they can arrange the berth while avoiding crowds. Think in summer, when the ports are busy. And maybe you find yourself mooring in a tight squeezed place between two boats packed with people, much to the chagrin of social distancing. By warning in advance, this will not happen.

Mooring.

Okay, you are coming to the berth. Wear masks. Unless you are sure that you will moor without anyone’s help, put on sailing gloves, preferably with silicone gloves underneath or those for washing dishes. You will thus be protected from dirt and scratches but most importantly from the risk of infection. Keep in mind that the marina staff will throw lines at you! Cruise over!

CASE 2. ON A CHARTER CRUISE

Should you have decided to rent a boat for the summer, all the above rules apply.

Sanitation.

Make sure, however, that the charter company performs a professional sanitization of the boat prior to your use and that there is no contact with previous and subsequent clients. Use common sense: don’t get on board if someone is still on the boat (perhaps staff finishing cleaning).

Getting to know the boat and the skipper.

If you hire the boat with a skipper, make sure the skipper has not come in contact with people who have contracted Covid. If you have chartered without a skipper, there is usually a briefing with the charter manager before boarding where he explains everything you need to know about the boat, where the equipment, batteries, etc. are located. It is most likely that this will be done remotely, with a video call or video, to avoid contact.

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