Dec 12, 2020 05:39 EST

At this time, recreational boating continues to be allowed by the SD County during the Regional Stay Home Order. The following information is a deeper dive into our status and evidences that CRA is not conducting this regatta in contradiction to any state or county law: The SD County Chief Resilience Officer and County COVID-19 Reopening Lead, whom all this goes through, gave us this direction: Para 2A states: “All gatherings with members of other households are prohibited in the Region except as expressly permitted herein.” Outdoor recreational facilities are “expressly permitted herein”--g. To promote and protect the physical and mental well-being of people in California, outdoor recreation facilities may continue to operate. Those facilities may not sell food or drink for on-site consumption. Overnight stays at campgrounds are not permitted. Our position is that recreational boating “promotes and protects the physical and mental well-being of people in California...” (from Regional Order). The activity is outdoors. We have a vetted and proven protocol to conduct the activity safely. Acknowledge the need for clear guidance if there is a change in guidance... The following excerpt is taken from the SD County's COVID Safe Reopening page, which has been updated with the latest information from the state: "Recreational boating on the ocean, bays and lakes is allowed under state guidance for outdoor recreation and the local Safe Opening Protocol for Recreational Boating." Please see the link: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/reopening.html The State is supposed to be developing a "supplemental" order/guidance document designed to clarify the mounting gaps in the Regional Stay At Home Order. While we may see recreational boating and charter boats shut down in the future, the County is currently viewing those activities under the umbrella of promoting and protecting the physical and mental well-being of people in California. If we did not already have our Safe Opening Protocol for Recreational Boating in place that is unique to this activity, we would likely not be able to keep racing. But the county considers we do. Thank you and stay safe. Mask up! Colleen Cooke CRA Race Committee Chair ...