Rutland Sailability sailors and windsurfers question Anglian Water decision to keep Rutland Water closed while other sailing centres are open

A sailing group with about 200 disabled members has expressed disappointment that Rutland Water is closed to activities.

Rutland Sailability gives children and adults with physical and learning disabilities an opportunity to sail either alone, or with another person.

Andrew St John from the group said: "Anglian Water keeping the site closed is an irritation at the very least.

"We are a charity and owe it to the people who support us to maintain the 30 boats they have helped to fund, but up until this week we've not even been able to get near them.

"We're not stupid; we know about social distancing. We are allowed out for exercise and if our exercise happens to be polishing the bottom of a boat or putting in some rivets then we should be allowed to do that.

"Anglian Water's excuses have been poor at best, with them saying 'if we go do it, everyone will want to do it'. That argument doesn't work. "

Andrew, a retired doctor, added: "All the evidence seems to be that activities in the fresh air with social distancing are safe and you're more likely to be run over by a rabid camel in Leicester high street than catch coronavirus while out sailing."

Fellow Rutland Sailability member Bryan Hollier said: "It’s very disappointing. We have recently been given National Lottery Community Fund money to buy a new boat but cannot spend it, and while we remain in touch with members by e-mail and WhatsApp, it’s difficult for some of the children who would normally come to us every Saturday to understand why they suddenly can’t do this."

“We all realise that Anglian Water has to stick to government guidelines and maybe in a week or two they may relax these, but if we don’t get back on the water until September, then because we only sail in the summer, our season ends in mid-October.”

Rutland Sailability is the most popular of all the UK Sailability groups. A Sailability regatta was due to be held at the beginning of August but this has been cancelled.

Those also feeling the effects of Rutland Water remaining closed are people who windsurf on the reservoir.

Tony Anders from Stainfield, near Bourne, said he is struggling to see why Rutland Water cannot be opened for people to enjoy a sport that is by nature socially distant.

“In these difficult times, if anyone can do something to get life back to normal, they should be doing it because this could go on for years," he said.

Tony, 71, added that windsurfers and sailors could socially isolate easily and even someone got into difficulty, they could be towed back by someone on duty from Rutland Sailing Club without the need to break the two-metre rule and certainly not involving anyone from Anglian Water.

An Anglian Water spokesman said protecting health and safety was their priority, including their own staff who act as 'lifeguards'.

"We're still working on our plans to open as quickly as possible, but we need to make sure we have new procedures in place."

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