Marine firms come to the aid of frontline workers
Marine companies across the UK have responded to the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topsham-based EXE Sails & Covers has collaborated with staff at North Sails’ Gosport loft to make scrubs for NHS hospital staff in Exeter and the wider south west. North Sails’ equipment was used to cut the pattern before the scrubs were sewn together by volunteers and staff at EXE, which also provided the material. EXE has also been using 3D printers to make visors for frontline workers.
Marine safety equipment manufacturer and supplier Ocean Signal has been using their 3D printer, usually used for research and development work, to make medical visors for GP surgeries and hospitals in Kent, Surrey and Gloucester.
Crusader Sails, based in Poole, has utilised its expertise to design, produce and fit protective screen bulkheads to patient transport vehicles and non-emergency ambulances. The temporary removable screen separates the drivers from patients and other staff and has been fitted to vehicles across southern England. Other UK firms have also adapted to meet changing demand. Yacht brokers Ancasta has held a 10-day virtual boat show, following the cancellation and postponement of so many spring events. It has been so successful, with 360° virtual tours of boats, that a Virtual Used Boat Show will be held on 21-25 May.
Meanwhile in Europe, many boatyards have begun production again, although on a limited capacity to comply with social distancing.
As YM went to press (1 May) Dufour and Fountaine Pajot had resumed production in La Rochelle with 20% of staff back in work, with plans to ‘gradually scale up’ production as government guidelines allowed.
Other yards have continued work throughout the pandemic, with Hallberg-rassy in Sweden operating as normal. Hanse Yachts has also continued production.
The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) has raised concerns about disadvantaged young people after voyages were cancelled.
ASTO chairman James Stevens said sail training provided a ‘vital opportunity to experience an activity which has proven wellbeing benefits, but there are going to be problems in providing this for the people who need it most this year.’ ASTO is also assisting members who have been ‘hit hard financially’ with grants.
The closure of marinas during lockdown has prevented owners from carrying out essential maintenance, which can’t be done by marina staff. Some insurance policies also require owners to visit their yachts regularly.
The RYA has written to the Government for guidance, believing that visiting marinas and spending time working on a boat that is moored or ashore ‘can be readily achieved’. Like other UK marinas Premier Marinas has remained open for essential commercial activity but closed to leisure visitors. A spokesman said it was ‘acutely aware’ some berth holders needed to undertake ‘essential checks’ to their boats and where a visit is justified, staff would allow access. Patrols and boat checks had also been increased.
The worldwide pandemic has also disrupted plans for tens of thousands of cruisers. Thom D’arcy has been ‘stuck’ at Falmouth Harbour in Antigua for months, but is hoping to cross the Atlantic aboard his Vancouver 28 shortly. He said he plans to stop in the Azores for diesel, food and water before continuing to the Isle of Wight.
‘There are five of us waiting to cross the Atlantic. It has been fairly sociable with the group getting together for sun downers and beers in our dinghies, so we abide by social distancing,’ he told YM.