Afloat reader Peter Mullan suggests how rules for boaters could be relaxed in any adjustment of COVID-19 regulations

The blunderbuss approach to the lockdown on exercise is necessary to keep us safe. The time will come when restrictions can be eased. Perhaps the sailing fraternity can give consideration to advise non-sailing policymakers about where and how we can see our boats again?

There is the world of difference between a man on or at his boat with his wife or child and a gang of strapping sailors extracting the last ounce of performance.

A day sailing under the paps of Jura in Scotland followed by a night at anchor or on a mooring is real 'social distancing'. An afternoon blast around Strangford Lough followed by pints in a crowded yacht club bar is not. An afternoon sailing alone on a weekday or rowing alone on a river in Cork or Waterford is social distancing.

We will have to continue social distancing for quite a while.

Credit us as a people with having some wit and give us some wiggle room to stay sane. In every boatyard or sailing club or marina, people need to maintain their craft and their sanity. Keep the rules on the size of gathering. Ease the rules on being housebound, when it is safe to do so.

Guys, let’s have a plan. Racing is written off for the immediate future, being with one's boat helps to see us through this season.