Following the incredibly sad news of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, the RYA’s thoughts and condolences are with The Princess Royal, RYA President, and the entire Royal Family.
We understand that RYA clubs, classes and recognised training centres may have practical questions on what the period of National Mourning will mean for your activities.
Guidance for the public and businesses
Guidance for the public and businesses has now been issued by the Cabinet Office. It covers, among other matters, the half-masting of flags and how observing mourning can affect the continuation of events and sporting fixtures.
Mourning is very personal and it is anticipated that individuals, families, communities and organisations may want to mark the passing of Her Majesty in their own way.
There is no expectation on the public or organisations to observe specific behaviours during the mourning period and there is no formal obligation for organisations or national governing bodies (NGBs) to postpone or cancel sporting fixtures or events at either elite or grassroots level between now and the State Funeral.
Instead, it is up to the discretion of individual organisations and sports to consider how they should proceed during the mourning period.
Guidance for RYA clubs, classes and centres
You may already have plans in place and we recognise that it is the decision of each club or class association to establish the appropriateness of continuing scheduled activity. By way of support, we advise that in making these decisions, careful consideration is taken as to the requirement of running an event at this time, including if a postponement would adversely impact participants or the ability to plan future activity.
Should activity continue through the period of mourning, we recommend that social events are minimised, as a sign of respect, including prize-giving activities which could be scheduled for a later date.
RYA clubs, classes and recognised training centres should be mindful of the tone, presentation and content of any promotional activity or communications planned at this time.
Photo credit: HRH QEII Sailing 1949 – Astern © Illustrated London News Ltd Mary Evans