We are, of course, delighted that the Covid restrictions in Wales have been relaxed and that the Swansea Community Boat team can welcome us back aboard ‘Copper Jack’. We must remember that the virus still hasn’t gone away, and it’s important that we do whatever we can to keep ourselves and everyone else as safe as possible.

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We ran a couple of test sailings in the summer of 2021 which were very successful. These involved reduced numbers and increased ventilation, and everyone reported that they felt very safe taking part. Precautions we still believe to be important are:

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• Social distancing. Room, room, make room. Packing 30+ people into the cabin of ‘Copper Jack’ is probably not a good idea. We will be limiting sailings to 25 (plus Andrew & Carole) for the time being. This does unfortunately mean that the price per head will have to rise to cover the cost of chartering the boat.

• Ventilation. Share the air, share the care. ‘Copper Jack’ is a sort of halfway house between indoors and out. We will maximise the ventilation as far as the weather allows. Please bear this in mind when deciding what to wear!

• Track & trace. We know where you live. ‘Copper Folk’ is not like an open event, we ask you to book your places in advance. All the more important that we have your up-to-date contact details so that we can inform you if the worst happens.

• Vaccinate, don’t vacillate. We’re working on the assumption that you’ve all taken up the opportunity to get fully vaccinated – Andrew & Carole both have. We’re aware that some people can’t have the vaccine for medical reasons, so it’s not compulsory, but please take care.

• Sanitize. Wash, wipe, don’t worry. There will be sanitizing wipes around the boat – please use them, especially when using the facilities. No need to go crazy – ‘bat-shit’ is probably not a good expression at the moment – but do take extra care.