All sailing club practices affected by Covid19
The Crozon Morgat Nautical Center is an important structure within the Breton sailing clubs. It employs 19 full time equivalents for a turnover of 1,6 Meuros. Active in all areas of sailing clubs, it is impacted in several ways. " For us, it's a bit of a triple whammy. We are at the same time an establishment receiving the public with our accommodation center, an event organizer with sports competitions and we also do school sailing "regrets Olivier Latin, director of the nautical center.
Postpone sailing competitions
It was supposed to be the flagship event of the dinghy sport calendar of the Crozon Morgat Nautical Center in 2020. The 420 World Championship scheduled from July 3 to 11 had to be cancelled. " We are working on a proposal for a postponement to 2021 or 2022. These decisions are complicated to manage because they are international. It is a significant loss of earnings, with 3 years of work ahead of time and employees already hired who had to be laid off "explains Olivier Latin.
School sailing and sea classes cancelled
The Finisterian structure also works largely with children's groups outside the summer. " Sea classes, holiday centers and events represent 50% of the turnover. The cancellation of the school sailing that was to start on March 14 is also a blow. "(Editor's note: The interview was conducted before the Breton clubs called on the local authorities to entrust the structures with part of the workload of students not taken care of in class).
On the individual training side, the club is in a holding pattern. " In February, we had never had so many reservations for the summer, with 25,000euros in figures. The year was looking very good. We didn't have any cancellations. People are waiting to know more "says Olivier Latin.
Preparing for the future
While waiting to see more clearly in the short term, the director of the nautical center is positive. " We have a solid foundation. 2019 has been the club's best year ever, which makes it possible to hold on, even though the cash flow is melting away like snow in the sun. As I told the teams, we're going to have to be inventively resilient and think medium-term about all the club's products. "
