First I would like to thank our customers whom we have had to cancel charters for being so understanding and sticking with us.
The information we have is limited and constantly changing. Currently the Illinois Governors order states that recreational boating is allowed but no more then 2 people in a boat. There is nothing saying when the 2 people per boat will be lifted. If I had to guess and its only a guess the next order will open it up some so in June. Many other states are limited to 10 people per boat.
Aside from the rule of how many per boat I do not know where we will fall as far as a business that can operate. Certainly not a essential business. I will (as I always have) operate our business within the rules of the law.
Chicago has their own set of guidance for reopening the lake front and harbors. It is very possible Chicago Harbors will not open at all this year or if they do open not allow charters to operate so we maybe running Charters out of our Waukegan location as they are in a better position to be more flexible in their policies but I am hopeful this is not the case.
When I do open back up for charters our customers safety is our #1 concern. I am considering several things like masks, gloves, and ways of reasonably sanitizing our boat and gear. We typically have always washed down our boat and bleached the bathroom but clearly we will have to go a bit beyond that. I are working closely with other charters and national chartering associations to come up with the best way to move forward as far as prep for our boats with safety in mind.
I am changing our cancellation policy. For the 2020 season we will offer refunds on deposits for any reason without time limits. Just call and ask and I will happily refund or reschedule you.
I am lucky that I am in a good place financially to weather the storm so even if this goes on for a while we will still be here and ready to go as soon as we are allowed to do so. My heart goes out to those that are so badly effected by this virus and wish everyone the best. America is filled with some of the strongest people in the world and this like so many other terrible events in the past will only make us stronger.
If you have Any questions please feel free to call.
Thank you everyone and stay safe,
Captain Brian