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Yacht Race Cancellations Amid Pandemic Surge

Jack Frost

On December 18, Encinal Yacht Club’s rear commodore, Brent Draney, sent the following message to racers in EYC’s Jack Frost midwinter series: “We have been deliberating on the ability to hold the January 2 Jack Frost races under the current county health guidelines as well as the competitors’ ability to race under the restrictions.” Encinal is located in the county (and city) of Alameda. “We are also looking at the accelerating infection rates and dwindling hospital beds. Needless to say, the situation is not good, and it will take some time to change the trajectory that we are on. We also appreciate the need for certainty so that you can appropriately plan for crew just after the holidays.

“Encinal Yacht Club has decided to postpone the January 2 race day for three weeks and will hold the next Jack Frost on January 23. The intent is to then resume the original schedule on February 6, 2021. It is our hope that the extra three weeks gives sufficient time for current health orders to make a meaningful impact and that both shorthanded and crewed racing will be able to resume.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make adjustments, and Encinal wishes you all a safe holiday season.”

Resolution Regatta

We went to Corinthian YC’s website to sign up for their New Year’s Day Resolution Regatta, which we thought would be an excellent way to start the year. But the club had posted this message: “It appears that the recent lockdown order does not permit gatherings from more than one household, or sports activities with shared equipment. This appears to rule out competitive racing, and there appears to be little chance that the regulations will ease before the regatta date. Regrettably, we are cancelling the January 1 regatta. We hold out strong hope for our classic Midwinter regatta, and hope you will consider entering that race if you have not already done so.” They are refunding the entry fees to skippers who’ve already registered.

Start of Corinthian Midwinters
So far, the very popular Corinthian Midwinters are still on for January 16-17.
© 2020 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Chris

As far as we know, other races scheduled in the Bay Area in early January are still on. If you know of other cancellations or postponements, please let us know.

Rolex Sydney Hobart

While the two cancellations above impact the most Bay Area sailors, they’re small potatoes compared to the news out of Australia. On Saturday, we received the following press release:

“It is with great regret that the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announces that the 76th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will not be proceeding in 2020. The impact of COVID-19 that has disrupted sporting events around the globe for so much of the year has added the Great Race to its list.”

“We were so well prepared to run the race, and we’re only six days from the start,” said CYCA’s commodore, Noel Cornish. “This is the first time in 76 years that the race will not be conducted.”

“Following the announcement by the Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, this afternoon, it is now impracticable for the CYCA to conduct the race under prevailing COVID-19 restrictions,” continued the press release. “Yesterday, the Northern Beaches local government area of Sydney had been classified a ‘High Risk’ zone which would prevent any residents from travelling to Tasmania. This afternoon, Greater Sydney was defined as ‘Medium Risk’ whereby people entering Tasmania from Sydney are required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival. As this restriction would apply to all competitors, families, race management and staff, it is unrealistic to proceed further with planning for the race.”

The Rolex Sydney Hobart starts from Sydney, in New South Wales, on Boxing Day every year. Vast numbers of spectator boats surround the starting line, and TV coverage is excellent. The destination port, Hobart, lies 628 miles distant on the island state of Tasmania. In 2019, 157 yachts competed, including some very high-profile and high-budget 100-footers. The fleet took three to five days to complete the course.

Sydney Hobart start
The start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart is fun to watch, even from the States.
© 2020 Studio Borlenghi / Rolex

CYCA is still offering a free Virtual Regatta in which anyone can participate. “The Official Game of the Great Race is forging on. Take on the 628-mile journey from the comfort of your own home.”

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