Summer Sailstice Promises Not to Cancel 2020 Event
The only mystery surrounding the 20th annual Summer Sailstice celebration is how people will celebrate sailing on the weekend of June 20, 2020. The mission of Summer Sailstice, which is to unite sailors worldwide in a global celebration of sailing, appears in sharp conflict with the social distancing we’re all practicing.
What to do this year? Nobody knows. Circumstances on June 20 are uncertain. But Summer Sailstice will still somehow connect sailors at the start of summer. The event website is filling up with celebrations across the planet, even though the best anyone can do is post intentions. Come ‘game day’, sailors will have to adjust sails and plans as the situation evolves.
Instead of a raft-up, how about a solo sail? Or a family sail, or a carefully-spaced parade of sail? Or a regatta without the usual post-race party (bummer)? Could we be on the world’s largest sailor Zoom call or watching sailing videos at home? Ideally, everyone will be sailing, but Summer Sailstice is ready to celebrate however the world allows on June 20, 2020.
On the upside, with fossil-fueled vehicles temporarily shut down, the air has cleared, silence has returned, and birds, animals and sea life are making their presence known, while the stars are more brilliant at night. It’s as if the whole world has a moment to experience the beauty of sailing right now.
It’s impossible to know the future, but hasn’t that always been true? Take a gamble by setting a goal to celebrate on the water under sail on June 20. Things will improve, and summer sailing will make life better.
Pandemic warning: Everyone’s first priority is the health of all first responders, family, neighbors and planet. Sign up and plan to participate, but adjust plans according to the best health guidelines and requests from officials at the time.
Sail Safe. Sail Often.