The month of August opens on a sour note for the sailing buffs. Three glorious sailing events have been called off. Many sailing events and regattas have been affected by COVID-19 and the travel restrictions associated with it, and it looks like July disappointments have spilled over to August as well.
2020 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship
In an announcement addressing the teams, the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association President Megan A. Ratliff confirmed that the event, which was slated for 15-18 October had been cancelled. These events typically attract many travellers, which could pose a health risk to the people, especially the elders. Hence, there are tight regulations in place regarding the size of events to reduce the health risk.
“We continue to be optimistic and pray that the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves,” Ratliff states in the announcement.
“Please know that your board is working hard, exploring options for a safe return to conducting our Class championships. I am confident that we will be on the same starting line soon. In the meantime, stay healthy and safe.”
2020 Formula Kite Worlds
The Italian resort island of Sardinia was prepping to play host to two major events — the Formula Kite Individual competitions and Mixed Team Relay Worlds. The reason, once again, is the travel restrictions in different parts of the world, which allows only European contestants to participate in the race. So, though there were no regulations imposed on the International Kiteboarding Association, the organizers decided to call off the event in the best interest of all participants.
The Mixed Team Relay World was the first event planned in Olympic format. The event was scheduled for 13-18 October in Torregrande. The Formula Kite Individual Competitions were slated for 6-11 October. The event was first planned in Weifang Binhai but was later shifted to Cagliari.
The next edition regatta will be held in 2021. Weifang Binhai would host the Formula Kite Individual Competitions in September 2021, while the Mixed Team Relay World will happen in Torregrande, in October 2021.
2020 RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup
Founded in 2002, with a vision to expose the junior sailors in Bermuda to international sailing regatta experience, the RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup plays a vital role in nurturing long-lasting associations with international sailors and Bermudians. the RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup is organized for teenage girls and boys aged between 12 and 15. The organisers think that it would be too much of risk to bring teenagers to Bermuda amid the pandemic.
“At the end of the day the risks involved did not match the reward as the full experience of the Junior Gold Cup would not be realized in 2020,” organiser of the RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup Dede Cooper said.
“It was a difficult decision and one that makes me sad as this is such a wonderful event for the youth sailors. As always, we are grateful to RenaissanceRe for their continuing support and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Bermuda sometime in 2021 for the 18th RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup.”
2021 RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup dates are yet to be announced.
