Sydney to Hobart 2020 Yacht Race Officially Canceled Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Sydney to Hobart 2020 has been officially canceled amid growing COVID-19 concerns.

The iconic event will not take place for the first time in 76 years following a recent spike in coronavirus cases on Sydney’s North Beaches.

On Friday, the Tasmanian government declared Greater Sydney a “medium risk” area, meaning that Sydney travelers would have to be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival in Tasmania.

Roughly 150 of the sailors scheduled to depart on Boxing Day live on Sydney’s North Beaches, meaning roughly a third of the fleet was affected by the decision.

As a result, Australia’s Cruising Yacht Club confirmed the bomb’s announcement Saturday night, admitting that it was unrealistic to continue the race.

“We deeply regret that the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announces that the 76th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will not take place in 2020,” CYCA said in a statement.

“The impact of COVID-19, which has disrupted sporting events around the world for much of the year, has added the Great Race to its list.

“Restrictions and advice are unlikely to disappear in the foreseeable future. As such, the immense logistics involved in the reorganization and execution of a major sporting event such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, as well as the planning and preparation required by crews, excludes the Club from postponing the race.

“The club had carefully considered alternative careers. However, in accordance with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s request that all NSW residents limit their travel and non-essential interactions with others, it was deemed that there were no other options that would allow for a COVID Safe replacement career. “

CYCA Commodore Noel Cornish said he was “bitterly disappointed” that the race had been canceled.

“We were so well prepared to run the race and we are only six days from the start,” Cornish said in a statement.

“On behalf of CYCA, I would like to express my gratitude to our competitors, members, volunteers, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, the governments of New South Wales and Tasmania, and other stakeholders for the close working relationships that we have developed over the years. all year round so that the race is a possibility. “

Speaking to NewsCorp, three-time winner Matt Allen agreed that the health of competitors and society in general should be the priority.

“This race is in our blood,” Allen said. “It’s a shame, a great shame, but we fully support the Tasmanian government’s decision and CYCA’s decision not to participate in the race.”

Earlier on Saturday, Tasmanian Prime Minister Peter Gutwein admitted that it was unlikely the iconic race could continue.

“These developments will be a great challenge for the organizers and whether that race can continue,” Gutwein said.

“Whether you come by yacht, plane or ship, you will be entering Tasmania according to the rules that apply at that particular time.”